Cisco Systems and Telco Research Sign Agreement to Collaborate on Enterprise Network Accounting Software; Cisco IOS Software Enables Usage-Sensitive Cost Tracking For Network Services

Business Wire, Jan 22, 1997

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 1997--Cisco Systems, Inc. announced today an agreement with privately-held Telco Research Corporation to develop accounting and bill-back software for usage-sensitive network costs.

Intended results of the collaboration include application software that will track and allocate the costs of using a corporate network or the Internet. Network accounting applications are desired by WAN and ISDN customers who want to better identify, monitor and control network costs.

"For our customers to deliver enterprise level service commitments, such as multimedia and networked commerce, they must have a way of correlating network availability, performance and costs to actual usage," said Stephen DeWitt, Cisco Systems vice president of Cisco IOS software and network management marketing. "This first project with Telco Research addresses the IT manager's concerns for ISDN applications while providing the foundation for emerging networked application requirements."

"In order to be competitive in today's world, companies must learn to fully utilize advanced network services within their fiscal limits," said Ralph Sonntag, president of Telco Research of Nashville, Tenn. "Telco Research and Cisco will give customers the valuable information they need about their network usage in order to minimize costs while maximizing network utilization."

This collaboration builds upon the leadership of both companies. Teleco Research is the leading supplier of commercial call accounting and telemanagement systems with over 23 years of experience in the development of billing and accounting software. Cisco Systems builds more enterprise corporate networks than any other company, and provides most of the backbone of the global Internet.

The two companies will develop a new product based on Telco Research's TRU Call Accountant software which will be integrated with Cisco IOS software's advanced data collection technology to deliver a wide range of accounting, billing and usage reporting applications. Under the agreement Cisco will OEM software modules from Telco Research to enable usage-based accounting, billing and reporting for remote dial, LAN and WAN applications. In addition, the two companies have agreed to particpate in joint sales opportunities.

About Cisco

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and product/service information are available at World Wide Web site http://www.cisco.com. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, CA.

About Telco Research Corporation

Telco Research Corporation is recognized as the leading supplier of Telemanagement Software and Services focused at managing and accounting for the use of network services. With over 23 years of experience in communications management related to network design, network optimization, and accounting, they deliver real-world products designed to meet the needs of the highly distributed communications management marketplace. Telco Research's customers include America's leading Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities, government agencies, and financial institutions. Telco Research's strong commitment to customers and to delivering world class solutions using preferred technologies are the reasons for their longevity, stability, and innovative product development. -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, Inc.

Marcy Schrader, 408/527-2406

maschrad@cisco.com