Cisco Systems Joins Pioneering French Technology Initiative "Secure Communicating Solutions" (SCS)

Cisco Systems France alongside other industry players contributes research expertise to create projects to strengthen French innovation.

ISSY LES MOULINEAUX, May 4, 2006 - Cisco Systems is strengthening its commitment to Research & Development in France and is announcing its involvement in the French initiative "Secure Communicating Solutions" (SCS). Cisco will be participating in pioneering projects through its technology center in Sophia Antipolis. The centre will be focusing on key Cisco technology areas such as IPv6 for new generation Internet addressing, MPLS for IP network service quality and Mobile IP for the development of mobile routers. The centre in France is leading the way, of Cisco’s four R&D centers worldwide, in developing key standards and Cisco Systems has contributed to numerous patents and the IETF1 and the ETSI2 were originated at the centre.

"As the global leader in Internet solutions, Cisco’s commitment to the "Secure Communicating Solutions" initiative is excellent news and confirms Sophia Antipolis’ international standing in this field of operations", adds Christian Estrosi, Deputy Minister for national planning and development in France.

Next research projects in the pipeline by the SCS initiative focus on key market focus areas for Cisco Systems such as location based services and RFID3 ; mobility and broadband wireless networks; communication systems for public safety and crisis management; solutions for creating the hospital of the future using the Cisco Medical Grade Network.

One of the first projects Cisco is looking to conduct in collaboration with other members of the SCS cluster is a new generation radio mesh network. This would form a European window on technology, providing a test platform for mobility (4G), IPv6 and the security of innovative applications used in fields such as public safety, crisis management and the attractiveness of deprived areas.

"Cisco’s presence and active participation in the SCS initiative is very positive which will contribute to technology development in France. Cisco’s research is considered ’best in class’ in its industry ", says Pierre Laffitte, senator for the Alpes-Maritimes region.

Other research projects Cisco is involved in include the Eurocom Institute Economic Interest Group (www.eurecom.fr), the GET4 school of engineering and the communication systems research center located in Sophia Antipolis. Cisco will draw support from Eurecom for its R&D work, in particular in the fields of broadband wireless networks, mobility and security.

"Innovation is at the heart of Cisco Systems’ culture and strategy. We invest $3.08 billion annually in developing new and advancing our existing technology with partners and customers. The SCS initiative is a good example of French industry players coming together to create innovative projects to enhance France’s future as a major player in the development of information and communication technologies. This will benefit industry, business and our citizens alike", says Thierry Drilhon, General Manager, Cisco Systems France and Vice-President Europe.

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1 Internet Engineering Task Force
2 European Telecom Standardization Institute - based in Sophia-Antipolis.
3 Radio Frequency Identification
4 Group of telecommunication schools

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