SAN JOSE, Calif. -- July 14, 1998 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced that it has taken a minority equity stake in Belle Systems of Holbaek, Denmark. Belle Systems develops billing software that enables Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecommunications companies to provide flexible payment options to businesses for high-speed Internet access.
"Cisco's investment in Belle Systems demonstrates our commitment to advance the adoption of voice-data integration in Europe through the development of new technologies," said James Richardson, president of Cisco's Europe, Middle East and Africa operations. "We are keen to work closely with our customers and innovative companies like Belle Systems to give ISPs the management and billing tools they need to be successful."
In January 1998, Cisco and Belle announced their collaboration to develop a multiple choice billing system for European ISPs that offer Internet access to enterprise customers. Instead of offering a single fixed rate to customers, ISPs will now have the option to bill customers according to their choice of dial, ISDN, leased line, cable and ADSL platforms.
The new billing system integrates Belle System's advanced billing software, Internet Management System (IMS), with Cisco's NetFlow software and Cisco's 6510 Series Service Selection Gateway. IMS allows network managers to consolidate information collected from multiple sources like the 6510 gateway and NetFlow software to offer ISPs menu-based service selection.
About Belle Systems
Belle Systems A/S is a leading Danish software producer specializing in advanced billing and management systems designed for larger Internet providers. Belle Systems has been providing solutions for the on-line market since 1984, and through a number of years has completed installations at a number of large European banks and telecommunications companies. Belle Systems management product is based on a platform provided by the leading hardware and database suppliers.Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. at http://www.cisco.com.NetFlow and Cisco's 6510 Series Service Selection Gateway are trademarks, and Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
