Corporate Overview

Corporate Overview

Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Today, networks are an essential part of business, education, government and home communications, and Cisco's Internet Protocol-based (IP) networking solutions are the foundation of these networks. Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 47,000 employees worldwide, this tradition of innovation continues with industry-leading products and solutions in the company's core development areas of routing and switching, as well as in advanced technologies such as:

• IP Communications
• Network Security
• Wireless LAN 
• Storage Area Networking
• Home Networking 
• Video Systems
• Application Networking Services 

Cisco has been at the heart of many historic changes in technology, and that continues to be true today. Now, at a time when the technology industry is going through a period of dramatic change, Cisco is the market leader in multiple areas, such as routing and switching, unified communications, wireless and security. The company helped catalyze the industry's move toward IP and, now that it is fully underway, the company is at the center of fundamental changes in the way the world communicates.

The network is the platform

The emergence of the network as a platform is changing the entire value chain of technology and placing the network squarely at the center of innovation: as many as 14 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2010. The explosion of devices will be fueled by more and more services and tasks being handled online, from phone calls to personalized searches to downloading videos, games and other forms of entertainment. The role of the network is evolving beyond that of infrastructure. It is emerging as a secure platform for delivering the customized and personalized experience that 21st century users expect - whether that means delivering new services as a carrier, boosting productivity for businesses of any size or consumers looking for real-time, personalized entertainment and services. As an increasingly intelligent network evolves into a platform, users will be able to communicate from any device and in whatever mode they choose. Cisco is leading the transition to a network-centric technology environment. By combining its core strength (IP) with intelligence, the company is creating a powerful communications platform that will serve as the basis for the convergence of data, voice, video and mobile communications in a secure, integrated architecture.

Linksys takes Cisco into the home

Cisco has extended its networking technology expertise in the enterprise and service provider markets into the high-growth consumer networking market with the addition of its Linksys Division in June 2003. Linksys has the most extensive product line in home networking, with more than 70 products including wireless routers and access points for simultaneous sharing of broadband Internet connections, wireless network adapters and wireless print servers as well as traditional wired products such as Ethernet routers and cable modems, unmanaged switches and hubs, print servers and network attached storage for easy sharing of digital music, photo and video media files. With Cisco's networking expertise and Linksys' user-friendly features, consumer and small medium business (SMB) users will be able to build high quality networks designed for the home or small office environment. A home network enables families to better utilize their broadband Internet connections by offering the ability to share Internet access using either wired or wireless connections.

In February 2006, Cisco completed the acquisition of Scientific Atlanta of Lawrenceville, Ga., a leading global provider of set-top boxes, end-to-end video distribution networks and video systems integration. The acquisition allows Cisco to offer a world class, end-to-end data, voice, video, and mobility solution for carrier networks and the digital home. With the addition of Scientific Atlanta technologies, Cisco's IP Next Generation Network architecture offers providers an open platform for service differentiation, allowing them to move beyond digital video/IPTV to develop and deliver a variety of integrated media services in the connected home.

Social & philanthropic initiatives

Cisco's culture was founded on the principles of open communication, empowerment, trust, integrity, and giving back to the community, and these same values thrive at Cisco today. The company focuses on three areas of corporate philanthropy: providing basic human needs, access to education, and responsible citizenship.

21st Century Schools Education Initiative
After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf States in 2005, Cisco responded by pledging $40 million to reconstruct and improve schools in the Gulf States region through the 21st Century Schools Initiative. The program started with the Mississippi Education Initiative in October 2005 and the Louisiana Education Initiative in March 2006. Cisco also encouraged employees to take paid sabbaticals to move to the region and apply their expertise to help improve the schools. By partnering with local schools, government and non-profit organizations, Cisco plans to use technology to create state-of-the-art schools that provide teachers and students with the best technological resources. Improved educational opportunities will lead to stronger and more vibrant communities.