SAN JOSE, Calif. -- September 16, 1999 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. today praised the White House and key federal agencies for crafting an enlightened encryption policy for U.S. companies wanting to sell secure Internet technologies overseas. Under this new policy, high-tech companies will be able to provide their international customers with same types of secure Internet-based products as U.S. customers for the first time, opening up closed technology markets worldwide.

"Today's announcement should boost the U.S. economy and generate new jobs by allowing U.S. companies to fully compete internationally and participate in the Internet Economy," said Judy Estrin, CTO for Cisco Systems. "We believe this represents an important shift in Administration policy, and will positively address most of the outstanding issues in pending encryption legislation."

"The Internet Economy is reshaping the future of individuals, companies and countries. This policy will allow individuals to securely conduct business transactions over the Internet. Similarly, it allows U.S.-based businesses to connect their Internet-based networks to international suppliers and partners to better serve customers worldwide," Estrin added.

The Administration's policy also works hard to keep private information private in an open Internet environment and also demonstrates how government and industry can work together to open markets while protecting sensitive U.S. technology. With a enlightened U.S. policy now in place, Cisco will continue to work with its industry and government partners to foster the development of similar encryption policies abroad.