SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – May 6, 2013 – Cisco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saint Petersburg government to further strengthen a strategic partnership to develop and implement information and communication technologies in the city. The agreement was signed by the governor of Saint Petersburg, Georgy Poltavchenko; the managing director of Cisco Systems International B.V., Ulrika Elisabeth Carlsson; and the director of Cisco Capital®, Sven Jirgal.

The MoU enhances Cisco's commitment to actively contribute to the continuing development of the Russian innovation ecosystem. Specifically, Cisco and the municipal government of Saint Petersburg will work together to develop and deliver a plan to foster the city's economy, support local health care and education, and implement electronic government programs.

Cisco's cooperation with the government of Saint Petersburg will focus on the following major areas:

•    Formation of a working group to analyze Cisco's experience in helping create digital economies and make recommendations regarding the implementation of IT and services in such areas as e-government, education, and health care;

•    Modernization of the city's IT and telecommunications infrastructure, and implementation of flagship technologies;

•    Social development, including safety life activities; developing the IT Park of Saint Petersburg, and promoting the use of technology in secondary and higher education.

Cisco and the government of Saint Petersburg will consider financing these projects aimed at modernizing the city's ICT infrastructure. If agreed, financing will be provided by Cisco Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco, which specializes in financing Cisco® solutions worldwide.

Supporting Quotes

Georgy Poltavchenko, governor, Saint Petersburg:

"The city is very much interested in implementation of the agreement with Cisco, one of the three worldwide IT leaders. Modern development of an innovative economy is impossible without the development of information technologies. The MoU is the first step in our cooperation with Cisco in the interests of the city and its residents."

Paul Betsis, vice president, general manager, Cisco Russia/CIS:

"The aim of our cooperation with the government of Saint Petersburg is to transform the city into a digital society through building effective economic, business, social and state governance models, based on the IT infrastructure, as well as deliver education services and creating workplaces. We believe the Cisco network can be the platform to leverage economic and social development, thus improving the quality of life for Russian citizens."

Sven Jirgal, vice president, Cisco Capital Sales and Marketing:

"Cisco Capital is delighted to explore how the company's global financing expertise could be applied to create commercial solutions for the joint projects between Cisco and the government of Saint Petersburg."

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Supporting resources:

• Cisco
• Cisco Commits to Sustainable Development of Russian Technology Innovation Agenda Through $1B Multi-Year Investment

About Cisco Capital

Cisco Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco, specialising in providing financing solutions for Cisco's customers and channel partners worldwide. Cisco Capital tailors financing options for specific technologies, markets and geographies for Cisco based solutions in more than 145 countries.  For more information visit www.ciscocapital.com

About Cisco

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com. Cisco equipment in Russia is supplied through its authorized channel partners by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.

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