Companies Embark on Joint Technology Development to Speed Flow of Critical Information on Networks
SAN JOSE and PLEASANTON, Calif. -- August 3, 1998 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. and PeopleSoft, Inc. have forged an alliance to speed the flow of critical PeopleSoft business information on Cisco networks.
As the use of corporate and public networks expand, and network traffic begins to resemble congested freeways, Cisco and PeopleSoft are developing new services and software to clear paths for the information equivalent of "carpools lanes," for things like customer orders, payroll processing and financial reports.
"The Internet will literally change the fortunes of people, companies and countries, driving jobs and economic growth and creating an emerging Internet economy," said John Chambers, president and chief executive officer of Cisco Systems. "PeopleSoft applications manage information that is vital to the top commercial, government and educational institutions around the world. Our goal is to ensure that business-critical information gets priority over other forms of network traffic."
"PeopleSoft and Cisco have pooled our resources to shape the future of the enterprise," said Dave Duffield, chairman and chief executive officer of PeopleSoft, Inc. "We share a common vision of working together to synchronize enterprise application software and the networking infrastructure to ensure that our mutual customers attain critical business objectives."
The alliance further strengthens ties between the two industry leaders. Both companies have distinguished themselves as relentlessly focused on providing flexible solutions to customers.
Areas of Collaboration
The companies are spearheading an effort to make PeopleSoft applications more "network-aware" to improve business-critical functionality on the network. The companies are initially collaborating in three core areas: product integration, technology development and customer support.Product Integration
Cisco is a key provider of networking solutions for PeopleSoft's Alliance Solution Center. At the Alliance Solution Center, PeopleSoft and its partners will create testbeds and conduct extensive analyses of customers' enterprise solution needs, providing a single source for critical technology, sizing and benchmark information, as well as strategic guidance on the role of emerging technologies in the enterprise. Cisco and PeopleSoft are currently engaged in both enterprise modeling and customer integration efforts to help customers optimize their networks.Technology Development
PeopleSoft will integrate its applications with Cisco's upcoming CiscoAssure Policy Networking product. With CiscoAssure's integration into PeopleSoft applications, a network using Cisco IOS. software will be able to recognize a PeopleSoft application and assign it the level of priority it deserves.Customer Support
Cisco and PeopleSoft have cross-trained PeopleSoft and Cisco customer service representatives on networking hardware and PeopleSoft applications, and are creating a technical certification program for PeopleSoft implementation partners. Both Cisco and PeopleSoft support centers can field first-level customer support calls regarding each company's products and will receive continuous training through a rotation program between the two companies' sites. Cisco will create curriculum for and teach classes on networking technology at PeopleSoft University, PeopleSoft's continuing education center for customers, sales representatives and implementation partners. In addition, Cisco and PeopleSoft will jointly cross-train their sales teams, collaborate on sales initiatives and visit customers jointly.About PeopleSoft
PeopleSoft, Inc. (NASDAQ: PSFT) was established in 1987 to provide innovative software solutions that meet the changing business demands of enterprises worldwide. A client/server applications pioneer and a market leader, PeopleSoft develops, markets and supports a complete suite of enterprise solutions for accounting, materials management, distribution, manufacturing, supply chain planning and human resources. In addition, PeopleSoft provides industry-specific enterprise solutions to customers to select markets including communications, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, retailing, the public sector, services, transportation, utilities and the U.S. federal government.With approximately 2,400 customers around the world, the company has been recognized for both its award-winning customer service and its remarkable growth. PeopleSoft was listed by Fortune Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in America in 1994, 1995, 1996 and, again, in 1997. PeopleSoft product and service information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.peoplesoft.com, and recent press releases and financial information are available via fax-on-demand at 1-800-296-0937.
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. athttp://www.cisco.com.For more information visit Cisco PR Contacts
Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the United States and certain other countries.
PeopleSoft is a registered trademark of PeopleSoft, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
