John T. Chambers
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
"CEOs and government leaders worldwide clearly understand the productivity opportunities and the associated standard of living implications that Internet business solutions provide."
Productivity and the Internet
When people ask why I believe in the future of our company and our industry, the answer is not based on technology alone, but on what we hear from business and government leaders around the world. They clearly understand the productivity opportunities and the associated standard of living implications that Internet business solutions provide. In fact, they are now truly associating Cisco, and our solutions, with productivity. There are two reasons for this: first, because of how we use the network ourselves to gain productivity, and second, because we help our partners and customers utilize the network and its associated Internet business solutions to increase their own productivity.
Technology Innovation and the Internet
Now that technology has enabled the automation of manufacturing processes, business transactions, and other tasks, organizations are looking to increase productivity by focusing on the interactions between colleagues, partners, and customers. Productive interactions also help improve profitability and customer satisfaction, and they create new opportunities for corporate growth and success.
Increasing productivity and reducing transaction costs will continue to be a major source of IT activity and spending. But productivity is not just about reducing costs. And reducing costs doesn't always equal increased sales. I believe that a new focus on productivity is emerging based on adding value to the exchange of information. This next horizon for productivity is based on interactions across partner and customer organizations, within functions, between functional business units, and across partner and customer organizations.
Education, Standard of Living, and the Internet
I truly believe that the Internet and education are the two great equalizers in life, leveling the playing field for people, companies, and countries worldwide. By providing greater access to educational opportunities through the Internet, students are able to learn more. Workers have greater access to e-learning opportunities to enhance and increase their skills. And companies and schools can decrease costs by utilizing technology for greater productivity.
