MONTREAL, QC - January 30, 2002 - IP telephony gained significant momentum in Quebec's education sector in 2001, according to Cisco Systems - the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Over the past year, 11 institutions, colleges, universities and schools boards across Quebec have implemented the advanced technology that transports voice over a data network.

According to IDC Canada, a significant number of Canadian businesses and organizations will soon make the switch to IP telephony. "IP telephony has tremendously high interest among literally all Canadian business segments," said Dan McLean, director of outsourcing and IT utility services research at IDC Canada. "In fact, IDC research shows most Canadian companies are poised to make significant purchases in the next two years to transition from traditional PBX to next-generation IP/packetized solutions."

Quebec institutions that have implemented Cisco IP telephony solutions include: Les Affluents School Board, Laval School Board, Sir Wilfrid-Laurier School Board, Premieres Seigneuries School Board, College Lanaudiere, Montreal School Board, UQAM (Universite du Quebec a Montreal) and Commission Scolaire de la Riveraine. IP telephony at all of these institutions is enabled by the Cisco Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data (Cisco AVVID) - the intelligent enterprise network infrastructure for today's Internet business solutions.

"IP telephony and network convergence promises to be one of the decade's most influential technology trends and Quebec's education sector is leading Canada in the adoption of this cutting-edge technology," said Michel Houde, head of Cisco Systems' Quebec operations. "Educational institutions are attracted to the cost savings and simplified network administration that come with only having to maintain one converged network, as opposed to separate voice and data networks. However, our customers are also optimistic about the exciting range of productivity-enhancing, converged voice and data applications that IP telephony provides."

Les Affluents School Board underwent major reorganization and review of its information systems over the past two years and while implementing a new telecommunication fibre optic network, it opted for IP telephony. "The success of this operation on a technical level, combined with the economic benefits, have such great impact that many school boards in Quebec are choosing this technology," explains Bernard Lemonnier, director of information technology services at Les Affluents.

Nokl Giroux, director of computer resources at Premieres Seigneuries School Board agrees. "We wanted to make the most of our investment and add additional benefits to our network," he said. "Also, we were faced with upgrading parts of our network that were out of date .We met with several suppliers, but chose Cisco Systems because of its industry leadership."

A telephony revolution

"Telephony is undergoing a 'packet revolution' - a fundamental shift from legacy circuit-switched technology to modern packet network technology," said Michel Houde. "Voice can now be transported as high-priority data on IP networks, opening a world of exciting new capabilities and potential cost savings. This proven technology is ready for prime time in the enterprise and Cisco offers the industry's most comprehensive range of IP telephony solutions."

Cisco's AVVID technology provides an intelligent network infrastructure for Internet business solutions. As an enterprise-wide, standards-based network architecture, it provides the roadmap for combining business and technology strategies into one cohesive model. Voice and video solutions based on AVVID are comprised of scalable call processing, IP-based business applications, video-conferencing, directory services, network management, service and support, and client devices such as IP phones.

About Cisco Systems

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

About Cisco Systems Canada

Cisco Systems Canada Co. has field offices across Canada dedicated to customer support, sales, and service. In addition, Cisco Systems has a significant research and development centre in Ottawa, Ontario.

For additional information:

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

• Laura Fairweather
  Hill & Knowlton/Ducharme Perron
  514-395-0375, ext. 237
  E-mail: nbergeron@hkdp.qc.ca