Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco's networking solutions connect people,computing devices and computer networks, allowing people to access or transfer information without regard todifferences in time, place or type of computer system. Cisco provides end-to-end networking solutions that customers use to build a unified information infrastructure of theirown, or to connect to someone else's network. An end-to-end networking solution is one that provides a commonarchitecture that delivers consistent network services to all users. The broader the range of network services, the morecapabilities a network can provide to users connected to it. Cisco's offers the industry's broadest range of hardware products used to form information networks or give peopleaccess to those networks; Cisco IOS¨ software, which provides network services and enables networked applications;expertise in network design and implementation; and technical support and professional services to maintain andoptimize network operations. Cisco is unique in its ability to provide all these elements, either by itself or together withpartners. Cisco serves customers in three target markets (http://www.cisco.com/public/solution_root.shtml): Enterprises < Large organization with complex networking needs, usually spanning multiple locations and types of computer systems. Enterprise customers include corporations, government agencies, utilities and educational institutions. Service Providers < Companies that provide information services, including telecommunication carriers, Internet Service Providers, cable companies, and wireless communication providers. Small/Medium Business Ð Companies with a need for data networks of their own, as well as connection to the Internet and/or to business partners. Cisco sells its products in approximately 115 countr ies through a direct sales force, distributors, value-added resellers andsystem integrators. Cisco has headquarters in San Jose, CA. It also has major operations in Research Triangle Park, NC,and Chelmsford, MA; as well more than 210 sales and support offices in 54 countries.In contrast to many technology companies, Cisco does not take a rigid approach that favors one technology over thealternatives and imposes it on customers as the only answer. Cisco's philosophy is to listen to customer requests, monitorall technological alternatives, and provide customers with a range of options from which to choose. Cisco develops itsproducts and solutions around widely accepted industry standards. In some instances, technologies developed byCisco have become industry standards themselves. Every day, Cisco and its customers are proving that networking and the Internet can fundamentally and profitablychange the way companies do business. Cisco describes this change in the "Global Networked Business" model(http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/756/gnb_gen/gnb_wp.htm). A Global Networked Business is an enterprise, ofany size, that strategically uses information and communications to build a network of strong, interactive relationships withall its key constituencies.