TORONTO, ON - March 30, 2000 - Norigen Communications Inc., a premier integrated communications provider (ICP), today announced they and Cisco Systems Canada Co. (NASDAQ: CSCO) are providing advanced end-to-end converging voice and data services and network management to Canadian customers. In addition, Norigen has been certified as a Cisco-Powered Network provider.
The Cisco-Powered Network relationship highlights Norigen's and Cisco's mutual focus on the New World convergence of voice and data. "Our goal is to bring the convergence of voice and data as close to the customer as possible," said Saied Nadjafi, chairman and CEO, Norigen Communications Inc. "Together, we are working to respond to the needs of small to medium sized customers by providing them with carrier-class integrated voice and data services. By joining Cisco's program, we can reassure our customers the Internet services and applications we offer lead the industry in reliability, performance and innovation."
With customer demands for bandwidth and integrated data/voice/video solutions evolving quickly, Norigen deploys Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-ready capabilities directly to office buildings across the country. Under the Cisco-Powered Network program, the two companies can offer carrier-class Internet services and applications based on Cisco's 6700 series of integrated access equipment, eliminating the need to run service through a local exchange carrier and decreasing the potential of delays and "last-mile" delivery problems.
"We're pleased to announce our new relationship with Norigen Communications," said Yves Laliberté, director, service provider line of business, Cisco Systems Canada. "Fewer than one percent of service providers around the world are members of the Cisco-Powered Network Program. Norigen's relationship with Cisco will provide small-to medium- sized businesses across Canada with confidence their service provider will deliver the highest levels of network interoperability and performance."
Norigen's participation in the program - including use of the Cisco-Powered Network logo to brand its services and marketing support materials - is designed to demonstrate its ability to provide innovative services, increase customer confidence and heighten Norigen's brand recognition.
About Norigen
Norigen Communications Inc. is privately held Canadian integrated telecommunications provider, offering a complete portfolio of services specialized for the small and medium business community. Headquartered in Toronto, Norigen is offering service immediately in selected buildings throughout Toronto, with plans to rollout One sourceTM in Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver by early 2000. For more information, visit the Norigen web-site at www.norigen.com
About Cisco Systems Canada Co.
Cisco Systems - with $12 billion (US) in revenues and over 19,000 employees - is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Established in 1990, Cisco Systems Canada employs over 500 Canadians and is headquartered in Toronto, with field sales and service offices across the country. In addition, Cisco also has a state-of-the-art development centre in Kanata, ON - focusing on the development of optical internetworking solutions to build the next generation of the Internet backbone.
The Internet is changing the way people work, live, learn and play - and Cisco Systems Canada is a primary agent of this change and a compelling example of the power of this revolution. By widely deploying business solutions based on the Internet, Cisco Systems saves over $500 million (US) per year in operating costs, has grown revenues by 100% in two years and has increased customer satisfaction at the same time. Cisco produces networking solutions for enterprise organizations, service providers and small/emerging businesses.
For additional information:
- Gillian Hewitt
Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
(416) 961-5595 ext. 428
Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
E-mail: ghewitt@cisco.com
Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S., Canada and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
