Cisco Systems, Inc. is a global technology company that designs, manufactures and sells networking hardware, software and telecommunications equipment. Its core business focuses on enabling enterprise and service-provider networks through products such as routers, switches, network security appliances and wireless systems. Over time Cisco has broadened its portfolio to emphasize software-defined networking, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and edge computing solutions that help organizations build and manage modern IT environments.
In addition to hardware, Cisco offers a growing range of software platforms and subscription services for network management, security, analytics and collaboration. Flagship software and platform offerings include its network operating systems and management tools, security suites that protect data and devices across hybrid environments, and collaboration products such as the Webex portfolio for meetings, messaging and contact center services. Professional services, technical support and managed services complement product sales and help customers deploy, operate and optimize network and security architectures.
Founded in 1984 by Stanford engineers Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, Cisco played a foundational role in commercializing router technology for interconnected computer networks and expanded rapidly during the growth of the internet. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California, and operates globally with customers across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Cisco serves a wide range of industries including enterprises, service providers, public sector organizations and cloud and data-center operators.
Leadership at Cisco has guided the company through transitions from primarily hardware sales toward software and recurring revenue models and greater emphasis on security and cloud capabilities. The company continues to pursue product innovation, strategic partnerships and acquisitions to address evolving customer needs in networking, security and collaboration. Cisco’s offerings are positioned to support large-scale digital transformation initiatives and the ongoing convergence of networking, compute and security technologies.