CALGARY, AB - February 1, 2001 - Cisco Systems has joined with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to establish the first endowed chair at a post-secondary technical institute in Canada. The Cisco Chair in Network Engineering Technology will help establish SAIT as a Canadian leader in network engineering and ensure it can attract expertise to meet the growing challenges of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

"SAIT has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Cisco Systems," says SAIT President and CEO, Irene Lewis. "This endowed chair is another step in SAIT's on-going commitment to forging strong relationships with industry leaders. With this type of innovation, SAIT is establishing itself as a national leader in ICT programming and will help build a knowledge capital that is world class," she said.

"The technology industry worldwide has recognized the huge need for a skilled IT workforce, and we are delighted to expand our relationship with SAIT, a leader in ICT education", says Pierre-Paul Allard, Managing Director, Cisco Systems Canada Co. "Cisco Systems is impressed by the Alberta government's unique ICT vision and strategy, and our endowment of this Chair at SAIT is one of the steps Cisco is taking to help realize the benefits of that strategy."

"As a SAIT student, I benefit from high quality faculty and equipment," says SAIT Network Engineering student, Katrina Ho. "With well-known companies like Cisco supporting SAIT, my education becomes more valuable, which gives me an advantage when I start my career."

The Cisco Chair in Network Engineering Technology was made possible through an endowment of more than $2 million by Cisco Systems to SAIT. The person who will be recruited to fill this Chair will be an innovator; a world-leader in the ICT sector and networking field, recognized nationally and internationally for his or her publications, history and talent.

The Chair will continue to link Cisco Systems with an institution that is a recognized leader in technology development and training in the ICT industry. Mutually beneficial relationships with other industry leaders will facilitate the establishment of a world-class facility at SAIT, dedicated to developing new technology and delivering top-notch graduates to meet the growing needs of industry.

"Cisco's investment in an endowed chair at SAIT will provide an additional boost for innovation in Alberta," says Dr. Lorne Taylor, Minister of Innovation and Science. "Alberta's positive business environment and world-class ICT sector make this the right place for this initiative. Our government will continue to support SAIT in its efforts to create a world-class centre of excellence in Network Engineering."

"The Cisco Chair will help meet the training and educational requirements in Alberta's growing ICT sector," says the Minister of Learning, Dr. Lyle Oberg. "I congratulate SAIT and Cisco for the unique relationship they have created which will establish SAIT as Canada's leader in Network Engineering programs and courses."

This Chair ensures that SAIT will become the provider of choice for learners wishing to advance their career in Network Engineering Technology.

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.

About the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), located in Calgary, Alberta, is one of Canada's foremost post-secondary institutions, serving more than 67,000 learners during the 1999-2000 year. To accommodate further growth, SAIT has embarked upon "Expansion Project 2001", a $166 million investment in new buildings and restorations, curriculum development, electronic infrastructure and equipment, and renovations. SAIT's vision is sharply focused - by 2010 we will be recognized nationally as Canada's premier technical institute, among a handful of the world's finest, setting the standard for excellence in education, training and innovation.

Contacts:

• SAIT:
  http://www.sait.ab.ca
  Blain Fairbairn
  Marketing and Communications
  Phone: (403) 284-7333
  Fax: (403) 284-8884
  Cell: (403) 512-3291
  Email: blain.fairbairn@sait.ab.ca

• Cisco Systems Canada Co.:
  http://www.cisco.com/ca
  Sheridan McVean or Jill Thomas
  Hill and Knowlton Canada
  Phone: (403) 299-9380
  Fax: (403) 299-9389
  Email:smcvean@hillandknowlton.ca