computer networks

San Francisco
California October 10
2006
Following a lackluster Q3
Cisco Systems emerges as the leader in the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Market for the fourth quarter. Fueled by increased demand and an overall rise in the average selling price
Cisco experienced significant gains in a market of over $300 Million.

With almost 70% of the projected $1.3 Billion 10-Gig market share and a more powerful
yet affordable design
the Catalyst 6500 is poised to cement Cisco as the dominating force in the industry. With the recent release of an eight-port
10
Ethernet module for the 6500
Cisco is quickly pulling away from the rest of the pack.

In addition
upgrades like the Application Control Engine (ACE) module have prompted companies like Pure Video Networks to adopt Cisco switches to manage traffic of their popular video websites. Implementing simultaneous data center services such as server load balancing
integrated network and application switching/security
the ACE module delivers the highest performance in the industry. The ACE Simplifies application infrastructure by combining the functionality of multiple application delivery appliances into a single module
including server load balancing and off-load
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol
security
and application optimization capabilities.

Already the most successful networking switch on the IT market
the 6500 Series reduces existing operational costs and improves a network's ability to respond to intensive bandwidth demands. In general
customers using the services modules for the Catalyst 6500 reduce their total cost of ownership by taking advantage of simplified infrastructure
improved investment protection
pervasive security
and the high levels of performance
scalability
and innovative technologies.

With over twenty unique service modules in five distinct categories
the Catalyst 6500 ranks among the most scalable
high-performance platform for integrated services. Currently
Cisco offers modules that address security issues
application
networking
network monitoring
wireless/mobility
and IP communications
which can be integrated into existing catalyst switches. Each modules offers upgraded performance and reinforces Cisco's hold on the market for network switches. With more than $20 Billion is sales sine it's release in 1999
the 6500 Series switch has become the most popular networking platform ever.

While Cisco has been able to fend off most threats to their position
rival Foundry Networks
and newcomer Force 10 have recently launched new 10Gbe ready products aimed at disrupting the company's market share. According to literature on Force 10's Terascale E-Series 1200
the E1200 boasts of more than double the ports of the Catalyst 6500 (1260 vs. 576 Ethernet ports/chassis). While this may be good news for the company
Force 10 has been focused on the data center vertical
and is therefore still untested in the enterprise market. Foundry's BigIron RX series switch has received favorable press for it's size/performance ratio and lower prices. With the launch of the new RX series
Foundry has mounted a consistent affront to Cisco's unchallenged reign.

Even with the competition mounting new efforts
the Cisco name is still a major factor among IT professionals whose networks depend on their equipment. Fortunately for the stalwart Cisco
reputation is still the key to market dominance.