Network Service Providers to Profit from Cisco's Bundled Solutions; Cisco Announces First in Family of Single Vendor CPE Solutions for Network Service Providers, ISPs, and Resellers

Business Wire, Oct 16, 1996

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 1996--Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced Easy Connection Package for ISDN, a complete set of customer premises equipment (CPE) and applications for ISDN dial-up access to office Local Area Networks (LANs) and the Internet.

This is the first in a family of bundled solutions that will make it easier for network service providers, Internet service providers (ISPs), and resellers to offer customized, end-to-end Internet and Intranet solutions. The Easy Connection Package for ISDN provides everything the end user needs for browsing, transferring files, logging onto remote hosts, accessing Internet news groups, and real-time document sharing.

The Easy Connection Package for ISDN is the most comprehensive single vendor solution available in today's market. By collaborating with Cisco Systems, network service providers and ISPs are able to quickly deliver Internet access with customizable software solutions that will enhance brand presence and service differentiation at the end user site.

"By delivering this ISDN packaged solution, Cisco has showcased its commitment to making service providers more profitable and demonstrated a good understanding of the challenges facing ISPs in today's marketplace," said Liza Henderson, senior broadband consultant at TeleChoice Inc., a leading telecommunications consulting group based in Verona, N.J.

Easy Connection Package for ISDN includes the Cisco 760 series ISDN router, a low-cost, easy-to-manage multiprotocol access solution for affordable high speed access to office LANs and the Internet. The 760 series routers have an optional Network Termination 1 (NT1) device and come with several interfaces to eliminate the need for multiple phone lines or special ISDN phones.

Also included is CiscoRemote Plus software which provides high-performance dial access and other applications. CiscoRemote Plus is optimized for easy installation and allows service providers to design complete, standards-based internetworking solutions.

"Given the tremendous impetus to access the Internet and Intranets via ISDN, Cisco's Easy Connection Package for ISDN will give Surf Network, Inc. a competitive edge and the necessary tools to keep our customers satisfied," said Alan Rihm, president of Surf Network, Inc., a regional ISP based in Pennsylvania. Surf Network is aggressively deploying its high speed digital services in the Philadelphia region. More than 80 percent of its service area is now equipped to provide ISDN solutions.

"The bundled, CPE family of solutions will enable Cisco customers to easily provision low-cost, customizable services from a single vendor," said Jon Shantz, vice president of Cisco's Service Provider Market Unit. "The Easy Connection Package for ISDN, within the suite of CPE solutions from Cisco, will decrease time-to-market and increase brand recognition for network service providers."

Other solutions in the family of CPE solutions will address branch offices, Internet access and web sites for small offices, and security features.

Cisco Easy Connection Package for ISDN is available to network service providers, ISPs, and resellers immediately with list prices starting at $649.

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the leading global supplier of internetworking solutions for corporate intranets and the global Internet. Cisco's products -- including routers, LAN and WAN switches, dial-up access servers and network management software -- are integrated by Cisco IOS software to link geographically dispersed LANs, WANs and IBM networks. Company news and product/service information are available at World Wide Web site http://www.cisco.com. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. -0-

Note to Editors: Cisco IOS and Cisco Systems are trademarks, and Cisco and the Cisco logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or registered service marks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Cisco Systems

Patrick Wright, 508/244-8164

pwright@cisco.com