Cisco Introduces Element Management Solutions for Streamlining and Strengthening Service Providers' IP and Optical Networking Systems.

Business/Technology Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2000

Cisco GSR Manager and Cisco Transport Manager Support Easier, Faster Deployment and Provisioning of IP Services and Optical Networks

Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced the Cisco GSR Manager and Cisco Transport Manager as the newest component applications of the Cisco Internet Operations Systems Support (OSS). Based on an open architecture, the Cisco GSR Manager and Cisco Transport Manager enable service providers and systems integrators to simplify and more rapidly deploy their Cisco 12000 Series Internet routers and ONS 15000 Series products, and ensure robust operation of integrated IP routing and optical networking systems.

The Cisco Internet OSS is a comprehensive suite of network and service management applications that allows service providers to plan, provision, monitor and bill for differentiated services. The Cisco GSR Manager and Cisco Transport Manager are both part of the Cisco Element Management Framework within Internet OSS. The Cisco Element Management Framework (CEMF) provides a solid foundation for element management, so that higher layer applications can be integrated easily and consistently. CEMF provides a common set of application programming interfaces (APIs), system interfaces, component technology and common data management for all of Cisco's element management systems.

"Building a highly scalable, integrated IP and optical network requires a robust element management system that can support multiple network technologies and simplify information flow," said Chris Nicoll, Director, Current Analysis. "Cisco's Element Management Framework provides an open, fully integrated element management solution that enables customers to easily and efficiently provision IP services and meet business requirements. The addition of the Cisco GSR Manager and Cisco Transport Manager is a testament to Cisco's commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions that reduce the total cost of ownership for its service providers customers."

Cisco GSR Manager

The Cisco GSR Manager is an intelligent element management system for Cisco 12000 Series routers, which addresses the significant service provider demands in managing and operating large IP and MPLS-based networks. Unlike other element management products, Cisco GSR Manager integrates with a wide range of network management applications from Cisco and its Ecosystem of partners to deliver the most robust and scalable architecture that meets the Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance and Security (FCAPS) management demands for all Cisco 12000 Series routers deployed in the network. Users can immediately minimize network set-up time and significantly reduce operational costs.

Cisco GSR Manager requires minimal user knowledge of the underlying Cisco IOS(R) software and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) commands, so networking specialists are not needed for basic maintenance of the network. Instead, it provides proactive troubleshooting and data to track Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and minimize network downtime through user-friendly assurance tools that track fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security.

Cisco GSR Manager is currently being trialed by a number of service providers and is expected to be deployed in production networks in 3Q00.

Cisco Transport Manager

The Cisco Transport Manager is a robust element management system that enables users to quickly and intelligently integrate Operations, Administration, Maintenance and Provisioning (OAMP) management capabilities in order to more rapidly deploy and configure optical network-based revenue generating services. It provides a powerful client/server-based platform for the Cisco ONS 15000 Series optical products and easily scales to manage up to 1000 network elements, as well as up to 100 simultaneous users. The point-and-click, Java-based graphical user interface (GUI) results in a shorter learning curve, plus improved network control and proactive maintenance.

Cisco Transport Manager has been successfully evaluated by more than a dozen service providers worldwide and is presently in trials with three telecommunications industry leading customers who plan to deploy Cisco Transport Manager operationally in the next few weeks.

An open, standards-based component architecture allows Cisco Transport Manager to communicate with, and manage, multi-service ONS network elements for end-to-end management and maintenance across the entire optical network. The unrivaled performance and span of control of Cisco Transport Manager ensures robust operation and service velocity for Internet scale, carrier class optical networks.

Cisco Transport Manager and Cisco GSR Manager will be available for release in late June and August of this year, respectively.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at www.cisco.com.

Note to Editors: Cisco, Cisco Systems, Cisco IOS and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. All contents copyright(c)1992-2000 Cisco Systems Inc.