SAN JOSE, Calif. – March 18, 2011 - Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced that on March 17, 2011, its Board of Directors approved the initiation of quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders. This is the first cash dividend paid to shareholders in the company's history.

A quarterly dividend of $0.06 per common share will be paid on April 20, 2011, to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2011.  Future dividends will be subject to Board approval.

"As the role of the network expands across the IT sector, Cisco's leadership position in the markets we serve is strong, and the time is right for Cisco to pay our first-ever cash dividend," said Frank Calderoni, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Cisco.  "This dividend complements our leading position, and is an important part of our commitment to bring value to shareholders."