NEW DELHI, India -- 24 October 2001 -- Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today launched Career Connection, an online career platform for the networking industry. Career Connection will bring educational institutions and students associated with the Cisco Networking Academy Program together with private and public organizations looking for Internet and networking talent together in an online community.

With over 30,000 students enrolled in 750 Networking Academies across the Asia Pacific, Career Connection will generate tremendous synergies and accelerate further the development of Internet and networking professionals.

Two hundred and fifty companies are already participating in Career Connection and will soon be able to advertise jobs – from short-term project work to permanent contracts. Networking academy students likewise will be able to post their resumes online.

"The aim is to connect our academic community – students and graduates – with government and industry and provide a common platform for them to connect regionally. While the academic community will be able to cross-fertilize and share best practices across the region, the industry will be able to source professionals for their specific requirements. The initiative has received tremendous response from the industry with over 250 companies from across the region already registered," said Sandy Walsh, Education Programs Manager, Asia Pacific, Cisco Systems.

"Career Connection presents India with a unique opportunity to position itself in the networking arena as well leverage its talented manpower base to address regional demand," said Lokesh Mehra, Education Manager, Cisco India and SAARC. "For example, exhibition organizers who require help to set up Internet access for their shows can avail themselves of the tremendous pool of talent among our networking academy students," he said.

The Cisco Networking Academy program was first launched in Asia Pacific in 1998 and the program has received tremendous support from governments, educational institutions and corporations around the region. In India there are currently 640 students enrolled in 54 academies.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.

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