Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems - World's Leading Network Hardware Products
Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco operates in one industry segment and creates hardware and software solutions that link computer networks so that people have easy access to information without regard to differences in time, place or type of computer system.
Networking is a multi-billion dollar global market whose growth is spurred by the belief that the Internet is changing the way we work, live, play, and learn. Over the last year, there has been a key shift in the role of the Internet and in how the Internet is perceived. What was once a fairly complex tool used by an elite group of highly technical individuals is now a technology driving economic change globally by creating new jobs and market opportunities.
The Company markets its products through its direct sales force, single and two-tier distributors, value-added resellers, service providers and system integrators. This multiple-channel approach allows customers to select the channel that addresses their specific needs and provides the Company with broad coverage of worldwide markets.
Customers benefit from Cisco networking solutions through more efficient exchange of information, which in turn leads to cost savings, process efficiencies, and closer relationships with customers, prospects, business partners, suppliers, and employees. Cisco solutions are the networking foundation for companies, universities, utilities, and government agencies worldwide.
The Company was founded in late 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University seeking an easier way to connect different types of computer systems. Cisco Systems shipped its first product in 1986. Since then, Cisco has grown into a multinational corporation with over 10,000 employees in more than 200 offices in 54 countries. Cisco's products encompass the broadest range of networking solutions available from any single supplier. These solutions include routers, LAN and WAN switches, dial and other access solutions, SNA-LAN integration solutions, Web site management tools, Internet appliances, and network management software. The thread that ties these products together is the Cisco IOSJ software platform, which delivers network services and enables networked applications. Cisco's offerings also include industry-leading customer services for network design, implementation, maintenance, and support.
Cisco is unique in its ability to provide all these elements, either by itself or together with partners. Cisco serves customers in three target markets
� Enterprises - Large organization with complex networking needs, usually spanning multiple locations and types of computer systems. Enterprise customers include corporations, government agencies, utilities and educational institutions. � Service Providers - Companies that provide information services including telecommunication carriers, Internet Service Providers, cable companies, and wireless communication providers. � Small/Medium Business - Companies with a need for data networks of their own, as well as connection to the Internet and/or to business partners.
Cisco sells its products in 90 countries through a direct sales force, distributors, value-added resellers and system integrators. Cisco has headquarters in San Jose, CA. It also has major operations in Research...

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