Cisco Systems Outlines Next-Generation Strategy for Faster, More Scalable Enterprise Networks.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 1996-- Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced its next-generation technology roadmap for integrating existing SNA networks into high-performance, switched enterprise internetworks that are fast, affordable and easily managed. The company also announced the first set of products that implement the new strategy (see accompanying release).

The "CiscoBlue" strategy addresses the unique requirements of customers with networks based on IBM's System Network Architecture (SNA). CiscoBlue extends the reach and manageability of traditional SNA networks by integrating them into multiprotocol, high-speed switched environments. It includes elements of the CiscoFusion(tm) architecture (which defines the interaction of routing, switching and ATM technologies), the Cisco IOS(tm) software and the CiscoWorks(tm) network management system.

Increasing Demand for SNA Products

The demand for SNA internetworking products is growing rapidly as client/server networks proliferate in enterprises that still have many mission- critical applications on SNA networks. SNA environments generate 61 percent of all data network traffic, according to a 1995 survey by CIMI Corp., a Voorhees, NJ consultancy. SNA internetworking products are sought by customers who want a single, cost-effective multiprotocol network that can consolidate SNA and non-SNA traffic, as well as support new technologies such as LAN and ATM switching.

International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that the value of the SNA internetworking market will grow to over $1.6 billion by 1997. Cisco is the leader in this market, currently earning over 72 percent of the dollars spent on SNA internetworking products by enterprise customers worldwide, according to a 1995 survey by IDC.

The CiscoBlue strategy outlines how SNA users can build networks using routers, LAN switches and ATM switches; facilitate the integration of SNA and other protocols; and enable high-speed access to mainframes in the data center. The CiscoBlue plan also will enable customers to use network management solutions to consolidate SNA and non-SNA management data.

CiscoBlue is the next generation of Cisco's IBM internetworking roadmap, which was launched in 1991. The final phase of this plan was completed in 1995 with the introduction of the Channel Interface Processor (CIP), Advanced Peer-to-Peer (APPN) software and CiscoWorks Blue, Cisco's integrated network management strategy for SNA environments.

"CiscoBlue is an end-to-end solution that leverages Cisco's technology and expertise for the next wave of SNA/client-server integrated networks," said Selby Wellman, vice president and general manager of Cisco's InterWorks Business Unit. "Our SNA customers have asked us to provide integrated, high-bandwidth solutions such as ATM and Token Ring switching products that, when deployed in conjunction with their routers, will bolster their existing networks and provide them with fast, easily managed networks."

Switching, Convergence and Management Solutions for Internetworking in IBM Environments

CiscoBlue offers cost-effective, easily managed solutions for SNA environments in the areas of switching, LAN/WAN convergence and management in a phased approach. Switching

CiscoBlue will provide Token Ring switching products that complement existing Cisco Catalyst and LightStream families of workgroup, campus, and backbone switches to give networks additional bandwidth with improved management and security features. New Token Ring switching capabilities will include both stackable switches for the workgroup and a Token Ring module for the Catalyst 5000 series for the wiring closet and corporate backbone. Software enhancements for native protocol support, virtual LANs (VLANs) and LAN Emulation (LANE) will enable efficient and effective use of switched networks.

LAN/WAN Convergence

CiscoBlue provides traffic consolidation throughout the enterprise network from the data center to the branch office, scaling high-speed network access for any internetworking environment regardless of size. Cisco's mainframe channel-attached products provide high-speed SNA and TCP/IP access to the data center to improve network performance while reducing overall cost. With today's announcement of TN3270 Server support on Cisco's Channel Interface Processor (CIP), Cisco adds TCP/IP client access to SNA applications on the mainframe. APPN is being enhanced with support for new switched services including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS) and ATM. DLSw+ will add dial-on-demand routing (DDR) features. In addition, Boundary Access Node (BAN) support will complete the set of Frame Relay offerings provided by the Cisco IOS software.

Management

Key to the overall CiscoBlue strategy is the delivery of WAN network management capabilities made possible through developments in both the Cisco IOS software and the CiscoWorks Blue integrated network management applications. Combined, these solutions will manage Cisco internetworks from mainframe or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) workstation platforms and provide tools for network optimization.

Adding to the Native Service Point feature of CiscoWorks Blue, which was announced in July 1995, today's announcement of CiscoWorks Blue Maps and CiscoWorks Blue SNA View provide enhanced tools for visualization and problem determination in networks that integrate SNA and TCP/IP protocols. Future CiscoWorks Blue capabilities will offer new design tools for network operators to proactively model and simulate proposed network configurations and enable network optimization.

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

Note to Editors: CiscoFusion, Cisco IOS and CiscoWorks are trademarks, and Cisco, Cisco Systems 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.

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