Trawling for best deals
Don't be surprised if you see a few limos driving slowly down Elliott Avenue, doing a little window shopping.
Big tech companies are expected to be on the prowl again for acquisitions this year, and the Elliott corridor along Seattle's waterfront is lined with prime targets.
Actually, companies around the region could be acquired in the coming year as bigger tech companies feel comfortable that the recovery has taken hold and begin spending the cash they've been accumulating.
"Now that the equity market is back up they're jumping in and catching up," said Nat Burgess, president of Corum Group, a Bothell firm that advises companies on mergers and acquisitions. "If you look out for the next six to nine months, it's going to be fantastic in terms of deal volumes, in terms of valuations."
Venture capitalist Matt McIlwain at Madrona Venture Group is expecting deals to roll over the next year or two.
The biggest tech companies, such as Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Google, did a remarkable job managing costs through the downturn and may now be realizing that they "underinvested in innovation," he said.
"To get growth and innovation, next-generation products, they're going to have to make some acquisitions," he said.
Interest rates are still low and the seven biggest tech companies together have $200 billion in cash and could generate $75 billion more this year, he said.
"That sets the stage for at least a 12-to-18-month cycle of acquisitions," McIlwain said.
Deals may be good for investors, but there's also a chance the acquiring companies will cut employees or even relocate the businesses.
Buyouts would also continue the Seattle syndrome that leaves the region with an uneven mix of tech companies — a few giants and lots of smaller ones, but not much in between. Companies with promising technologies tend to be sold before they get too big, creating a void in the middle.
But that won't stop the pinstriped buyers from cruising Elliott with trunks full of cash.
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The unusual cluster of tempting opportunities begins with F5, the crown jewel with a market valuation of $4.4 billion as of Friday.
F5 dominates the market for application delivery systems, creating what it calls "strategic points of control" in corporate networks. It's expecting sales of about $200 million this quarter.
Rumors about F5 being sold have come and gone for years. Some analysts said the big opportunity passed in November when likely buyer Hewlett-Packard bought 3Com instead.
One of those analysts is Jeff Evenson, a Bremerton native at Bernstein Research in New York.
Evenson said F5 would be a strategic fit with a number of companies, but he thinks it could be a challenge to get a deal done.
"The most obvious buyers have an issue that I think is almost insurmountable for them," he said.
Cisco would be a natural, he said, but it might have trouble getting antitrust approval for a deal if regulators focused on the niche F5 serves.
Within that segment of the network-switching market, the combination of F5 and Cisco would control 80 percent of the market.
But if regulators looked at the broader sector, it may not be as issue.
HP, Dell and even Oracle could be interested, but the stock's recent climb into the $55 range could cool their enthusiasm.
As expected, F5 wouldn't say much about the topic.
"F5 is a strategic point of control within people's data centers so I can understand why our name may surface in those discussions," said Dan Matte, senior vice president of marketing and business development.
"I can say that the management team at F5 is pleased with the achievements the company has made, and we intend to continue to be a vibrant part of the Seattle technology scene."
Casual-games giant
In the building right next to F5 is Big Fish Games, a quiet giant in the casual-games business that's been hugely profitable for most of its eight years in business.
Big Fish has about 400 employees creating and publishing games and running a Web portal that handles 1 million downloads a day.
Founder Paul Thelen has said he'd like to take the company public someday, but anything could happen.
Especially after Electronic Arts last fall paid $400 million to buy another piscine casual-game giant, London-based Playfish.
Jeremy Lewis, a Goldman Sachs veteran who became Big Fish's chief executive in 2007, declined to comment specifically, but said he's expecting more deals in the industry.
"As a practice we do not comment on rumors," he said via e-mail. "In general, we expect M&A activity within digital media and entertainment to continue."
Storage systems
A bit further south is the headquarters of Isilon Systems, the maker of storage systems used by movie studios, media companies, government agencies and others to add huge storage volumes to their networks.
Storage is a hot sector, Isilon has promising technology and it turned its first profit last quarter after working through a painful restructuring and Securities and Exchange Commission investigation.
The company, valued by the market at just under $500 million, seems like an easy target, but Chief Executive Sujal Patel told me last month the company is "very, very focused on growing our business into an independent, large storage company."
Isilon has been giving investors a similar message.
"These guys really believe there's a substantial long-term opportunity — everything they're trying to do is not focused on the near term," said Sid Parakh, an analyst at Seattle's McAdams Wright Ragen who watches both Isilon and F5.
"Isilon sees a big opportunity in front of them, so unless it's a substantial premium to where the stock is, I don't think that's a company that will be sold."
But you never know.
Buyers who really want to shop should keep heading south on Elliott.
A few blocks further they'll come to RealNetworks, which is practically holding a garage sale, putting its music subscription and games businesses into play.
SOURCE:
Showing posts with label ericcsson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ericcsson. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
HP Buys Palm and Now CISCO BUYS NOKIA?!?!?!?
HP Buys Palm and Now CISCO BUYS NOKIA?!?!?!?
Cisco to buy Nokia? speculates a little-known UK Sunday paper (pub. Andrew "Brillo" Neil; circ. 204,005). I'm saying nothing after my blog melted from a blizzard of hits from Finland after I criticized the Nokia 770. So here's what other bloggers are saying...
Merging the two would be quite a challenge, and the most likely situation would be Cisco leaving much of Nokia as is, while slowly working to merge the equipment areas where they overlap (similar to the way they've handled the Linksys acquisition).
But French blogger-journalist Luc Saint-Elie defends the idea (if my French is up to the job):
The rumor's not so stupid. Cisco and Nokia collaborate on VoIP: a hot sector right now. Cisco has the infrastructure and Nokia has the handsets. See how it makes sense?
Darrell Houle runs the numbers:
Nokia certainly has global reach, a solid reputation, and has been smarting recently which makes it a good target for acquisition. Nokia’s market value sits around $71 billion US, whereas the Cisco’s value is around $123 billion.
As El Reg's Tony Smith points out, this isn't the first time:
They have also been rumoured to be looking at merging before. Most recently - February 2005 ... The rumours may have been revived following Nokia's management reshuffle pre-announced last week.
Unstrung's Justin Springham spots the arrival of the wireless industry’s silly season:
As much of Europe shuts up shop for the next few weeks and heads to the nearest beach, the rumor mill is cranking into action. Analysts have been quick to dismiss the idea of a deal, declaring it "unlikely" in light of Cisco's acquisition history. Ah, summer! Roll on September...
Engadget howls "but why?" and then jokes,
What would they name their spawn—Ciscokia, or Nocisco?
NO dude its CisKia...
SOURCE:
Cisco to buy Nokia? speculates a little-known UK Sunday paper (pub. Andrew "Brillo" Neil; circ. 204,005). I'm saying nothing after my blog melted from a blizzard of hits from Finland after I criticized the Nokia 770. So here's what other bloggers are saying...
Merging the two would be quite a challenge, and the most likely situation would be Cisco leaving much of Nokia as is, while slowly working to merge the equipment areas where they overlap (similar to the way they've handled the Linksys acquisition).
But French blogger-journalist Luc Saint-Elie defends the idea (if my French is up to the job):
The rumor's not so stupid. Cisco and Nokia collaborate on VoIP: a hot sector right now. Cisco has the infrastructure and Nokia has the handsets. See how it makes sense?
Darrell Houle runs the numbers:
Nokia certainly has global reach, a solid reputation, and has been smarting recently which makes it a good target for acquisition. Nokia’s market value sits around $71 billion US, whereas the Cisco’s value is around $123 billion.
As El Reg's Tony Smith points out, this isn't the first time:
They have also been rumoured to be looking at merging before. Most recently - February 2005 ... The rumours may have been revived following Nokia's management reshuffle pre-announced last week.
Unstrung's Justin Springham spots the arrival of the wireless industry’s silly season:
As much of Europe shuts up shop for the next few weeks and heads to the nearest beach, the rumor mill is cranking into action. Analysts have been quick to dismiss the idea of a deal, declaring it "unlikely" in light of Cisco's acquisition history. Ah, summer! Roll on September...
Engadget howls "but why?" and then jokes,
What would they name their spawn—Ciscokia, or Nocisco?
NO dude its CisKia...
SOURCE:
Friday, May 7, 2010
IBM to buy VC-backed IT company Guardium IBM to buy VC-backed IT company Guardium
IBM to buy VC-backed IT company Guardium IBM to buy VC-backed IT company Guardium
The company was founded in Israel in 2002, but moved to Boston in 2003, and offers real time database monitoring, auditing and compliance solutions, vulnerability management solutions, and database leak protection.
Guardium has reportedly raised $21m from venture capital funds such as Ascent Venture Partners, Israel’s StageOne Ventures and Veritas, and Cisco Systems. The company was named as a “hot pick” by Information Security magazine. Guardium is a subsidiary of Israel’s Log-On Software.
The company is currently expanding its presence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Andrew Lawton vice president of EMEA sales, said, “The realisation is dawning across EMEA that corporations and governments need to have greater visibility and control over who accesses their sensitive data, and they need to prove to regulators and the public that these controls exist and are effective.”
SOURCE:
Global technology services giant IBM is preparing to purchase venture-capital-backed database security company Guardium for $225m, according to Israeli newspaper TheMarker. The deal is expected to close in the next few days.
The company was founded in Israel in 2002, but moved to Boston in 2003, and offers real time database monitoring, auditing and compliance solutions, vulnerability management solutions, and database leak protection.
Guardium has reportedly raised $21m from venture capital funds such as Ascent Venture Partners, Israel’s StageOne Ventures and Veritas, and Cisco Systems. The company was named as a “hot pick” by Information Security magazine. Guardium is a subsidiary of Israel’s Log-On Software.
The company is currently expanding its presence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Andrew Lawton vice president of EMEA sales, said, “The realisation is dawning across EMEA that corporations and governments need to have greater visibility and control over who accesses their sensitive data, and they need to prove to regulators and the public that these controls exist and are effective.”
SOURCE:
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Cisco dives deeper into the data center
Cisco dives deeper into the data center
Lest anyone forget, Cisco's broad data center sweep this week is a reminder that the networking giant's network-centric approach to data center transformation includes giving the network administrator more control over IT operations. Further evidence of that is found in the Nexus 1010 appliance, a virtual service control plane for provisioning services to virtual machines (VMs).
The Nexus 1010 hosts virtual services, such as the Nexus 1000V virtual switch, to ease installation and bestow "ownership" of virtual services to the network administrator, according to Cisco, instead of the server administrator. The Nexus 1010 also supports network analysis down to the VM layer, giving the net admin granular visibility into the virtual workload - perhaps the same visibility the admin would have into network traffic.
At the same time, though, Cisco is attempting to make its data center offerings more appealing to server admins as well. This week's launch also included enhancements to its Unified Computing System platform and blade and rack servers that make the products more suitable for general purpose computing - handling physical workloads as well as virtual.
As Jonathan Eunice of Illuminata points out, this broadens Cisco's initial focus, which was on only the virtualized data center and virtualized workloads. Now Cisco's going after the whole shebang, which will only turn up the competition with server incumbents IBM, HP and Dell.
The HP bridge has already been blown up. Time will tell what ultimately happens with the relationship with IBM. And Dell's already feeling the increase in temperature.
"(This week's) announcement by Cisco demonstrates the bifurcation in the market with some vendors pushing a closed and propriety approach to the data center and Dell's differentiated approach of delivering choice and solutions that are open, capable and affordable," said Dell's Forrest Norrod, vice president and general manager, Server Platforms, in an e-mailed statement. "We've heard loud and clear customers are looking to reap the benefits of virtualization and reduce datacenter complexity but not at the expense of handing their infrastructure over to a single vendor as Cisco is asking them to do."
SOURCE:
Lest anyone forget, Cisco's broad data center sweep this week is a reminder that the networking giant's network-centric approach to data center transformation includes giving the network administrator more control over IT operations. Further evidence of that is found in the Nexus 1010 appliance, a virtual service control plane for provisioning services to virtual machines (VMs).
The Nexus 1010 hosts virtual services, such as the Nexus 1000V virtual switch, to ease installation and bestow "ownership" of virtual services to the network administrator, according to Cisco, instead of the server administrator. The Nexus 1010 also supports network analysis down to the VM layer, giving the net admin granular visibility into the virtual workload - perhaps the same visibility the admin would have into network traffic.
At the same time, though, Cisco is attempting to make its data center offerings more appealing to server admins as well. This week's launch also included enhancements to its Unified Computing System platform and blade and rack servers that make the products more suitable for general purpose computing - handling physical workloads as well as virtual.
As Jonathan Eunice of Illuminata points out, this broadens Cisco's initial focus, which was on only the virtualized data center and virtualized workloads. Now Cisco's going after the whole shebang, which will only turn up the competition with server incumbents IBM, HP and Dell.
The HP bridge has already been blown up. Time will tell what ultimately happens with the relationship with IBM. And Dell's already feeling the increase in temperature.
"(This week's) announcement by Cisco demonstrates the bifurcation in the market with some vendors pushing a closed and propriety approach to the data center and Dell's differentiated approach of delivering choice and solutions that are open, capable and affordable," said Dell's Forrest Norrod, vice president and general manager, Server Platforms, in an e-mailed statement. "We've heard loud and clear customers are looking to reap the benefits of virtualization and reduce datacenter complexity but not at the expense of handing their infrastructure over to a single vendor as Cisco is asking them to do."
SOURCE:
Starent to settle lawsuit over Cisco deal
Starent to settle lawsuit over Cisco deal
Starent Networks Corp. (Nasdaq: STAR), a maker of equipment for wireless networks, Friday said it had agreed to settle a shareholder lawsuit over its pending acquisition by Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO).
Tewksbury-based Starent has agreed to pay the plaintiff's legal costs and provided some clarifications to the financial analysis that underpinned the board's decision to accept Cisco's offer of $2.9 billion in cash. That deal was announced Oct. 13.
The lawsuit, which sought class action status on behalf of Starent shareholders, was filed Oct. 20 in Delaware's Chancery Court by a union pension fund. It alleged that Starent's board failed in their duty by accepting an offer price that was too low.
Starent made a regulatory filing on Nov. 9 with a detailed chronology of the deal and an analysis of the board's reasoning.
With the settlement, it provided some supplemental explanations of the financial analysis.
Two other suits seeking class action status have been filed against the company over the terms of the Cisco deal.
Cisco employs some 4,000 people at its campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
SOURCE:
Starent Networks Corp. (Nasdaq: STAR), a maker of equipment for wireless networks, Friday said it had agreed to settle a shareholder lawsuit over its pending acquisition by Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO).
Tewksbury-based Starent has agreed to pay the plaintiff's legal costs and provided some clarifications to the financial analysis that underpinned the board's decision to accept Cisco's offer of $2.9 billion in cash. That deal was announced Oct. 13.
The lawsuit, which sought class action status on behalf of Starent shareholders, was filed Oct. 20 in Delaware's Chancery Court by a union pension fund. It alleged that Starent's board failed in their duty by accepting an offer price that was too low.
Starent made a regulatory filing on Nov. 9 with a detailed chronology of the deal and an analysis of the board's reasoning.
With the settlement, it provided some supplemental explanations of the financial analysis.
Two other suits seeking class action status have been filed against the company over the terms of the Cisco deal.
Cisco employs some 4,000 people at its campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
SOURCE:
Friday, April 23, 2010
Cisco unveils free iPhone security app targeted for trojans, worms, or other threats
Cisco unveils free iPhone security app targeted for trojans, worms, or other threats
San Diego, California (CaymanMama.com) — Computer viruses are growing smarter and smarter, making it necessary for technology to stay abreast of the latest trojans, worms, or other threats prowling the Internet.
In tackling those needs, Cisco Systems announced the release of a free iPhone application that employs Cisco Security Intelligence Operations (SIO) blogs, podcasts, alerts and the most up to date computer safety information, sending directly to iPhones and iPod Touch devices.
“In a world where your customers or employees are not always connected to a network we wanted to put Cisco security in the palm of your hand,” said Michael Weir, manager of integrated marketing for security.
“The app is made for IT security folks, but it is also for people that like to geek-out on security.”
Users who access the SIO To Go app can find information on the newest threats identified via an ongoing analysis of email and Internet traffic across the glob.
SOURCE:
San Diego, California (CaymanMama.com) — Computer viruses are growing smarter and smarter, making it necessary for technology to stay abreast of the latest trojans, worms, or other threats prowling the Internet.
In tackling those needs, Cisco Systems announced the release of a free iPhone application that employs Cisco Security Intelligence Operations (SIO) blogs, podcasts, alerts and the most up to date computer safety information, sending directly to iPhones and iPod Touch devices.
“In a world where your customers or employees are not always connected to a network we wanted to put Cisco security in the palm of your hand,” said Michael Weir, manager of integrated marketing for security.
“The app is made for IT security folks, but it is also for people that like to geek-out on security.”
Users who access the SIO To Go app can find information on the newest threats identified via an ongoing analysis of email and Internet traffic across the glob.
SOURCE:
Monday, April 19, 2010
Greenfield taps Cisco for fiber-optic service
Greenfield taps Cisco for fiber-optic service
MANILA - Campos-led Greenfield Development Corp. is set to incorporate fiber-optic technology into its upcoming real estate projects with the help of multinational networking solutions firm Cisco Systems Inc.
The fiber-optic technology would provide high-speed Internet access to residential and commercial units within the 10.5-hectare Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City. Company Chairman and President Jeffrey Campos said the new service caters mainly to families of overseas Filipino workers (OFW).
"The OFWs understand more the need for communication. It's going to be the OFWs abroad and their families here who can afford it and understand the technology better," he said.
Greenfield tapped Cisco to integrate the technology into the company's projects for an undisclosed amount. Campos did not specify any timeframe for the said venture, but said that it would be initially tested on the Twin Oaks Place, a project set to be built within the Greenfield district.
"We're doing it with open minds. We're starting with the Greenfield District, but we intend to provide it where we can provide it, at a time when the telcos in the area are ready. It's in our long-term plans," he said.
Initially a landholding company, Greenfield eventually entered into various joint ventures with the likes of Ayala Corp. and Century Properties. Moving forward, Campos said the company is set to launch its own residential and commercial projects.
"Residential and commercial is our baby. We started with commercial years ago, so we know that business. We also know the residential business very well," he said.
In August, high-end serviced apartment Ascott Makati tapped the services of Globe Telecom Inc. to provide wireless Internet service in all of its areas.
The company earlier said that each of its 306 units now have access to password-protected Internet, making it the first in the Philippines to provide full wireless Internet coverage.
SOURCE:
MANILA - Campos-led Greenfield Development Corp. is set to incorporate fiber-optic technology into its upcoming real estate projects with the help of multinational networking solutions firm Cisco Systems Inc.
The fiber-optic technology would provide high-speed Internet access to residential and commercial units within the 10.5-hectare Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City. Company Chairman and President Jeffrey Campos said the new service caters mainly to families of overseas Filipino workers (OFW).
"The OFWs understand more the need for communication. It's going to be the OFWs abroad and their families here who can afford it and understand the technology better," he said.
Greenfield tapped Cisco to integrate the technology into the company's projects for an undisclosed amount. Campos did not specify any timeframe for the said venture, but said that it would be initially tested on the Twin Oaks Place, a project set to be built within the Greenfield district.
"We're doing it with open minds. We're starting with the Greenfield District, but we intend to provide it where we can provide it, at a time when the telcos in the area are ready. It's in our long-term plans," he said.
Initially a landholding company, Greenfield eventually entered into various joint ventures with the likes of Ayala Corp. and Century Properties. Moving forward, Campos said the company is set to launch its own residential and commercial projects.
"Residential and commercial is our baby. We started with commercial years ago, so we know that business. We also know the residential business very well," he said.
In August, high-end serviced apartment Ascott Makati tapped the services of Globe Telecom Inc. to provide wireless Internet service in all of its areas.
The company earlier said that each of its 306 units now have access to password-protected Internet, making it the first in the Philippines to provide full wireless Internet coverage.
SOURCE:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Cisco and logitech join forces in videoconferencing services
Videoconferencing: Cisco, Logitech Target the Mainstream
Logitech's acquisition of LifeSize and Cisco's bid for Tandberg are aimed at grabbing market share and expanding sales to more businesses—and even consumers
Videoconferencing may finally be headed for the mainstream. The technology that lets people around the globe hold face-to-face meetings electronically has been around for decades. Yet many videoconferencing products have for too long been glitchy, overpriced, and hard to use.
Yet seemingly overnight, companies including Cisco Systems (CSCO), Logitech International (LOGI), and several lesser-known startups are engaged in a flurry of dealmaking aimed at grabbing more of the market and bringing the technology into more businesses and homes. Cisco on Nov. 16 upped to $3.4 billion its bid for market leader Tandberg (TAA.DE), hoping to win over investors who said the Oslo, Norway-based company is worth more than the initial $3 billion offer. Cisco may also introduce a videoconferencing product for consumers at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, BusinessWeek has learned. And in its largest-ever acquisition, PC accessories giant Logitech said on Nov. 10 it will pay $405 million for LifeSize Communications, a maker of high-end high-definition videoconferencing gear. Shares of Polycom (PLCM), the last remaining videoconferencing pure play, have risen 12.5% since Oct. 28, on hopes it may be the next to be bought.
The deals underscore a growing sense that videoconferencing is finally ready to go from an exotic luxury to an everyday part of business life. Thanks to increased broadband capacity, corporate networks can now better handle bandwidth-hogging videoconferencing sessions. Scores of consumers and businesspeople have sampled low-end options such as those offered by Internet-calling provider Skype, and millions of people now carry powerful laptops and smartphones with the processing power needed to join conferences from anywhere. Cisco has helped increase visibility for videoconferencing by heavily promoting its TelePresence technology, recently in a self-mocking product placement on NBC's 30 Rock.
Everyday Business Use
TelePresence can set a company back as much as $250,000 for a single conference room, but the range of prices is getting ever lower. Cisco CEO John Chambers is buying Tandberg in part because Tandberg is the leader in the larger market for less expensive room systems. On Nov. 9, Cisco announced Intranet software that would make videoconferencing a standard component on corporate Web sites. "We want this to be the place people start their day, and where they spend most of their day," says Cisco Senior Vice-President Tony Bates. "We're in it to win it."
So, it seems, is Logitech. Better known for its computer mice, Webcams, and other PC accessories, Logitech this month snapped up LifeSize, which sells videoconferencing products that range from $2,500 on the low end to tens of thousands of dollars for deluxe models. Logitech plans to use its manufacturing expertise to get better prices on components and make operations run more efficiently at the enlarged company, driving down prices on LifeSize's gear.
Lesser-known players are also trying to make videoconferencing waves. Hackensack (N.J.)-based Vidyo has a software-only offering that some analysts say may put pressure on industry pricing.
SOURCE:
Logitech's acquisition of LifeSize and Cisco's bid for Tandberg are aimed at grabbing market share and expanding sales to more businesses—and even consumers
Videoconferencing may finally be headed for the mainstream. The technology that lets people around the globe hold face-to-face meetings electronically has been around for decades. Yet many videoconferencing products have for too long been glitchy, overpriced, and hard to use.
Yet seemingly overnight, companies including Cisco Systems (CSCO), Logitech International (LOGI), and several lesser-known startups are engaged in a flurry of dealmaking aimed at grabbing more of the market and bringing the technology into more businesses and homes. Cisco on Nov. 16 upped to $3.4 billion its bid for market leader Tandberg (TAA.DE), hoping to win over investors who said the Oslo, Norway-based company is worth more than the initial $3 billion offer. Cisco may also introduce a videoconferencing product for consumers at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, BusinessWeek has learned. And in its largest-ever acquisition, PC accessories giant Logitech said on Nov. 10 it will pay $405 million for LifeSize Communications, a maker of high-end high-definition videoconferencing gear. Shares of Polycom (PLCM), the last remaining videoconferencing pure play, have risen 12.5% since Oct. 28, on hopes it may be the next to be bought.
The deals underscore a growing sense that videoconferencing is finally ready to go from an exotic luxury to an everyday part of business life. Thanks to increased broadband capacity, corporate networks can now better handle bandwidth-hogging videoconferencing sessions. Scores of consumers and businesspeople have sampled low-end options such as those offered by Internet-calling provider Skype, and millions of people now carry powerful laptops and smartphones with the processing power needed to join conferences from anywhere. Cisco has helped increase visibility for videoconferencing by heavily promoting its TelePresence technology, recently in a self-mocking product placement on NBC's 30 Rock.
Everyday Business Use
TelePresence can set a company back as much as $250,000 for a single conference room, but the range of prices is getting ever lower. Cisco CEO John Chambers is buying Tandberg in part because Tandberg is the leader in the larger market for less expensive room systems. On Nov. 9, Cisco announced Intranet software that would make videoconferencing a standard component on corporate Web sites. "We want this to be the place people start their day, and where they spend most of their day," says Cisco Senior Vice-President Tony Bates. "We're in it to win it."
So, it seems, is Logitech. Better known for its computer mice, Webcams, and other PC accessories, Logitech this month snapped up LifeSize, which sells videoconferencing products that range from $2,500 on the low end to tens of thousands of dollars for deluxe models. Logitech plans to use its manufacturing expertise to get better prices on components and make operations run more efficiently at the enlarged company, driving down prices on LifeSize's gear.
Lesser-known players are also trying to make videoconferencing waves. Hackensack (N.J.)-based Vidyo has a software-only offering that some analysts say may put pressure on industry pricing.
SOURCE:
Thursday, April 8, 2010
New Contract signed by Cisco with New Ingram to expand global opputunites
New Ingram Micro contract with Cisco expands global opportunities
Distributor Ingram Micro Inc. has signed a global contract with Cisco Systems Inc. that standardizes terms and conditions across all regions. As Cisco's largest global distributor, Ingram Micro will now be able to offer its resellers international access to Cisco products and related services with consistent terms, processes and support.
"Ingram Micro is committed to helping our vendors and customers grow their businesses, whether it be selling solutions across the street or across the globe," said Ken Bast, vice president, vendor management, Ingram Micro Inc. "Ingram Micro's new global contract with Cisco allows our resale partners to take full advantage of business opportunities on a worldwide scale. Now, our customers will be able to expand into new markets, as well as support their existing global clients with quicker product availability, which will ultimately shorten their sell cycle and positively impact their balance sheets."
Through these new terms, Ingram Micro's reseller partners can take advantage of Ingram Micro's worldwide footprint and gain entry into countries in which they currently do not have a presence. The contract applies to the more than 150 countries in which Ingram Micro supports Cisco sales. In addition, customers receive dedicated worldwide Cisco support through the Ingram Micro Global Order Desk, which will help customers fulfill orders all over the world. The Global Order Desk ensures that all parties comply with all legal, tax and trade requirements that are typical in cross-border deployments.
"Cisco is on the forefront of evolving traditional business models and programs to support globalization, and of operating as 'one Cisco,'" said Dave O'Callaghan, vice president distribution for Cisco. "This new global contract is another example of how our solid partnership with Ingram Micro can benefit not only our two companies, but also any solution provider looking to expand its global footprint."
Most people buy from ebay there are still available items there for a great value and price..XOXO
SOURCE:
Distributor Ingram Micro Inc. has signed a global contract with Cisco Systems Inc. that standardizes terms and conditions across all regions. As Cisco's largest global distributor, Ingram Micro will now be able to offer its resellers international access to Cisco products and related services with consistent terms, processes and support.
"Ingram Micro is committed to helping our vendors and customers grow their businesses, whether it be selling solutions across the street or across the globe," said Ken Bast, vice president, vendor management, Ingram Micro Inc. "Ingram Micro's new global contract with Cisco allows our resale partners to take full advantage of business opportunities on a worldwide scale. Now, our customers will be able to expand into new markets, as well as support their existing global clients with quicker product availability, which will ultimately shorten their sell cycle and positively impact their balance sheets."
Through these new terms, Ingram Micro's reseller partners can take advantage of Ingram Micro's worldwide footprint and gain entry into countries in which they currently do not have a presence. The contract applies to the more than 150 countries in which Ingram Micro supports Cisco sales. In addition, customers receive dedicated worldwide Cisco support through the Ingram Micro Global Order Desk, which will help customers fulfill orders all over the world. The Global Order Desk ensures that all parties comply with all legal, tax and trade requirements that are typical in cross-border deployments.
"Cisco is on the forefront of evolving traditional business models and programs to support globalization, and of operating as 'one Cisco,'" said Dave O'Callaghan, vice president distribution for Cisco. "This new global contract is another example of how our solid partnership with Ingram Micro can benefit not only our two companies, but also any solution provider looking to expand its global footprint."
Most people buy from ebay there are still available items there for a great value and price..XOXO
SOURCE:
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Cisco a trademarked iPhone!!!
Cisco a trademarked iPhone!!!
When Apple launched their smartphone and branded it the iPhone there was just one problem. The iPhone was already trademarked by Cisco which led to a lawsuit and an eventual settlement of the trademark back in 2007.
Earlier this year Apple announced their breakthrough tablet called the iPad. Again, there was just one problem. As we previously reported, the iPad trademark was already owned by Fujitsu. Once again, as part of some strange business plan, Apple has now acquired the trademark from Fujitsu according to the PatentAuthority.com website.
You’d think at some point Apple would pay someone to do a little research and get any trademark rights before launching a landmark product. Mind you, I’m starting to think that it’s Apple’s game plan to get a previously owned trademark by pressuring the owner into selling it by stealing the association of a trademark with their own product.
Did Steve Jobs new about anything about CISCO?
When Apple launched their smartphone and branded it the iPhone there was just one problem. The iPhone was already trademarked by Cisco which led to a lawsuit and an eventual settlement of the trademark back in 2007.
Earlier this year Apple announced their breakthrough tablet called the iPad. Again, there was just one problem. As we previously reported, the iPad trademark was already owned by Fujitsu. Once again, as part of some strange business plan, Apple has now acquired the trademark from Fujitsu according to the PatentAuthority.com website.
You’d think at some point Apple would pay someone to do a little research and get any trademark rights before launching a landmark product. Mind you, I’m starting to think that it’s Apple’s game plan to get a previously owned trademark by pressuring the owner into selling it by stealing the association of a trademark with their own product.
Did Steve Jobs new about anything about CISCO?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Cisco Acquisition of Tandberg a Major Step in Unified Communications
Cisco Acquisition of Tandberg a Major Step in Unified Communications
Cisco, the Major Player in the Unified Communication World,as the convergence of technology continues to progress, we are truly seeing Voice, Video, email, and Wireless platforms merge into a cohesive singular solution.
Everyday, the worlds population embraces the internet for all forms of Communication; utilizing email, voice, video, and the combination of them, in online presentations, Movies, advertisements; such various interactions of people to people, B to B, and business to people.
Cisco is a 40 billion dollar International Corporation,with a Business Plan that calls for it to be the Leading Provider of "Unified Communications". The Convergence of Technologies has allowed for the growth of many new solutions and communication platforms to be brought forward over the past 20 years.
Cisco realized that its platform of products has been the prime foundation for the transmission of data, voice,video, etc, but relized long ago that it needed to acquire certain technology solutions which had already progressed in development over many, many years and had become leaders in pieces of the overall "Unified Communications" Solution. Cisco has surely made some great acquisitions that have helped to grow them to a 40 Billion Company and a Leader in the World.
In Cisco's attempt to build a True "telepresence" or Glorified Video Conferencing Solution, they had taken on a "Bear" of a task.
Video Conferencing, although out on the market for many years, has had it large share of difficulty in use. The standardization of platforms for one system to "speak" with others has been one of the large issues, as well as, utilization of presentation software within the Video Conference Presentation (as a PowerPoint presentation).
Users would find that voice and video and presentations did not always flow in a smooth and connected fashion, as transmitted in different timing modes, making it difficult to have a cohesive life like meeting.
The overriding benefit of Video Conferencing or "telepresence" is the ability to have gatherings, meetings, conferences; without the need to travel long distances, or take people out of their normal work day for excessive time beyond the scope of normal time alloted for a meeting, presentation, conference, training session, or any of the the other reasons to gather together for a single presentation. The Time savings, Travel Cost savings and ability to host such a meeting with short notice are just a few of the Return of Investment from utilizing such technology.
Tandberg has been a long term leader in the Video Conferencing World, since the inception of the technology and has the talent an process on Board to continue to evolve the Solution. It is a Continued multi year process for Cisco to Complete their present 'Telepresence" solution and build a reseller base capable of designing and implementing the "Grand" solution for such Companies that will spent $250,000 and more for a single Room that services 8-10 people.
Tandberg will fill the gap in both providing solutions that will fill the price points from $7500 to $249,000 and provide a wealth of Technological assistance to Cisco in the development of a dependable and evolving Video Conferencing and "telepresence" solutions for the growing "Unified Communication" clients emerging each day; based on the ROI of cost savings in owning such solutions or using a "Managed Cisco Solution" as an alternative to owning their own Solution.
SOURCE:
Cisco, the Major Player in the Unified Communication World,as the convergence of technology continues to progress, we are truly seeing Voice, Video, email, and Wireless platforms merge into a cohesive singular solution.
Everyday, the worlds population embraces the internet for all forms of Communication; utilizing email, voice, video, and the combination of them, in online presentations, Movies, advertisements; such various interactions of people to people, B to B, and business to people.
Cisco is a 40 billion dollar International Corporation,with a Business Plan that calls for it to be the Leading Provider of "Unified Communications". The Convergence of Technologies has allowed for the growth of many new solutions and communication platforms to be brought forward over the past 20 years.
Cisco realized that its platform of products has been the prime foundation for the transmission of data, voice,video, etc, but relized long ago that it needed to acquire certain technology solutions which had already progressed in development over many, many years and had become leaders in pieces of the overall "Unified Communications" Solution. Cisco has surely made some great acquisitions that have helped to grow them to a 40 Billion Company and a Leader in the World.
In Cisco's attempt to build a True "telepresence" or Glorified Video Conferencing Solution, they had taken on a "Bear" of a task.
Video Conferencing, although out on the market for many years, has had it large share of difficulty in use. The standardization of platforms for one system to "speak" with others has been one of the large issues, as well as, utilization of presentation software within the Video Conference Presentation (as a PowerPoint presentation).
Users would find that voice and video and presentations did not always flow in a smooth and connected fashion, as transmitted in different timing modes, making it difficult to have a cohesive life like meeting.
The overriding benefit of Video Conferencing or "telepresence" is the ability to have gatherings, meetings, conferences; without the need to travel long distances, or take people out of their normal work day for excessive time beyond the scope of normal time alloted for a meeting, presentation, conference, training session, or any of the the other reasons to gather together for a single presentation. The Time savings, Travel Cost savings and ability to host such a meeting with short notice are just a few of the Return of Investment from utilizing such technology.
Tandberg has been a long term leader in the Video Conferencing World, since the inception of the technology and has the talent an process on Board to continue to evolve the Solution. It is a Continued multi year process for Cisco to Complete their present 'Telepresence" solution and build a reseller base capable of designing and implementing the "Grand" solution for such Companies that will spent $250,000 and more for a single Room that services 8-10 people.
Tandberg will fill the gap in both providing solutions that will fill the price points from $7500 to $249,000 and provide a wealth of Technological assistance to Cisco in the development of a dependable and evolving Video Conferencing and "telepresence" solutions for the growing "Unified Communication" clients emerging each day; based on the ROI of cost savings in owning such solutions or using a "Managed Cisco Solution" as an alternative to owning their own Solution.
SOURCE:
Monday, November 23, 2009
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