SAN JOSE, Calif., January 29, 2002 - Setting the bar even higher for modular Ethernet access, Cisco Systems recently announced the Catalyst 4006 Supervisor Engine III which brings next generation capabilities to the Catalyst 4000 Switching Platform. This latest innovation offers enhanced control over voice video and data networks with predictable performance, sophisticated QoS, advanced security and comprehensive management. We sat down with Mike Volpi, Senior Vice President of Cisco's Internet Switching and Services Group, to discuss in detail the advantages of the Supervisor Engine III and how Cisco's new product further solidifies the Company's reputation as the industry leader in enabling convergence. Outlined below are highlights from that conversation.

1. What is the Catalyst 4006 Supervisor Engine III?
The Catalyst 4006 Supervisor Engine III is the control module that defines and drives all operational capabilities of the Catalyst 4000 platform. The Catalyst 4000 platform is a key component of Cisco's Architecture for Voice Video and Integrated Data (AVVID), a family of scalable modular switches that extend network control from the backbone to the network edge.

2. How does it work?
The Supervisor Engine III works by integrating multi-layer switching capabilities to deliver control in the form of intelligent network services. Among these services are sophisticated Quality of Service, non-blocking Layer 2/3/4 performance, advanced security and comprehensive management -- each of which is required to realize the business benefits associated with running a converged network.

3. What makes the Supervisor Engine III different from its competitors?
The Supervisor Engine III offers Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF), which optimizes the ability to perform all Layer3/4 switching through hardware. Most competitors offer a "flow' based architecture which performs first packet lookup through software -- leading to potential performance bottlenecks. Supervisor III also benefits from the industry proven, feature rich Cisco IOS that ensures quality, stability and interoperability with other Cisco platforms. With the introduction of the Supervisor Engine III, Cisco now surpasses the capabilities of competitors with a proven, converged voice, video and data platform. .

4. Tell me about the Edge to Core capabilities of the card.
As enhancements evolve, the Catalyst 4000 is able to move deeper into a network hierarchy. Delivering on the promise of true network convergence for video, voice, and data traffic on a single IP network, the Catalyst 4000 offers even more control for shaping, sharing policing and rate limiting traffic without performance degradation, even with advanced features enabled.

5. What financial returns can users anticipate from investing in the Supervisor Engine III?
As convergence lowers a network's overall cost of ownership and simplifies administration and maintenance through the elimination of separate voice, video and data infrastructures, it makes sense for companies to seek these qualities in the network infrastructure itself. The modular architecture of the Catalyst 4000 provides the scalability and flexibility to eliminate the need for multi-platform deployments, minimizing maintenance expenses. Now with the enhanced control and performance of the Supervisor Engine III, the Catalyst 4000 is well positioned to provide business agility and a competitive advantage to all corporations implementing converged network infrastructures.

6. Is it true that the Supervisor Engine III is backwards compatible?
Yes. The Supervisor Engine III is backwards compatible with all previously installed switching line cards available since the introduction of the Catalyst 4000 platform in January, 1999.

7. How does this new product put Cisco at a competitive advantage?
There are a number of ways the Supervisor Engine III puts Cisco at a competitive advantage. Cisco is leading the way with the applications and infrastructure required to help companies migrate to a converged network. We have increased the simplicity and reliability of infrastructure elements so that companies can reduce network management costs. In addition, the modular architecture of the Catalyst 4000 provides the scalability and flexibility to eliminate the need for multi-platform deployments, further minimizing maintenance expenses. Finally, we have eased network complexity and management, making it easier for companies to deploy new applications to help employees elevate personal productivity.

8. What does the introduction of the Supervisor Engine III mean for businesses trying to compete within the current economic landscape?
A converged network provides an opportunity for an organization to gain competitive advantage through increased productivity, organizational flexibility and reduced operation costs. The integration of voice, video and data onto a single IP-based network, however, requires an infrastructure that can differentiate each traffic type and handle it according to its unique requirements. Cisco's new Supervisor Engine III provides these capabilities through intelligent network services that give customers greater control over their converged network. Now, companies are able to more effectively manage the performance of the network and quickly introduce new applications and services that can elevate employee productivity and further reduce costs.

9. Are your customers already seeing results?
Absolutely. Carnival Cruise Lines is a great example of how customers are benefiting from the Supervisor Engine III. This company moved to a converged IP network to fully maximize the value of their network infrastructure. As with all converged IP-based networks, Carnival needed a switching infrastructure that could differentiate traffic types and handle each according to its own unique requirements with comprehensive management and security. The Supervisor Engine III gave them an integrated package with the Layer 3 security and Layer 4 quality of service capabilities that make it easier to manage point-to-point voice and data traffic and quickly introduce new network-wide services and applications in a controlled manner. The result? Improved Return on Investment.