February 7, 2001

What: Pierre-Paul Allard, Managing Director at Cisco Systems Canada Co. will deliver a keynote, "The Internet Revolution: Driving Change in New Economy Companies," this week at Internet World/IPSCON Canada 2001.

This session is a call to action for Canadian businesses. Despite the fact Canada has one of the world's most sophisticated communications networks of any country, and one of the most connected populations, Canadian businesses are falling behind. Using several demonstrations, this presentation will show the importance of transforming companies into Webified 'virtual enterprises' in order to increase productivity, lower costs and grow market share.

When: Wednesday February 7, 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Internet World/IPSCON Canada 2001, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, John Bassett Theatre

Who: Pierre-Paul Allard, Managing Director, Cisco Systems Canada Co.

As managing director, Mr. Allard is responsible for all of Cisco's sales, marketing, systems engineering and customer service operations in Canada. Since he assumed this position in March 1999, Allard has grown the Cisco into one of Canada's premier information technology companies. Today, Cisco Canada's annual sales exceed $1 billion (CDN) and the company employs more than 500 people in 14 offices across Canada.

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 300 employees across Canada dedicated to sales and service. In addition, Cisco has approximately 350 employees at their research and development site in Kanata, Ontario.

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

• Gareth Pettigrew
  Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
  416-961-5595 ext. 428
  E-mail: gareth@stratamp.com