SAN JOSE, Calif.- June 23, 1997 - Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced two new software toolsthat dramatically simplify the installation, setup and configuration of Cisco routers, CiscoFast Step(TM) and Cisco ConfigMaker. In addition, new Cisco ISDN Support Services furthersimplify the process for customers in provisioning ISDN digital telephone lines.
Cisco Fast Step software is designed specifically for small office/home office (SOHO) end-usersseeking reliable communications equipment and software that is easy to install and use. Minimalknowledge of networking is required to use Fast Step. Cisco ConfigMaker is designed forresellers and network administrators of small to medium-sized businesses who are proficient inLAN fundamentals and basic network design.
"We are very pleased by usability tests that show our nontechnical end users how easyinstalling, setting up and configuring their Cisco SOHO routers can be," said Bruce Laird,director of marketing for the Remote Internetworking Business Unit at Cisco Systems, Inc. "WithCisco Fast Step and Cisco ConfigMaker, any business professional or reseller can take advantageof the latest communications technologies knowing that they can be easily installed, configuredand monitored."
Cisco Fast Step
Cisco Fast Step software is an easy-to-use Microsoft Windows 95 or NT 4.0 based tool thatsimplifies the setup and monitoring of Cisco routers for small and home offices. Cisco FastStep will initially be integrated with the Cisco 700 series of SOHO routers. The software leadsthe end user step-by-step through setup and configuration using Windows Wizards-based pages.Configuring a Cisco 700 series router is now as simple as answering a series of questions.
The Cisco 700 series now ships with a match-the-colors cabling system and enhanceddocumentation to further simplify the installation and setup of the router. Cisco Fast Stepsoftware enables users with minimal technical experience to install, configure and connect aCisco 700 series router to the Internet in less than 30 minutes. Once setup is completed, FastStep's monitor facility provides instant router status and ISDN connection information.
Cisco ConfigMaker
Cisco ConfigMaker is a Windows 95 or NT 4.0 based software tool designed to configure Cisco1000, 1600, 2500 and 3600 series routers and access servers from a single PC. ConfigMaker, auser-friendly alternative to the existing Cisco command line interface (CLI), guides resellersand network administrators with no CLI experience through the installation and configuration ofa single router or network of routers.
ConfigMaker makes configuring a High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC), Frame Relay or ISDNwide-area network connection between routers or the Internet as easy as drawing a networkdiagram. The tool guides users step-by-step through network design and addressing tasks andautomatically delivers configuration files to individual routers on the network. ConfigMakerprovides a graphical view of the entire network and lets the user build network diagrams usingstandard copy/paste, drag/drop and online editing functions. ConfigMaker enables the user tomonitor router and network configuration status at a glance with simple color codes. Greensignifies that the router configuration file has been delivered successfully.
Cisco ISDN Support Services
Cisco's ISDN Support Services are offered at no cost to users of Cisco's ISDN-capable products.Available initially in the U.S., the services provide customers with a single point of contactfor assistance with ordering and setting up ISDN digital phone lines for use with Ciscoequipment. Cisco support representatives work closely with customers and local serviceproviders to make the transition to ISDN simple and easy.
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet. athttp://www.cisco.com.
Cisco IOS is a trademark, and Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo areregistered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All othertrademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
