Cisco enables people to make powerful connections - whether in business, education, philanthropy, or creativity. Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible-providing easy access to information anywhere, at any time. Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 67,647 employees worldwide, this tradition of innovation continues with industry-leading products and solutions in the company's core development areas of routing and switching, as well as in advanced technologies such as:

• Application Networking
• Data Center
• Digital Media
• IPICS
• Mobility
• Security
• Storage Networking
• TelePresence
• Unified Communications
• Video
• Virtualization

Research and Development

Cisco's long-time commitment to ongoing research and development (R&D) is the basis for innovation. In fiscal 2007, Cisco invested more than $4.5 billion in R&D. More importantly, the investments made three to five years ago are the foundation for the growth Cisco experienced im 2008.

Social and Philanthropic Initiatives

Cisco supports Networking Academy programs in more than 160 countries, with approximately 10,000 academies and over 430,000 students. Students in high schools, technical schools, colleges, and community organizations learn hands-on networking skills to prepare for the workforce of today and the future. The Jordan Education Initiative, spearheaded by Cisco in partnership with the World Economic Forum and several other organizations, continued its momentum of expanding its interactive e-curriculum-based education programs by moving into new geographic areas such as Egypt and India. The education initiatives in the Mississippi and Louisiana school systems after Hurricane Katrina are rebuilding schools for the 21st century. These are all examples of how technology has the power to change the way people work, live, play, and learn. More importantly, it can actually improve lives.

Collaboration with Internet Institute

On 30 June 2007 Cisco and Internet Institute signed a three-year sponsorship agreement, establishing Cisco as Institute's honorary corporate member and strategic partner. The focus of partnership is on FP7 training courses and joint participation in EU collaborative R&D projects.