Riverbed unveils new AI-driven observability solutions

Riverbed has announced an expansion of its platform with new AI-powered observability solutions aimed at enhancing the capabilities of IT operations teams.

The expansion includes the introduction of Generative, Predictive, and Agentic AI, together with new data observability modules for unified communications, network packets, and devices connected via Intel Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi. According to Riverbed's CEO, Dave Donatelli, "Customers want to consolidate observability tools, deploy AI that delivers ROI, and feed their enterprise data repositories. That's exactly what Riverbed delivers—and our customers rewarded Riverbed with 102% observability bookings growth in Q1 2025. Our platform enables Riverbed to deliver rapid innovation, as showcased in today's broad slate of new announcements."

Riverbed's new AI capabilities, which include Riverbed IQ Assist, Predictive AI, and Agentic AI, are targeted at transitioning IT operations from reactive to predictive. Riverbed IQ Assist is designed to offer instant, context-rich insights for IT professionals by graphically identifying root causes and suggesting remediations, while Predictive AI aims to use real-time and historical data to predict and avert potential issues. Meanwhile, Agentic AI allows IT teams to incorporate intelligent automation into workflows.

Zeno Tadjine, ICT Support Officer at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, commented on the new capabilities, saying, "We're excited about Riverbed's continued investment in AIOps for observability, and new innovations and AI capabilities that are now available on the Riverbed Platform. We recently started using Riverbed's generative AI solution IQ Assist at the service desk level for troubleshooting, and it's a great tool to have. IQ Assist serves up insights and recommendations that enables us to resolve issues faster, optimise more workflows and automate AI remediations."

The introduction of new data collection modules is intended to eliminate visibility blind spots in IT infrastructure. This includes modules for Unified Communications performance analysis, advanced network diagnostics via a Packet Capture solution, and industry-first telemetry analytics for Intel connected ecosystems.

The Unified Communications module provides real-time analytics for platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, aiming to reduce the incidence of user experience issues. The NPM+ Packet Capture module offers advanced diagnostic capabilities in Zero Trust environments. Aternity for Intel Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi expands visibility to include peripherals attached via these technologies.

Enhancements have also been made to support cloud-native environments and virtual desktops, including the integration with platforms like Citrix and VMware, and improvements in Kubernetes deployment efficiency.

Riverbed's platform architecture is described as offering a unique value by providing consolidated observability across enterprise IT infrastructures. It is underpinned by the Riverbed Data Store and encompasses observability of applications, networks, and user experiences through Riverbed's Smart OTel technology to ensure targeted data output.

The announced solutions, with the exception of Agentic AI arriving in the second quarter of 2025 and NPM+ Packet Capture set for the third quarter, are available for immediate deployment by enterprise customers.