SAN JOSE, Calif., February 7, 2002 - Cisco Systems Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, announced today the formation of the Carrier Systems Group, focusing on systems designed specifically for the needs of carriers. The formation of this group furthers Cisco's service provider strategy to provide carrier-class solutions that enable service providers to offer new revenue-generating services and increase profitability. The Carrier Systems Group consolidates Cisco's carrier-oriented business units and products that utilize technologies such as ATM, frame relay, DSL (digital subscriber line), remote access aggregation, and voice switching systems including VoIP and VoATM gateways.

The Carrier Systems Group will focus on the system needs of IXCs, (International Exchange carriers), ILECs (Incumbent local exchange carriers), PTTs (Postal Telephone and Telegraph operators) and wireless carriers. The new group will consist of the Multi-Service Switching, Remote Access, Carrier Voice Gateway, and DSL business units.

Kambiz Hooshmand, a six-year veteran of Cisco Systems, has been named Vice President and general manager, reporting to Charles Giancarlo, Senior Vice President and general manager, Technology Development. Hooshmand has almost two decades of experience in voice, ATM, and carrier access technologies.

"The Carrier Systems Group will allow Cisco to improve its delivery of carrier class systems to service providers, enabling them to produce profitable services," said Charlie Giancarlo. "Through his leadership and perseverance, Kambiz and his team have consistently delivered leading edge, carrier class systems."

This announcement furthers Cisco's strategy to align the company's focus around changing customer requirements and emphasize the company's advantages as the communications market consolidates.