SAN JOSE, Calif. – Nov. 15, 2010 – On Wednesday, Nov. 17, Cisco will host a live Cisco TV broadcast and Q-and-A session to discuss what organizations need to consider as they transition to IPv6, a version of the Internet Protocol that is designed to succeed the current IPv4 protocol. With the remaining number of IPv4 addresses dwindling to less than 5 percent of the total global pool, the newer IPv6 protocol will help government agencies and enterprises to dramatically improve communication, collaboration and reliability.

Next-generation networking technologies like IPv6 hold tremendous potential for helping government agencies and businesses manage continuous growth and ensure universal access to vital public services.

The Obama administration, like many other global governments, has issued a directive requiring all government agencies to upgrade their public-facing websites and services to support IPv6, which will ensure that agencies can continue delivering services to all citizens even as the underlying Internet technology changes. Countries that have taken steps in this direction include Australia, France, India, Japan, Malaysia and Spain.

Among the questions that will be addressed in this Cisco TV broadcast roundtable include:

• Why is IPv6 migration necessary?
• What is the impact of the U.S. government mandate requiring all agencies to upgrade their public-facing websites and services to support IPv6?
• How can organizations preserve existing investments to minimize disruptions?
• What are the best ways for organizations to prepare for the migration to IPv6?
• What will the migration to IPv6 cost, and what resources will be required?
• What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
• How will IPv4 and IPv6 technologies coexist?
• What industry certifications and specifications validate compliance with IPv6 standards?

Guests for the broadcast include:

• Ben Fathi, senior vice president, Network Software and Systems Technology Group, Cisco
• Alain Fiocco, senior director, Network Software and Systems Technology Group, Cisco
• Jennifer Geisler, director, Government and Security, Cisco
• Ric Chavez, senior manager, Global Government Solutions Group, Cisco

When: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010; 10:30-11:30 a.m. PST       

Where: Go to http://www.ustream.tv/ciscotv Registration is not required to watch the event; however, attendees who may want to ask a question during the broadcast must register for a Ustream account to have access to "chat" during the show. Register for an account anytime prior to the event at http://www.ustream.tv/login-signup?ref%2Fdashboard

A replay of the show will also be available after the broadcast at the same link, www.ustream.tv/ciscotv

Interviews: To schedule press interviews after the broadcast, please contact Cara Sloman at csloman@cisco.com

To schedule analyst interviews after the broadcast, please contact Malee Dharmasena at mdharmas@cisco.com

Technical Assistance: Attendees who experience difficulties connecting can contact support at +1-408-525-1000. Phone support is available 15 minutes prior to and during the event broadcast. Attendees may also submit an Online Support Request to CiscoTV_help@external.cisco.com or ciscotv_help@btci.com if necessary.