SAN JOSE, July 26, 2000 - Building on the vision to provide consumers anywhere, anytime Internet access in the home, Cisco Systems, Inc., today unveiled its Internet Home. Cisco's 1,700 square foot Internet Home showcases the benefits of a high-speed, always-on Internet connection that enables an array of consumer devices and appliances in the home. Cisco also today announced it is teaming with developer Playa Vista, to build Internet-equipped "smart homes" in a major new residential and commercial community development in West Los Angeles.
The Cisco Internet Home, developed in conjunction with leading consumer companies Digital Interiors, The Great Indoors, Hewlett-Packard Company, Sears, Roebuck and Co, and Whirlpool, demonstrates the power of the Internet in enhancing daily living for consumers, as well for the developers creating the homes and communities of the future. High-speed Internet connectivity throughout the home allows consumers to conveniently conduct everyday activities online such as shopping for groceries, listening to music or sending family photos to grandparents.
"The Internet Home drives home the message that always on, high speed Internet connections are available in today's home, whether it's an older home or brand-new development. It also demonstrates how an always on, high-speed Internet connection is as easy to use as turning on a light or a water faucet," said Mike Moone, group vice president and general manager, Cisco's Consumer Line of Business."We are pleased to be working with leading consumer companies and community developers to help make Internet Homes a reality for consumers."
In the Cisco Internet Home, the refrigerator knows when the door is left ajar and can notify the homeowner via a web pad device, enables a child to receive homework help from a parent at work or traveling, or control the lights, music and security system with the touch of a button. These conveniences are all possible with a high-speed Internet link such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and a Cisco Internet Home Gateway, which will be available next year.
Building Cisco Powered Communities
Cisco is working with Playa Vista, a major Southern California developer, and PaeTec, a member of the Cisco Powered Network, to provide the Internet and network infrastructure in a new community consisting of 13,000 residential units and 6 million square feet of commercial and retail space. Every home, office, kiosk and retail outlet in the Playa Vista community will be pre-wired for broadband, Internet access today, and to ensure forward compatibility as Internet capabilities evolve in the future.
"Incorporating anywhere, anytime access to the Internet has become an integral part of community planning and design," said Ken Agid, vice president of marketing for Playa Vista. "By teaming with Cisco, Playa Vista will provide high-speed, Internet connectivity in every building in our community, enabling our residents to enjoy the benefits of an 'Internet Lifestyle'."
Internet for Everyone
Whether remodeling a 30-year-old home, moving into a new housing development, or building a fully custom residence, a home can be outfitted with high-speed Internet access. Without adding any new wires, homes will be able to be upgraded for as little as $500 by adding a Cisco Internet Home Gateway and installing DSL service. Homes built or upgraded with standard structured wiring known as category 5, fiber or coax, high-speed connectivity are available for around $1,500 plus the Cisco Internet Home Gateway. Finally, for anywhere from $15,000-100,000, consumers can have a fully custom high-speed Internet Home solution that includes an automated home control system.
