F5 Networks has unveiled its new Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP) at the F5 AppWorld 2025 event held at the Fontainebleau resort and casino, Las Vegas. This innovative platform is engineered to respond to the heightened complexity and security demands of modern applications, particularly in the wake of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
François Locoh-Donou, the president and CEO of F5, emphasized the urgency of this development, saying, "AI is accelerating innovation, but also intensifying the high costs, crushing complexity, and escaping cyber risks..." This platform aims to provide organizations with the tools needed to secure and deliver applications effectively across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Application Delivery Controllers (ADCs) have evolved significantly over the years, changing from hardware appliances to software solutions and now to virtualized services suitable for cloud applications. This transformation aligns with the demands of today's computing environments, which are increasingly complex and distributed. "The rise of AI and modern applications demands a fundamental rethinking of application security and delivery..." stated Kunal Anand, F5's chief innovation officer. The ADC 3.0, introduced by F5, converges high-performance load balancing with advanced application and API security capabilities.
At the conference, Locoh-Donou discussed ADC 3.0's functions, highlighting its integration of multi-cloud networking, web application security, and AI gateway features. This new generation of ADCs is crafted for modern applications facing demanding data workloads and heightened security threats.
F5's transformation is not merely technical but foundational. Evidence of this change can be found within its technology portfolio, which has been significantly restructured to meet the needs of organizations grappling with AI-driven traffic and security patterns. According to Anand, "F5 has transformed our technology portfolio to meet these challenges..." This claim is supported by research indicating up to 96% of organizations are deploying AI models, with forecasts predicting nearly 80% of all applications will be AI-enabled within three years.
Industry experts, such as Zeus Kerravala of ZK Research, recognize the pressing need for ADCs to evolve alongside the changing application landscapes. Kerravala noted, "The need for...robust load balancing and application delivery techniques combined with...robust security features..." is becoming increasingly relevant.
F5's Application Delivery and Security Platform combines functionalities typically offered by separate solutions, streamlining management and enhancing efficiency. With its API-driven architecture, it offers consistent policies across various applications, which can be deployed across different environments, be they on-premises, public cloud, or containerized systems. This flexibility makes it adaptable to contemporary enterprise requirements.
The company has partnered with several leading firms to bolster its AI capabilities and cloud services. Collaborations with Nvidia, Intel, and NetApp are strategic movements aimed at enhancing F5's offerings. Locoh-Donou mentioned the importance of these partnerships, indicating they facilitate the creation of comprehensive solutions for enterprises.
F5's commitment to addressing the intricacies of modern application landscapes presents exciting prospects for enterprises. The ADC 3.0 not only offers modern organizations the ability to manage complex traffic patterns effectively but also equips them with necessary security measures. Locoh-Donou reflected the outlook of the company by emphasizing, "F5 stands alone in its ability to address the challenges of hybrid multi-cloud architectures. The F5 Application Delivery and Security Platform...enables organizations to overcome complexity and maximize the potential of AI."
Through the lens of innovation and partnerships, F5 presents itself as a pivotal player ready to tackle the challenges posed by the new era of applications driven by AI. This platform positions F5 not just as a security provider but as an integral component of the future direction for application delivery and security across diverse operational landscapes.