Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco's Internet Protocol-based (IP) networking solutions are the foundation of the Internet and most corporate, education, and government networks around the world. Cisco provides the broadest line of solutions for transporting data, voice and video within buildings, across campuses, or around the world.

Today, the Internet and computer networking are an essential part of business, learning and personal communications and entertainment. Virtually all messages or transactions passing over the Internet are carried quickly and securely through Cisco equipment. Cisco solutions ensure that networks both public and private operate with maximum performance, security, and flexibility. In addition, Cisco solutions are the basis for most large, complex networks used by corporations, public institutions, telecommunication companies, and are found in a growing number of medium-sized commercial enterprises.

Cisco was founded in 1984 by a group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been prominent in advancing the development of IP- the basic language to communicate over the Internet and in private networks. The company's tradition of innovation continues today with Cisco creating leading products and key technologies that will make the Internet more useful and dynamic in the years ahead. These technologies include: advanced routing and switching, voice and video over IP, optical networking, wireless, storage networking, security, broadband, and content networking.

In addition to technology and product leadership, Cisco is recognized as an innovator in how business is conducted. The company has been a pioneer in using the Internet to provide customer support, sell products, offer training, and manage finances. Drawing upon the company's own Internet best practices and core-value of customer focus, Cisco has established the Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG) dedicated to helping top business leaders transform their own businesses into e-businesses.

As a company, Cisco operates on core values of customer focus and corporate citizenship. The company's philanthropic efforts are committed to helping communities prosper while also encouraging Cisco employees to learn about the needs of the communities where Cisco operates. Also, to help bolster education around the world, the company has founded Cisco Networking Academies in over 150 countries dedicated to teaching students to design, build, and maintain computer networks.