Forward Networks unveils AI twin for safer operations
Forward Networks has introduced Forward AI, a capability inside its Forward Enterprise platform that pairs agent-driven operations with a mathematically accurate network digital twin. The aim: give NetOps, SecOps, and cloud teams verifiable recommendations grounded in how the production network actually behaves-before changes hit live traffic.
As organizations modernize apps and spread workloads across clouds, complexity rises while headcount stays tight. Teams need automation, but they also need proof that every action is safe. Forward AI focuses on both.
What Forward AI is
Forward AI runs on top of Forward Enterprise's digital twin-an at-scale model that reflects real network behavior across devices, vendors, and clouds. Instead of guesses, it uses complete, domain-specific data to propose actions and explain why they're safe.
Each recommendation includes evidence and transparent reasoning that operators can inspect. The workflow keeps humans in control while reducing toil and uncertainty.
Why operations teams should care
- Validate change intent against a production-accurate model before rollout.
- Speed up diagnostics with data-backed answers instead of trial-and-error.
- Reduce risk from automated actions by keeping evidence and human approval in the loop.
- Work across multi-vendor networks and major clouds without fragmented tooling.
- Scale reliability and security work without scaling headcount.
How it works in practice
- Ingests configurations, policies, and state to build a mathematically accurate twin of the network.
- Operators (or agents) ask questions and propose actions.
- The twin verifies intent and outcomes against how the network behaves.
- Forward AI returns specific steps, evidence, and reasoning for review.
- Operators approve, execute, and retain auditable context for future reviews.
Operational pressure, addressed
Forward Networks points to a simple operational question: does the network behave as intended-by design, in production, and across changes? "When we founded Forward Networks, we started with a simple but strategic question: does the network actually behave as intended, by design, in production, and across changes," said David Erickson, CEO and Co-Founder, Forward Networks.
"Forward Enterprise is already trusted by organizations running some of the largest and most complex networks in the world," said Nikhil Handigol, Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer, Forward Networks. He added that Forward AI extends the firm's digital twin across operations where uncertainty and human error remain common.
Evidence, review, and human-in-the-loop
Forward AI's recommendations come with the data, path analysis, and reasoning behind them. Teams can validate outcomes, verify assumptions, and keep human judgment central to the process. This is about safer adoption of AI in network operations, not blind automation.
Third-party integrations via Model Context Protocol
Forward Networks will expose its verification and network data through the Model Context Protocol, enabling enterprise teams and developers to build agents grounded in accurate, current network information. For context on the protocol, see the overview from Anthropic's announcement here.
Addressing AI opacity concerns
Industry analysts have raised concerns about opaque AI recommendations in IT operations and security tools. "Because Forward Enterprise delivers comprehensive, domain-specific network data for heterogeneous environments, it is well positioned to take advantage of agentic capabilities," said Bob Laliberte, Principal Analyst For Networking And Observability, theCUBE Research. "Forward AI strengthens trust in AI by providing full transparency into how recommendations are generated. Exposing the reasoning behind AI-driven actions, keeps humans in the loop, builds confidence, and ultimately improves operational efficiency," said Laliberte.
Who's using Forward Enterprise
Forward Networks cites customers including Goldman Sachs, PayPal, S&P Global, IBM, Dell, and multiple government agencies. The platform operates across multi-vendor environments and major clouds such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Availability and company background
Forward AI will be included in Forward Enterprise, with general availability scheduled for April 2026. Forward Networks was founded in 2013, is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and was founded by four Stanford PhDs. Investors include MSD Partners, Goldman Sachs, Andreessen Horowitz, Threshold Ventures, Section 32, Omega Venture Partners, and A. Capital.
Next steps for operations leaders
- Identify 2-3 high-value use cases (e.g., pre-change verification, zero-trust path checks, incident path analysis).
- Define evidence requirements and approval gates to keep humans accountable for final decisions.
- Pilot with a limited scope and clear rollback plans; track MTTR, change failure rate, and ticket volume.
- Integrate with ITSM and SecOps workflows so findings and approvals live where your teams work.
- Plan enablement: set playbooks for common tasks and train teams to read and challenge AI reasoning.
Skill up your team (optional, fast-track)
If you're building practical AI skills for operations, explore role-focused learning paths such as the AI Learning Path for Systems Administrators, the AI Learning Path for Production Coordinators, and broader resources on AI for Operations.
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