SYDNEY -- 23 February 2000 -- Australian telecommunications company, Davnet, has become the newest member of the Cisco Powered Network program, joining a select group of the world's top-tier communications companies.

The accreditation signifies that Davnet is a provider of reliable, secure, high-performance Internet services and network solutions. Using its Cisco Powered and accredited infrastructure, Davnet offers businesses and consumers a wide range of Internet services and network applications, including web hosting, dial and dedicated Internet access, as well as point-to-point connection (PPC).

Mr Stephen Moignard, Davnet's CEO and managing director, said the Cisco alliance means that Cisco is now Davnet's primary technology provider.

"We have one of the most advanced communications networks in Australia and, by aligning with Cisco, can deliver more intelligent and broadband Internet protocol (IP) services such as enhanced connectivity and data voice and video integration," he said.

Kurt Hansen, General Manager Telecommunications and Service Provider Line of Business, Cisco Systems Australia and New Zealand, said the Cisco Powered Network accreditation would reinforce Davnet's outstanding service credentials. "Davnet's customers can be confident they will receive superior network interoperability and performance, as well as access to the most advanced and differentiated services which will give them a competitive edge."

The requirements for Cisco Powered Network accreditation are demanding and include a high-performance, robust and secure network based on Cisco's leading-edge networking solutions. In addition, partners must maintain industry-leading levels of service quality and customer satisfaction. Cisco Powered Network partners are authorised to use Cisco's brand equity and marketing resources to promote their network services.

About Davnet

Davnet, a leading telecommunications carrier, provides a completely digital telecommunications network infrastructure that is 100% packet switched. The Davnet network provides tenants of high rise CBD buildings with voice, data, video and internet access through the ONE digital connection. Davnet provides high bandwidth, high performance, low cost, end-to-end secure telecommunications services for global communications.

Davvnet subsidiaries, Davtel and Magna Data are backed by NTT, the world's largest telecommunications provider. More information is available at http://www.davnet.com.au.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at http://www.cisco.com.

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