Bangalore: It was a leap of faith for Cisco Systems Inc. to announce its first business unit outside the US in Bangalore in February when chief executive John Chambers visited the city.
Energy-efficient: Sandeep Vij, vice-president and general manager of Converged Building Systems unit at Cisco Systems, says that with 25-30% energy saving, the return on investment is swift. Hemant Mishra / Mint
Energy-efficient: Sandeep Vij, vice-president and general manager of Converged Building Systems unit at Cisco Systems, says that with 25-30% energy saving, the return on investment is swift. Hemant Mishra / Mint
Now with the converged building systems, or CBS, unit ready to roll out products, Cisco says it has brought its technology closer to the market it intends to serve, which evidently is also the market where maximum urbanization is likely to happen.
In July, Cisco announced its smart connected buildings initiative, which is about integrating information technology (IT) into buildings to optimize energy use.
With 76% of all electricity used going towards running buildings anywhere in the world, multi-billion dollar business opportunities beckon technology providers, particularly the early starters. Both the commercial and residential building spaces are worth $12 billion (Rs58,080 crore) each, says Sandeep Vij, vice-president and general manager of the CBS unit at Cisco Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. In fact, he sees “smart+connected communities” as the “birth of a new industry”.
The backbone of this initiative, at least initially, is the mediator technology which came through Cisco’s acquisition of a California company, Richards-Zeta Inc., in May. Mediator provides a centralized Internet protocol (IP)-based management of multiple systems running in a building including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electricity, water, telephony and data.
The cost of the mediator and peripherals can start from $5,000 and go up to around $1 million. But Vij is quick to add that with 25-30% energy saving, the return on investment is swift.
“Cisco’s timing is right for their smarter, IP-enabled infrastructure across various sectors, given the increasing government funding across the globe,” say analysts Usman Sindhu and Doug Washburn at technology and market research firm Forrester Research.
The duo has been looking at the smart+connected communities concept ever since it was announced.
In June, Cisco signed an agreement with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Co. Ltd and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd to set up a connected finance city. In February, the Karnataka government came on board to chart a road map for an “intelligent and sustainable” Bangalore.
Under its first phase, Bangalore’s transport and police departments are deploying Cisco’s technology.
“In the next phase, Cisco is keen to work with our state-run rural BPOs (state’s new initiative in business process outsourcing to enhance IT skills of rural people) and we’ve just begun discussing how a new Cisco-proposed model will complement the existing programme,” said Ashok Kumar C. Manoli, Karnataka’s principal secretary for IT. Education and health will come next, he added.
Sindhu and Washburn think Cisco has made a smart move, “especially working with city officials to get their buy-in at the initial stages of technology roll-out”. Besides Bangalore, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Incheon in South Korea and Amsterdam in the Netherlands are the cities where the company is providing flavours of the smarter city infrastructure.
But Cisco is also eyeing many technology companies in India which operate large and multiple campuses. “We have a healthy pipeline of responses,” says Vij, not disclosing which technology firms are keen on managing their energy footprint.
Analysts say Cisco’s strategy lies in the fact that it’s not alone in rolling out this infrastructure. International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)is in the forefront with its “smart planet initiative”. In India, IBM has unveiled a digital video surveillance tool for threat and fraud detection and real estate company DLF Ltd is one of its early adopters.
“The solution helps DLF with real-time alerts and post-event analysis for investigative purposes, integrated dashboard for security sensors like cameras, access control readers, etc.,” said Ashish Kumar, general manager, global technology services, IBM India/South Asia.
As these schemes pick up, many vendors will get involved and provide niche capabilities such as security, validation testing and other such services. For instance, say Sindhu and Washburn, Hewlett-Packard Co. has stepped up to provide validation testing for smart meters before they hit the market.
But bandwidth guzzlers as these smart services are, poor network infrastructure could play a spoilsport. According to the latest Global Information Technology Report released in March, India ranks a lowly 54 among 134 countries in IT use, with only 0.3% broadband penetration. Forrester analysts say bandwidth is a bottleneck in other parts of the world as well since smart services require bandwidth-hungry applications such as “unified communications, telepresence and Web 2.0”.
Security is another concern. Sindhu and Washburn say “it is even neglected to some extent”. “For example, smart meters that are being rolled out under Smart Grid are not as secure as they should be. They need to be tested rigorously to bulletproof them from being breached.”
Cisco doesn’t underrate these challenges, says Vij. But for now it’s busy asking, “After voice, data and video, can we now move energy management to the network?”
SOURCE:
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
New Cisco certification courses available through UK training provider Fast Lane
The company said that the Certified Cisco Network Professional (CCNP) Wireless curriculum forms key preparation for the new Certified Cisco Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Wireless certification, the highest level of technical networking certification offered by Cisco.
Two of the modules - Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Voice Networks (IUWVN) and Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Mobility Services (IUWMS) - were developed by senior Fast Lane instructor Jerome Henry.
Both courses are designed to give students a firm understanding of how to integrate VoWLAN services into the WLAN and implement QoS for high-bandwidth applications. The courses also teach advanced skills needed to integrate mobility services, tune and troubleshoot the WLAN and implement indoor enterprise MESH networks.
The CCNP Wireless courses each take five days and can be taken in any order. The prerequisite for the entire curriculum is the Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE) course. Course prices were not given.
SOURCE:
Two of the modules - Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Voice Networks (IUWVN) and Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Mobility Services (IUWMS) - were developed by senior Fast Lane instructor Jerome Henry.
Both courses are designed to give students a firm understanding of how to integrate VoWLAN services into the WLAN and implement QoS for high-bandwidth applications. The courses also teach advanced skills needed to integrate mobility services, tune and troubleshoot the WLAN and implement indoor enterprise MESH networks.
The CCNP Wireless courses each take five days and can be taken in any order. The prerequisite for the entire curriculum is the Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE) course. Course prices were not given.
SOURCE:
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Cisco Networking Academy Expands Offerings to Address Growing Demand for Information-Security Skills
PRESS RELEASE:Cisco Networking Academy Expands Offerings to Address Growing Demand for Information-Security Skills
SAN JOSE, CA -- 08/11/09 -- For more than a decade, Cisco® Networking Academy® program has partnered with the education community to help students worldwide enter rewarding careers by teaching valuable networking and information technology (IT) skills. Recognizing the growing demand for entry-level professionals with networking security and risk-management skills, Networking Academy today announced the availability of a new Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) CCNA® Security course, which will be available to students globally via colleges and universities that are part of Networking Academy community.
* Security and risk-management skills are among the most sought-after skills in networking, and global demand continues to grow. Organizations around the world are experiencing a shortage of qualified ICT (information and communications technology) candidates with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to administer devices and applications in a highly secure infrastructure, to recognize network vulnerabilities, and to mitigate security threats.
* According to a recent study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Cisco, dedicated security roles are expected in 80 percent of the companies studied worldwide by 2012.
* Since 1997, Networking Academy has grown to reach a diverse population of more than 750,000 students each year in more than 165 countries. All students receive the same high-quality education through their local educational institutions, supported by online content and assessments, performance tracking, hands-on labs and interactive learning tools.
Security Courseware:
* The Cisco Networking Academy CCNA Security course provides a next step for individuals who want to enhance their CCNA-level skill set and help meet the growing demand for networking professionals with specialized skills.
* The curriculum provides an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices.
* Cisco Packet Tracer, the powerful simulation and visualization software developed by Cisco Networking Academy, has been enhanced to provide support for the security protocols covered in the CCNA Security curriculum.
* CCNA Security courseware and Cisco Packet Tracer 5.2 are available now.
CCNA Security Certification
* CCNA Security helps students prepare for the Implementing Cisco IOS® Network Security (IINS) certification exam (640-553) leading to the Cisco CCNA Security certification.
* With the CCNA Security certification, an individual demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize network threats and vulnerabilities, and mitigate security threats with a focus on industry-leading Cisco equipment, while providing general network security knowledge that is applicable across multiple vendor platforms.
* The CCNA Security certification helps students develop the skills needed for job roles such as network security specialists, security administrators and network security support engineers.
* The CCNA Security certification prerequisite is a valid CCNA.
Supporting Quotes:
* Amy Christen, vice president, Corporate Affairs and general manager, Cisco Networking Academy, said: "Cisco Networking Academy provides lifelong learning and career ladders for students to find and develop rewarding career opportunities, improving the future for themselves and their communities. This new CCNA Security curriculum reflects the evolving technologies and specialized security skills that will help students succeed in today's global, networked economy."
* Ashraf Salem, head teacher, Meadowbank ICT, Northern Sydney Institute, said: "Businesses of all sizes and in all industries are looking for professionals with the advanced skills needed to maintain and secure their increasingly complex networks. The education provided by Cisco Networking Academy helps prepare students for rewarding careers in exciting fields. The new security course will provide an opportunity for students to further enhance their skills and prepare for in-demand job roles."
* Ye-Zhai Chau, student, Meadowbank ICT, Northern Sydney Institute, said: "I found the CCNA Security course to be very beneficial in my understanding of safeguarding networks and databases. I could apply the skills acquired from this course to set up complex passwords for security purposes. I feel that I have gained a deeper understanding regarding network attacks and in which manner to safeguard against future attacks."
* Lewis Lightner, chairperson, Networking Technology, Asheville- Buncombe Technical Community College, said: "The CCNA Security curriculum provides the specialized technical and soft skills required for networking professionals to excel in today's job market. Students are very excited about the opportunity to build on the core routing and switching skills they have already acquired through Networking Academy courses and to develop new skills. The CCNA Security curriculum has been field-tested by educators around the world to ensure the materials are relevant and meet the exceptional quality standards of Cisco Networking Academy."
SOURCE:
SAN JOSE, CA -- 08/11/09 -- For more than a decade, Cisco® Networking Academy® program has partnered with the education community to help students worldwide enter rewarding careers by teaching valuable networking and information technology (IT) skills. Recognizing the growing demand for entry-level professionals with networking security and risk-management skills, Networking Academy today announced the availability of a new Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) CCNA® Security course, which will be available to students globally via colleges and universities that are part of Networking Academy community.
* Security and risk-management skills are among the most sought-after skills in networking, and global demand continues to grow. Organizations around the world are experiencing a shortage of qualified ICT (information and communications technology) candidates with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to administer devices and applications in a highly secure infrastructure, to recognize network vulnerabilities, and to mitigate security threats.
* According to a recent study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Cisco, dedicated security roles are expected in 80 percent of the companies studied worldwide by 2012.
* Since 1997, Networking Academy has grown to reach a diverse population of more than 750,000 students each year in more than 165 countries. All students receive the same high-quality education through their local educational institutions, supported by online content and assessments, performance tracking, hands-on labs and interactive learning tools.
Security Courseware:
* The Cisco Networking Academy CCNA Security course provides a next step for individuals who want to enhance their CCNA-level skill set and help meet the growing demand for networking professionals with specialized skills.
* The curriculum provides an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices.
* Cisco Packet Tracer, the powerful simulation and visualization software developed by Cisco Networking Academy, has been enhanced to provide support for the security protocols covered in the CCNA Security curriculum.
* CCNA Security courseware and Cisco Packet Tracer 5.2 are available now.
CCNA Security Certification
* CCNA Security helps students prepare for the Implementing Cisco IOS® Network Security (IINS) certification exam (640-553) leading to the Cisco CCNA Security certification.
* With the CCNA Security certification, an individual demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize network threats and vulnerabilities, and mitigate security threats with a focus on industry-leading Cisco equipment, while providing general network security knowledge that is applicable across multiple vendor platforms.
* The CCNA Security certification helps students develop the skills needed for job roles such as network security specialists, security administrators and network security support engineers.
* The CCNA Security certification prerequisite is a valid CCNA.
Supporting Quotes:
* Amy Christen, vice president, Corporate Affairs and general manager, Cisco Networking Academy, said: "Cisco Networking Academy provides lifelong learning and career ladders for students to find and develop rewarding career opportunities, improving the future for themselves and their communities. This new CCNA Security curriculum reflects the evolving technologies and specialized security skills that will help students succeed in today's global, networked economy."
* Ashraf Salem, head teacher, Meadowbank ICT, Northern Sydney Institute, said: "Businesses of all sizes and in all industries are looking for professionals with the advanced skills needed to maintain and secure their increasingly complex networks. The education provided by Cisco Networking Academy helps prepare students for rewarding careers in exciting fields. The new security course will provide an opportunity for students to further enhance their skills and prepare for in-demand job roles."
* Ye-Zhai Chau, student, Meadowbank ICT, Northern Sydney Institute, said: "I found the CCNA Security course to be very beneficial in my understanding of safeguarding networks and databases. I could apply the skills acquired from this course to set up complex passwords for security purposes. I feel that I have gained a deeper understanding regarding network attacks and in which manner to safeguard against future attacks."
* Lewis Lightner, chairperson, Networking Technology, Asheville- Buncombe Technical Community College, said: "The CCNA Security curriculum provides the specialized technical and soft skills required for networking professionals to excel in today's job market. Students are very excited about the opportunity to build on the core routing and switching skills they have already acquired through Networking Academy courses and to develop new skills. The CCNA Security curriculum has been field-tested by educators around the world to ensure the materials are relevant and meet the exceptional quality standards of Cisco Networking Academy."
SOURCE:
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
EMC, Cisco and VMware to Release Joint Data Center Product
At yesterday's EMC Forum in Long Beach, Calif., EMC (NYSE: EMC) let slip a few details about announcements that could come within a month, as the cloud alliance between VMware (NYSE: VMW), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and EMC (dubbed VCE) gathers momentum.
"We have been building an integrated 'stack in a rack,' which is essentially a virtual data center in one rack," said Linda Connly, EMC's chief of staff and sales strategy. "We have proved out an architecture that offers integrated components for storage, virtualization, security, networking and deduplication. These would work well, for example, as drop-in modules for remote sites."
In addition to the first concrete product from the VCE alliance, a joint service center is also part of the plans — with three vendors to deal with, customers would naturally be hesitant about what could well turn into a finger-pointing extravaganza.
"We have a joint announcement coming soon about an integrated service offer for customer service," said Connly. "That means one phone call to resolve issues with this new product."
Each member of VCE has contributed staff, for an initial total of 60 people to form the core of the support organization. End user calls would go to a resource pool that spans the combined might of the companies so that issues can be handled at first contact rather than being referred from one vendor to another.
It's not clear if Cisco's Unified Computing System, or UCS, will be part of the announcement. Cisco said on its earnings conference call this week that it expects UCS sales to pick up in the second half of the year.
SOURCE:
"We have been building an integrated 'stack in a rack,' which is essentially a virtual data center in one rack," said Linda Connly, EMC's chief of staff and sales strategy. "We have proved out an architecture that offers integrated components for storage, virtualization, security, networking and deduplication. These would work well, for example, as drop-in modules for remote sites."
In addition to the first concrete product from the VCE alliance, a joint service center is also part of the plans — with three vendors to deal with, customers would naturally be hesitant about what could well turn into a finger-pointing extravaganza.
"We have a joint announcement coming soon about an integrated service offer for customer service," said Connly. "That means one phone call to resolve issues with this new product."
Each member of VCE has contributed staff, for an initial total of 60 people to form the core of the support organization. End user calls would go to a resource pool that spans the combined might of the companies so that issues can be handled at first contact rather than being referred from one vendor to another.
It's not clear if Cisco's Unified Computing System, or UCS, will be part of the announcement. Cisco said on its earnings conference call this week that it expects UCS sales to pick up in the second half of the year.
SOURCE:
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Analysts notes lift Cisco shares ahead of earnings
NEW YORK, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Shares of Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) rose 2 percent on Monday after a string of upbeat analysts notes and growing confidence in an economic recovery propped up expectations for the network equipment maker's quarterly results due later in the week.
Bernstein Research analyst Jeff Evenson said that after talking with industry contacts and looking at overall economic trends, he believed the company's quarterly results would likely come in at the higher end of its estimates.
Cisco, scheduled to report results after the market closes on Wednesday, had forecast a 17 percent to 20 percent drop in revenue from a year earlier.
"Revenue guidance given last quarter appears to have been generally conservative, assuming that demand would not stabilize or recover," said Evenson, forecasting quarterly revenue of $8.6 billion, down 17 percent from a year earlier.
Analysts on average expect $8.4 billion, down nearly 19 percent from a year earlier, according to Reuters Estimates.
Shares of the world's biggest manufacturer of routers and switches rose 43 cents to $22.44, outperforming the Nasdaq composite's .IXIC 0.6 percent rise.
UBS raised its target on the shares to $22.50 from $20.50, and Jefferies & Co. raised its target to $26 from $24.
The shares have risen around 14 percent in the past three months on hopes of an economic recovery, although many analysts have warned a substantial recovery in technology demand may take longer than many investors expect.
Morgan Keegan analyst Simon Leopold said he believes the communications equipment market bottomed out in the January-March quarter.
"We think the stock bounced off the bottom when the macro economy seemed to bottom, and now with initial signs of recovery, albeit muted, we think the stock can continue to appreciate," he said.
Leopold added that he expects Cisco to strike an "incrementally more positive" with investors, and that even if quarterly revenue falls as much as the market expects, cost-cuts may help earnings exceed the market's consensus of 28 cents per share before items.
REUTERS:
Bernstein Research analyst Jeff Evenson said that after talking with industry contacts and looking at overall economic trends, he believed the company's quarterly results would likely come in at the higher end of its estimates.
Cisco, scheduled to report results after the market closes on Wednesday, had forecast a 17 percent to 20 percent drop in revenue from a year earlier.
"Revenue guidance given last quarter appears to have been generally conservative, assuming that demand would not stabilize or recover," said Evenson, forecasting quarterly revenue of $8.6 billion, down 17 percent from a year earlier.
Analysts on average expect $8.4 billion, down nearly 19 percent from a year earlier, according to Reuters Estimates.
Shares of the world's biggest manufacturer of routers and switches rose 43 cents to $22.44, outperforming the Nasdaq composite's .IXIC 0.6 percent rise.
UBS raised its target on the shares to $22.50 from $20.50, and Jefferies & Co. raised its target to $26 from $24.
The shares have risen around 14 percent in the past three months on hopes of an economic recovery, although many analysts have warned a substantial recovery in technology demand may take longer than many investors expect.
Morgan Keegan analyst Simon Leopold said he believes the communications equipment market bottomed out in the January-March quarter.
"We think the stock bounced off the bottom when the macro economy seemed to bottom, and now with initial signs of recovery, albeit muted, we think the stock can continue to appreciate," he said.
Leopold added that he expects Cisco to strike an "incrementally more positive" with investors, and that even if quarterly revenue falls as much as the market expects, cost-cuts may help earnings exceed the market's consensus of 28 cents per share before items.
REUTERS:
Monday, August 3, 2009
Cisco Systems, Inc., CSCO - Cisco is expected to post an 18% drop in sales
Cisco Systems, Inc., CSCO - Cisco is expected to post an 18% drop in sales
The maker of routers and networking gear is widely considered a barometer for corporate tech spending. Cisco is expected to post an 18% drop in sales…but investors hope that results will offer signs that the deep slump is coming to an end.
On average analysts expect Cisco to report fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $8.49 billion, down 18 percent from a year earlier but up 4 percent from the previous quarter, according to Reuters Estimates. Analyst Kenneth Muth said he believes there is more upside than downside risk and raised his price target to $26 from $20.
I have not bought and tested a cisco equipment before.
SOURCE:
The maker of routers and networking gear is widely considered a barometer for corporate tech spending. Cisco is expected to post an 18% drop in sales…but investors hope that results will offer signs that the deep slump is coming to an end.
On average analysts expect Cisco to report fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $8.49 billion, down 18 percent from a year earlier but up 4 percent from the previous quarter, according to Reuters Estimates. Analyst Kenneth Muth said he believes there is more upside than downside risk and raised his price target to $26 from $20.
I have not bought and tested a cisco equipment before.
SOURCE:
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