TORONTO, ON - August 15, 2000 - Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced availability of the Cisco Professional Services Partner (PSP) Program. Designed to capitalize on the joint strengths of Cisco and key delivery partners for service provider, enterprise and small/medium businesses, the Cisco Professional Services Partner program has initially qualified 2 Professional Services firms to provide customers in-depth services for network planning, design, implementation, operation and optimization; a third is in the process of completing the qualification procedure.

"The convergence of data, voice and video technology, the explosion of e-commerce and the growing demand for secure access and networking services are driving a rapidly changing and increasingly complex business environment. As a result, both large and small customers are forced to quickly deploy increasingly complex networking solutions and require escalating levels of specialized technology support," said Paul Sobering, Partner Development Manager, Global Enablement Services, Cisco Systems Canada. "Cisco's Professional Services Partner Program is designed to help customers of all sizes contend with those demands by bringing together Cisco's networking technology and business strengths with the experience and expertise of top notch professional services firms."

The Cisco Professional Services Partner Program, which is part of Cisco's New World Ecosystem Program tailored for professional services, qualifies and enables firms to deliver services for the planning, design, implementation, operation and optimization of complex end-to-end networks using both new and existing technologies.

Service delivery under the program include the rapid deployment of next-generation technologies such as virtual private networks, voice and data integration, mobile and fixed wireless, optical internetworking, Cisco IOS, DSL and open programmable switching. Firms in the program offer a variety of deployment services, network and system integration, program management, software development and integration and strategic consulting.

Two Canadian companies, GE Capital IT Solutions Inc. and Exocom Enabling Technologies Corp., have recently been qualified for the Cisco Professional Services Program. This assessment has been conducted through the PSP pilot program, which took place in June and July of this year. A third Canadian company, Steeves and Associates is currently undergoing the same qualification process.

The Cisco Professional Services Program uses stringent, predefined qualification and assessment criteria to enroll services firms. Under the program, all firms will be reviewed annually and will be rated on customer satisfaction. Once qualified, professional services firms will benefit from Cisco tools, training, knowledge transfer, co-marketing activities and special access to Cisco Web-based information, technical support and software.

"These high-calibre program criteria are designed to ensure the best possible service delivery for our customers. The services firms' competencies are put to the test through our audits and skill assessments and will be re-verified each year to ensure our customers continue to receive top notch service," said Paul Sobering, Partner Development Manager, Global Enablement Services, Cisco Systems Canada. "Our mutual customers will gain tailored solutions and will benefit by being able to quickly and successfully deploy new technologies or expand networks using existing technologies with the assurance of high quality and availability for mission-critical applications."

About Cisco Systems Canada Co.

Cisco Systems - with $18.8 billion (US) in revenues and over 30,000 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 $825 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:

• Willa Black
  Cisco Systems Canada Co.
  (416) 306-7732
  Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
  E-mail: wblack@cisco.com

• Lisa Daly
  Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
  (416) 961-5595 ext. 438
  Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
  E-mail: lisad@stratamp.com