SAN JOSE, Calif., October 26, 2000 - Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced the global launch of the Cisco 10000 Edge Service Router (Cisco 10000 ESR). The Cisco 10000 ESR addresses the ever-increasing demand for high density, service rich networks while ensuring performance. Through its advanced new Channelized STM1 functionality the Cisco 10000 ESR supports industry leading E1 leased line aggregation density. In addition, the company is also announcing the availability of a new OC12 ATM module to support customer ATM connectivity requirements worldwide.

The Cisco 10000 ESR is a carrier-class product for service providers deploying high-density T1 or E1 connections along with value added IP services. The highly scalable router is designed specifically to provide leased line aggregation at the edge of a service provider's core network. By delivering the industries highest E1 density in a compact, scalable footprint, the Cisco 10000 ESR enables service providers to lower operational costs. Through its advanced service support, enabled by Cisco's IOS. (Internetworking Operating System), service providers can offer customers value-added services such as virtual private networks, high security and traffic prioritization to generate revenue and differentiate leased line services.

"With the global launch of the Cisco10000 ESR, incorporating the Channelized STM1, Cisco offers service providers a solution allowing them to address the exponential growth in the number of Internet users and in the demand for services," said Francisco Fuentes, Senior Manager, IP Carrier Group, Cisco Systems EMEA. "This is another example of how Cisco maintains its leadership in the market by enabling our customers to expand their businesses globally, while protecting their existing infrastructure investments."