Forward Networks has introduced a new agentic AI capability — branded Forward AI — that goes beyond basic conversational interfaces to plan and execute multi-step workflows for network operations rather than simply answering questions. Built on the company’s mathematically accurate network digital twin — a comprehensive virtual model of an enterprise’s real-world network — the agentic system is designed to help operations, security, and cloud teams understand and automate complex tasks across hybrid and multi-cloud environments with confidence.
Unlike earlier AI tools that simply translated natural-language queries into data searches, Forward AI dynamically constructs execution plans that draw on verified network behavior and trusted data sources. For example, when handed a service ticket, the agent can read the content, use the digital twin to gather context, perform path traces to troubleshoot connectivity, and return a diagnosis — all while displaying the workflow to human operators. This planning-and-action capability distinguishes it from simpler AI assist features by enabling end-to-end automation of analytical steps.
A key focus of the system is transparency and safety: recommendations are grounded in the digital twin’s mathematically verified model rather than in probabilistic guesses alone, and all underlying evidence and reasoning are accessible for human review before actions are taken. By surfacing traceable logic and context, Forward AI aims to reduce the risk of hallucinations or errors — a critical need in network operations where missteps can cause outages or security problems.
Forward Networks’ agentic AI supports multi-vendor environments and is designed to work across on-premises infrastructure and major cloud providers, leveraging the comprehensive digital twin to normalize disparate data and provide a unified operational view. Forward AI’s inclusion in the company’s broader enterprise platform underscores a broader industry shift toward trusted, autonomous workflows that increase efficiency, reduce manual toil, and empower teams with AI-driven insights that can be verified before execution.
