SMAU 2003 Conference

MILAN, Italy + SAN JOSE, Calif., October 2, 2003 - Cisco Systems, Inc. today launched Cisco® CallManager Express, a Cisco IOS® Software-based product providing call-processing services, and Cisco Unity^TM Express, a voice-mail and automated-attendant offering. Both products are integrated into Cisco access routers and provide a simple, easy-to-deploy IP Communications solution for businesses with 100 employees or fewer.

The products complement the existing portfolio of Cisco CallManager IP Communications systems, using the award-winning Cisco IP phones.

Cisco also announced 10 adaptable, how-to blueprints for enabling a full-service branch. Cisco now offers full services for branch- and small-office locations, including security, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), voice, video, web application acceleration, and mobility. These services help to empower branch- and small-office users anytime, anywhere.

Voice Services via Cisco CallManager Express and Cisco Unity Express

Cisco CallManager Express offers a robust set of IP Communications services that are commonly available on key telephone systems and Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs), such as call pick up, call forwarding, day/night service, hunt groups, paging, intercom, etc. When deployed in conjunction with Cisco Unity Express, it provides a complete voice solution with voice mail and auto attendant capabilities.

The products enable the deployment of versatile, productivity - enhancing Extensible Markup Language (XML) network-based applications via Cisco's recently expanded series of IP phones. The open architecture of these new applications increases the opportunities for streamlining business processes.

"The Cisco CallManager Express solution provides a flexible, easy-to-deploy alternative, allowing us to start small and be well-positioned for future growth," said Stephanie Stevens, director of center recruitment for BloodSource, a Sacramento, California-based, not-for-profit blood bank. "Although we are considered a small business, we still have big requirements for our network."

If customers need to grow beyond 100 users or business practices dictate a more centralized approach to voice communications, a Cisco CallManager solution can be deployed while still taking advantage of the existing infrastructure (e.g., Cisco IP phones, analog phones, fax machines, Cisco access routers, and Cisco Catalyst® switches).

Cisco CallManager Express and Cisco Unity Express also create a cost-effective IP Communications offering that can be added to a service provider's existing voice and data managed services, opening new revenue opportunities for carriers worldwide.

"Cisco has enabled Fastweb to enrich the voice services we presently offer throughout Italy," said Stefano Parisse, head of business and residential B.U. of Fastweb in Italy. "The convergence and proper management of integrated services such as voice is one very important way in which we are helping more and more people enjoy the benefits of the network."

Cisco CallManager Express and Cisco Unity Express join the award-winning Cisco CallManager, Cisco CallManager SRST and Cisco Unity products to extend Cisco's broad portfolio of IP Communications. Voice services are delivered via Cisco's portfolio of access routers, including the Cisco 1751, 1760, 2600XM, 3600 Series, and 3700 Series routers, and the Access Gateway Module available on the Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switch.

Cisco Full Service Branch Solutions

The Cisco CallManager Express with Cisco Unity Express solution is just one of 10 adaptable, how-to blueprints for Cisco customers and partners interested in learning more about enabling a full-service solution for their small or enterprise branch office locations.

Available on http://www.cisco.com/go/fsb, Cisco Full Service Branch solution blueprints provide business-justification tools; shared implementation best practices; simple, adaptable solution designs; and, specialized implementation partners that can improve total cost of ownership for their customers. The blueprints include:

IP Communications:
-IP Communications for Branch Office
-IP Communications for Small Office
-Toll Bypass


Security:
-IP Video Surveillance
-Wireless Access Point Security
-Secure Branch Infrastructure


WAN Connectivity:
-Corporate Teleworker
-VPN for Voice, Video and Data


Application Content and Networking System:
-Business Video
-Web Application Optimization

Cisco is the industry leader in data networking, IP Communications and the fastest-growing company in the enterprise telecommunications marketplace.

Pricing, Availability and Support

List price for the Cisco CallManager Express license ranges from US$750 to US$2800, depending on the number of users. List price for a Cisco Unity Express begins at $2995 (USD).

Cisco CallManager Express and Cisco Unity Express are available through partners chosen by Cisco based on their capabilities and market focus. This subset of partners has successfully completed training that covers presales design, basic deployment, and post-sales operational support.

For additional information about these products, pricing and availability, go to www.cisco.com/go/ccmecue.