Feature Story

Cisco's fiscal year 2006 was characterized by the acquisition of Scientific Atlanta, a leading global provider of set-top boxes and video networks, and the introduction of three new advanced technologies. Cisco added Video Systems, Hosted Small Business Systems and Application Networking Services to its advanced technology portfolio, in addition to a new emerging technology, the IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS), a communication system designed to easily integrate disparate push-to-talk radio systems together with other communication resources like voice, video and data devices. Other key highlights from fiscal year 2006 include the launch of Cisco's Unified Communications system and increased customer adoption of Cisco's Carrier Routing System (CRS-1).

Following are significant highlights from the fiscal year:

• Cisco acquired six companies, most notably Scientific Atlanta, a leading global provider of set-top boxes, end-to-end video distribution networks and video systems integration. Other acquisitions included Nemo Systems, SyPixx, Audium, Metreos and Meetinghouse.
• Three additional advanced technologies were added to the company's portfolio in fiscal year 2006 - With the acquisition of Scientific Atlanta, Cisco introduced Video Systems as a new advanced technology. Hosted Small Business Systems (Hosted SBS), including Linksys One, a complete communications solution for small businesses, and Application Networking Services, demonstrating the growing customer demand for improved interaction of applications with enterprise networks. Cisco also introduced a new emerging technology, the Cisco Internet Protocol Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS), designed to integrate disparate push-to-talk radio systems together with other communication resources like voice, video and data devices.
• In IP Communications, Cisco launched the Cisco Unified Communications system, a new suite of voice, data and video products and applications specifically designed to help organizations of all sizes communicate more effectively. Notable customer wins include State Street Corporation, Deutsche Bank and Subway, where Cisco partnered with Calence and Ipcelerate to deploy the Cisco Unified Communications system at a franchisee of 26 restaurants in Tucson, Ariz. Cisco also made interoperability announcements with IBM's Lotus Sametime and the Microsoft Office Live Communications Server.
• In the wireless space, Cisco unveiled an intelligent wireless "mesh" solution to enable municipalities to provide high-speed wireless network and Internet connectivity services. Cisco also announced collaboration with Intel, Nokia, Research In Motion (RIM) and other technology leaders to drive enterprise adoption of voice-ready wireless networks.
• In LAN switching, Cisco announced new and enhanced software features across several Services Modules available for the Catalyst 6500 Series switches. In addition, DaimlerChrysler, Europe's first Catalyst 6500 customer, helped Cisco reach $20 billion in sales since its introduction. Working closely with HP, Cisco also introduced a new Catalyst Blade Switch 3020 for HP BladeSystem c-Class.
• In the consumer/home networking market, Linksys announced a new line of SIP-based telephony products targeting large residential, SOHO and very small business customers called the Linksys Voice Systems (LVS). Linksys also announced a line of Wireless-N products that will be built to the 802.11n Draft Specification and a relationship with Yahoo! to work together to develop ways to enhance the customers' Yahoo! Music and wireless home networking experience. The integration of Yahoo! Music with the Linksys Wireless-G Music Bridge (WMB54G) is the first product resulting from this relationship. The company also teamed with Skype to launch a new cordless handset to drive Internet phone calling enabling users to making free Skype calls while sitting at home or at the office and launched a new line of Gigabit and Fast Ethernet switches for small businesses.
• In the security space, Cisco announced a definitive agreement to purchase components of Cybertrust's security intelligence information service, known as Intellishield Alert Manager. Cisco also enhanced its product portfolio with the Cisco Security Management Suite, a new integrated set of security management applications, advancements to its Network Admission Control (NAC) framework, and two new models in its Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security appliance family.
• In storage networking, Cisco announced the availability of the Cisco MDS 9020 Fabric Switch, a 20-port 4 gigabit per second Fibre Channel SAN switch designed as a cost-effective solution to deploy high performance small and medium size SANs. Cisco also announced a key partnership with Network Appliance, a leader in advanced networked storage solutions.
• Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company, announced the introduction of its newest line of set-top boxes, designed to provide cable operators with increased power, flexibility and with advanced security solutions. The company also announced its latest advancements with switched digital video (SDV).
• In Internet routing, Cisco announced innovations at the network edge, spanning layers of IP NGN architecture, and a new wideband solution. Pep Boys also installed Cisco's 500,000th Cisco integrated services router, marking a major milestone for the company.
• In the Service Provider segment, Cisco announced that the CRS-1, the core platform for the Cisco IP NGN architecture, has been adopted by more than 60 providers in the first two years since its introduction - a 300 percent annual growth in its customer base. New CRS-1 customers include Comcast, Shanghai Telecom, China Telecom, Telstra and SaskTel. Additionally, existing customer relationships continued to evolve with new contracts from BT Group, Cox Communications, Deutsche Telekom among others. Cisco also introduced the Cisco ME 6524 and the Cisco ONS 15310-MA along with a number of feature enhancements to its Carrier Ethernet technology portfolio.
• In the commercial market, Cisco introduced the Cisco Business Communications Solution, specifically designed for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and mid-market companies, and featuring purpose-built voice and switching products, plus support, services and financing.
• Cisco's Worldwide Channels organization announced the evolution of its award-winning channel partner program to align with changing customer requirements and market growth opportunities.

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To read the announcements for the technology innovations and customer wins visit News@Cisco's news release archive.