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{{Short description|American multinational technology company}}
{{Distinguish|Sysco|Sisqó|Costco|COSCO{{!}}Cosco}}
{{Other uses|Cisco (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Cisco Systems, Inc.
| logo = Cisco logo blue 2016.svg
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2006, representing the [[Golden Gate Bridge]].<ref name="75th" />
| logo_size = 
| image = Cisco Systems Headquarters (Building 10), Cisco San Jose Main Campus.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = Building 10 of the Cisco San Jose Main Campus
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{Plainlist|
* {{NASDAQ|CSCO}}
* [[Nasdaq-100]] component
* [[DJIA]] component
* [[S&P 100]] component
* [[S&P 500]] component
}}
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|US17275R1023}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1984|12|10}} in [[San Francisco]], California, U.S.
| founders = {{Unbulleted list|[[Leonard Bosack]]|[[Sandy Lerner]]}}
| hq_location_city = [[San Jose, California]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.<ref>{{cite web|title=Contact Cisco|url=https://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/siteassets/contacts/index.html|access-date=March 1, 2017}}</ref>
| subsid = 
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
* [[Chuck Robbins]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Hackett |first=Robert |date=5 May 2015 |title=Why Cisco’s board chose Chuck Robbins to lead as CEO
 |url=https://fortune.com/2015/05/05/cisco-ceo-chuck-robbins/ |website=Fortune |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref><br />([[Chief executive officer|CEO]] & [[chairman]])
}}
| industry = {{ubl|[[Networking hardware]]|[[Networking software]]}}
| products = [[List of Cisco products]]
| revenue = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|{{decrease}} {{USD|53.80 [[1,000,000,000|billion]]|link=yes}} (2024)}}
| operating_income = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|{{decrease}} {{USD|12.18 billion}} (2024)}}
| net_income = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|{{decrease}} {{USD|10.32 billion}} (2024)}}
| assets = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|{{increase}} {{USD|124.4 billion}} (2024)}}
| equity = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap|{{increase}} {{USD|45.46 billion}} (2024)}}
| num_employees = 90,400 (2024)
| website = {{URL|https://www.cisco.com/|cisco.com}}
| footnotes = Financials {{as of|2024|7|27|lc=y|df=US}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000858877/000085887724000017/csco-20240727.htm |title=Cisco Systems, Inc. FY 2024 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |date=September 5, 2024}}</ref>
}}
{{Advert|date=June 2025}}
'''Cisco Systems, Inc.''' (using the [[trademark]] '''Cisco''') is an American [[multinational corporation|multinational]] [[digital communications]] technology [[conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] corporation headquartered in [[San Jose, California]]. Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells [[networking hardware]], [[software]], [[telecommunications equipment]] and other [[high-technology]] services and products.<ref name="Cisco-Sep-2012-10-K">{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/419/0001193125-12-388590.pdf |title=Cisco, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Sep 12, 2012 |website=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref> Cisco specializes in specific tech markets, such as the [[Internet of things]] (IoT), [[internet domain|domain security]], [[videoconferencing]], and [[energy management]] with [[List of Cisco products|products]] including [[Webex]], [[OpenDNS]], [[XMPP|Jabber]], Duo Security, Silicon One, and [[Cisco Jasper|Jasper]].

Cisco Systems was founded in December 1984 by [[Leonard Bosack]] and [[Sandy Lerner]], two [[Stanford University]] computer scientists who had been instrumental in connecting computers at Stanford. They pioneered the concept of a [[local area network]] (LAN) being used to connect distant computers over a multiprotocol [[router (computing)|router system]]. The company went public in 1990 and, by the end of the [[dot-com bubble]] in 2000, had a market capitalization of $500 billion, surpassing [[Microsoft]] as the world's most valuable company.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/cisco-pushes-past-microsoft-market/story.aspx?guid=%7BFA6BADEF%2D05F2%2D4169%2DADDA%2D12E9D17C4433%7D |title=Cisco pushes past Microsoft in market value |work=[[MarketWatch|CBS Marketwatch]] |date=March 25, 2000 |access-date=January 25, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cisco ascends to most valuable company |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/cisco-ascends-to-most-valuable-company/ |access-date=16 January 2022 |work=CNET |language=en}}</ref>

Cisco stock (CSCO), trading on [[Nasdaq]] since 1990, was added to the [[Dow Jones Industrial Average]] on June 8, 2009, and is also included in the [[S&P 500]], [[Nasdaq-100]], the [[Russell 1000]], and the Russell 1000 Growth Stock indices.<ref>{{cite news |first=E.S. |last=Browning |title=Travelers, Cisco Replace Citi, GM in Dow |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124386244318072033 |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones & Company, Inc|date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=WIRED Staff |title=Cisco to be Added to the Dow on June 8 |url=https://www.wired.com/2009/06/cisco-to-be-added-to-the-dow-on-june-8/ |access-date=29 December 2021 |magazine=Wired}}</ref>

== History ==

=== 1984–1995: Origins and initial growth ===
[[File:Cisco Advanced Gateway Server (AGS) router (1986) - Computer History Museum.jpg|thumb|right|Cisco's first router, the Advanced Gateway Server (AGS) router (1986)]]

Cisco Systems was founded in December 1984 by [[Sandy Lerner]] along with her husband [[Leonard Bosack]]. Lerner was the director of computer facilities for the [[Stanford Graduate School of Business|Stanford University Graduate School of Business]]. Bosack was in charge of the [[Stanford University]] [[computer science]] department's computers.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.cnbc.com/2013/04/17/tech-companies-are-doing-it-wrong-cisco-cofounder.html| title=Tech Companies Are Doing It Wrong: Cisco Co-Founder| last=Toscano| first=Paul| date=April 17, 2013| publisher=CNBC| access-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref>

Cisco's initial product has roots in Stanford University's campus technology. In the early 1980s students and staff at Stanford, including Bosack, used technology on the campus to link all of the school's computer systems to talk to one another, creating a box that functioned as a multiprotocol router called the "Blue Box".<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://pdp10.nocrew.org/docs/cisco.html|title=A start-up's true tale|last=Carey|first=Pete|work=San Jose Mercury News|access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref> The Blue Box used circuitry made by [[Andy Bechtolsheim]], and software that was originally written at Stanford by research engineer [[William Yeager]].<ref name=":2" /> Due to the underlying architecture, and its ability to scale well, Yeager's well-designed invention became a key to Cisco's early success.<ref>{{cite web |title=The creator of the multiprotocol router reflects on the development of the device that fueled the growth of networking.|url= https://www.networkworld.com/article/2309917/lan-wan-router-man.html|publisher=networkworld|date=March 27, 2006|author=John Dix}}</ref>

In 1985, Bosack and Stanford employee Kirk Lougheed began a project to formally network Stanford's campus.<ref name=":2" /> They adapted Yeager's software into what became the foundation for [[Cisco IOS]], despite Yeager's claims that he had been denied permission to sell the Blue Box commercially. On July 11, 1986, Bosack and Lougheed were forced to resign from Stanford and the university contemplated filing criminal complaints against Cisco and its founders for the theft of its software, hardware designs, and other intellectual properties.<ref name=":2" /> In 1987, Stanford licensed the router software and two computer boards to Cisco.<ref name=":2" /> In addition to Bosack, Lerner, Lougheed, Greg Satz (a programmer), and Richard Troiano (who handled sales), completed the early Cisco team.<ref name=":2" /> The company's first CEO was Bill Graves, who held the position from 1987 to 1988.<ref name=Acquisition>{{Cite journal | journal = Case Studies in Business Strategy | title = Cisco's Acquisition Strategy | volume = IV |date = January 2004| url = http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Strategy2/BSTR083.htm | access-date=December 21, 2009 | id = BSTR083 | publisher = ICMR | page = 2}}</ref> In 1988, [[John Morgridge]] was appointed CEO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/newsroom/school-news/former-cisco-ceo-john-morgridge-give-2012-gsb-graduation-address|title=Former Cisco CEO John Morgridge to Give 2012 GSB Graduation Address|work=Stanford Graduate School of Business|access-date=November 27, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

The name "Cisco" was derived from the city name ''[[San Francisco]]'', which is why the company's engineers insisted on using the lower case "cisco" in its early years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nepori |first=Andrea |date=2022-12-19 |title=Behind the Logo: The Origin of Cisco |url=https://emag.directindustry.com/2022/12/19/behind-the-logo-the-origin-of-cisco/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=DirectIndustry e-Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> The logo is a stylized depiction of the two towers of the [[Golden Gate Bridge]].<ref name="75th">{{cite web | url=http://blogs.cisco.com/education/happy-75th-birthday-to-our-golden-gate-bridge/ | title=Happy 75th Birthday to our Golden Gate Bridge! | date=May 27, 2012 | access-date=March 26, 2014 | author=Leung, Wendy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327221404/http://blogs.cisco.com/education/happy-75th-birthday-to-our-golden-gate-bridge/ | archive-date=March 27, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

On February 16, 1990, Cisco Systems went public with a market capitalization of $224&nbsp;million, and was listed on the [[NASDAQ]] stock exchange. On August 28, 1990, Lerner was fired. Upon hearing the news, her husband Bosack resigned in protest.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/1997/0825/6004058a.html | work=Forbes | title=Does Pink Make You Puke? | date=August 25, 1997 |access-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref>

Although Cisco was not the first company to develop and sell dedicated network nodes,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/cringely/nerdtv/transcripts/013.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907031700/http://www.pbs.org/cringely/nerdtv/transcripts/013.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |title=I, Cringely. NerdTV. Transcript |work=Pbs.org |access-date=November 13, 2008}}</ref> it was one of the first to sell commercially successful routers supporting multiple network protocols.<ref>{{cite interview |first=Ian |last=Pennell |url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2004/hd_061404.html |title=The Evolution of Access Routing; Cisco claim of first multi-protocol router |publisher=Cisco |date=June 14, 2004 |access-date=January 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070707180833/http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2004/hd_061404.html |archive-date=July 7, 2007 }}</ref> Classical, CPU-based architecture of early Cisco devices coupled with flexibility of operating system [[Cisco IOS|IOS]] allowed for keeping up with evolving technology needs by means of frequent software upgrades. Some popular models of that time (such as [[Cisco 2500]]) managed to stay in production for almost a decade virtually unchanged. The company was quick to capture the emerging service provider environment, entering the SP market with product lines such as Cisco 7000 and Cisco 8500.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MJvbXHC4hXsC|title=Making the Cisco Connection: The Story Behind the Real Internet Superpower|last1=Brandt|first1=Richard|last2=Bunnell|first2=David|last3=Brate|first3=Adam|date=2000-02-29|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780471357117|language=en}}</ref>

Between 1992 and 1994, Cisco acquired several companies in [[Ethernet switch]]ing, such as [[Kalpana (company)|Kalpana]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/25/business/company-news-cisco-to-buy-major-maker-of-switches.html|title=COMPANY NEWS; Cisco to Buy Major Maker Of Switches|last=Fisher|first=Lawrence M.|newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 25, 1994 |access-date=November 27, 2018|language=en}}</ref> Grand Junction<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/28/business/company-news-cisco-systems-agrees-to-buy-grand-junction-networks.html|title=COMPANY NEWS; CISCO SYSTEMS AGREES TO BUY GRAND JUNCTION NETWORKS |author=Bloomberg News|newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 28, 1995 |access-date=November 27, 2018|language=en}}</ref> and most notably, [[Mario Mazzola]]'s Crescendo Communications,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/09/24/Cisco-Systems-closes-97-million-acquisition-of-Crescendo-Communications/2233748843200/|title=Cisco Systems closes $97 million acquisition of Crescendo Communications|work=UPI|access-date=November 27, 2018|language=en}}</ref> which together formed the [[Cisco Catalyst|Catalyst]] business unit. At the time, the company envisioned [[Network layer|layer 3]] routing and [[Data link layer|layer 2]] ([[Ethernet]], [[Token Ring]]) switching as complementary functions of different intelligence and architecture—the former was slow and complex, the latter was fast but simple. This philosophy dominated the company's product lines throughout the 1990s.<ref name=":3" />

In 1995, [[John Morgridge]] was succeeded by [[John T. Chambers]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-05-22 |title=Tech Great John Chambers Says Keep Calm, Eat A Doughnut, And Carry On |url=https://www.investors.com/news/management/leaders-and-success/john-chambers-cisco-accomplishments-how-he-did-it/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221206155448/https://www.investors.com/news/management/leaders-and-success/john-chambers-cisco-accomplishments-how-he-did-it/ |archive-date=2022-12-06 |access-date=2025-05-08 |work=Investor's Business Daily |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 1996–2005: Internet and silicon intelligence ===
{{pic|File:Cisco logo 1996.svg|Logo used in the 1990s and early 2000s}}
[[File:John T. Chambers - World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 2010.jpg|thumb|[[John T. Chambers]] in 2010, who was the CEO between 1995 and 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Marcus |date=2024-10-04 |title=How John Chambers Wired Cisco into the Internet's DNA |url=https://technologymagazine.com/articles/how-john-chambers-wired-cisco-into-the-internets-dna |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=technologymagazine.com |language=en}}</ref>]]
The [[Internet Protocol]] (IP) became widely adopted in the mid-to-late 1990s.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ve-0ELyyDJwC|title=John Chambers and the Cisco Way: Navigating Through Volatility|last=Waters|first=John K.|date=2002-10-31|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780471273554|language=en}}</ref> Cisco introduced products ranging from modem access shelves (AS5200) to core [[Cisco 12000|GSR]] routers, making them a major player in the market.<ref name=":4" /> In late March 2000, at the height of the [[dot-com bubble]], Cisco became the most valuable company in the world, with a [[market capitalization]] of more than $500&nbsp;billion.<ref name="auto" /><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/20000326/ibu26043.html | title=Cisco replaces Microsoft as world's most valuable company | agency=[[Reuters]] | work=The Indian Express | location=India | date=March 25, 2000 | access-date=January 25, 2007 | archive-date=January 16, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116101944/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/20000326/ibu26043.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> As of July 2014, with a market cap of about US$129&nbsp;billion,<ref>[https://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=csco&d=t Cisco Systems Summary]. Finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved November 26, 2011.</ref> it was still one of the most valuable companies.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/05/05/BUC200MARKETCAP.DTL | title=Chron 200 Market capitalization | first=Dan | last=Fost |work=San Francisco Chronicle | date=May 5, 2006 | access-date=January 25, 2007}}</ref>

The perceived complexity of programming routing functions in silicon led to the formation of several startups determined to find new ways to process IP and [[MPLS]] packets entirely in hardware and blur boundaries between routing and switching. One of them, [[Juniper Networks]], shipped their first product in 1999 and by 2000 chipped away about 30% from Cisco SP Market share. In response, Cisco later developed homegrown [[ASIC]]s and fast processing cards for GSR routers and [[Catalyst 6500]] switches. In 2004, Cisco also started the migration to new high-end hardware [[Cisco CRS-1|CRS-1]] and software architecture [[IOS-XR|IOS XR]].<ref>Stephen Lawson, InfoWorld. "[https://www.infoworld.com/article/2632331/network-router/cisco-s-crs-1-router-reaches-five-year-milestone.html Cisco's CRS-1 router reaches five-year milestone]." May 27, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2018.</ref>

=== 2006–2012: The Human Network ===
[[File:Dmitry Medvedev in the United States 23 June 2010-2.jpeg|thumb|Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] and California Gov. [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] at Cisco, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/8148|title=Visit to Cisco|date=June 23, 2010 }}</ref>]]
As part of a rebranding campaign in 2006, Cisco Systems adopted the shortened name "Cisco" and created "The Human Network" advertising campaign.<ref name="human-network">{{cite web |url=http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac49/ac20/downloads/annualreport/ar2006/pdf/ar_2006_complete.pdf |title=Welcome to the Human Network |publisher=Cisco Systems |year=2006 |access-date=February 12, 2014}}</ref> These efforts were meant to make Cisco a "household" brand—a strategy designed to support the low-end Linksys products and future consumer products.<ref name=":3" />

On the more traditional business side, Cisco continued to develop its routing, switching and security portfolio. The quickly growing importance of [[Ethernet]] also influenced the company's product lines. Limits of [[Cisco IOS|IOS]] and aging Crescendo architecture also forced Cisco to look at merchant silicon in the carrier Ethernet segment. This resulted in a new [[ASR9000|ASR 9000]] product family intended to consolidate the company's carrier Ethernet and subscriber management business around [[EZchip Semiconductor|EZChip]]-based hardware and [[IOS-XR]].<ref name=":3" />

In March 2007, Cisco acquired Reactivity Inc, a privately held XML gateway provider based in [[Redwood City, California]]. Cisco placed the Reactivity team and product portfolio under its Datacenter Switching and Security Technology Group, which reported to the company's then senior vice president [[Jayshree Ullal]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cisco Completes Acquisition of Reactivity |url=https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2007/m03/cisco-completes-acquisition-of-reactivity.html |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=newsroom.cisco.com |language=en}}</ref>

Throughout the mid-2000s, Cisco also built a significant presence in India, establishing its Globalization Centre East in [[Bangalore]] for $1&nbsp;billion.<ref name="Segal2011">{{cite book|last=Segal|first=Adam|title=Advantage: How American Innovation Can Overcome the Asian Challenge|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZuLwhms9tHEC&pg=PA191|date=January 10, 2011|publisher=W. W. Norton|isbn=978-0-393-06878-8|page=191|chapter=Chapter 8 – Promoting Innovation at Home}}</ref> Cisco also expanded into new markets by acquisition—one example being a 2009 purchase of mobile specialist [[Starent Networks]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/technology/companies/14cisco.html|title=Cisco Buys Starent Networks for $2.9 Billion|last=Vance|first=Ashlee|author-link=Ashlee Vance|newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 13, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

Cisco continued to be challenged by both domestic competitors [[Alcatel-Lucent]], [[Juniper Networks]], and an overseas competitor [[Huawei]]. Due to lower-than-expected profit in 2011, Cisco reduced annual expenses by $1 billion. The company cut around 3,000 employees with an early-retirement program who accepted a buyout and planned to eliminate as many as 10,000 jobs (around 14 percent of the 73,400 total employees before curtailment).<ref>Svensson, Peter. ''[http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2011/0512/Cisco-to-cut-costs-and-jobs-as-profits-stall Cisco to cut costs and jobs as profit stalls]''. May 12, 2011. Christian Science Monitor. Accessed August 2, 2012.</ref><ref>Vance, Ashlee. (July 12, 2011) [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-11/cisco-may-cut-about-5-000-jobs-in-august-gleacher-analyst-says.html Cisco said to Plan Cutting Up to 10,000 Jobs to Buoy Profit]. Bloomberg. Retrieved September 10, 2011.</ref> During the 2011 analyst call, Cisco's CEO John Chambers called out several competitors by name,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/netsysm/cisco-ceo-we-were-fat.html|title=Cisco CEO: We Were Fat|date=September 14, 2011|access-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref> including Juniper and HP.

On July 24, 2012, Cisco received approval from the [[European Union|EU]] to acquire NDS (a TV software developer) for US$5 billion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cisco Receives EU Approval to Acquires NDS|url=http://www.brightwire.com/news/232272-cisco-receives-eu-approval-to-acquires-nds|publisher=BrightWire|access-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116102153/https://www.brightwire.com/news/232272-cisco-receives-eu-approval-to-acquires-nds|archive-date=January 16, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, Cisco sold its Linksys home-router unit to Belkin International Inc., signaling a shift to sales to businesses rather than consumers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cisco Sells Linksys Home Router Unit to Belkin |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=January 24, 2013 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-24/cisco-sells-linksys-home-router-unit-to-belkin.html|publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref>

=== 2013–present ===
[[File:Cavaco na California.jpg|thumb|right|Former Portuguese President [[Aníbal Cavaco Silva|Cavaco Silva]], former Cisco CEO [[John T. Chambers|John Chambers]] and Cisco Senior Director of Innovation [[Helder Antunes]], during the 2011 presidential visit to the US]]
On July 23, 2013, Cisco Systems announced a definitive agreement to acquire [[Sourcefire]] for $2.7 billion.<ref>{{cite web|author=Worldwide |url=http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac49/ac0/ac1/ac259/sourcefire.html |title=Cisco Announces Agreement to Acquire Sourcefire Inc. – Cisco Systems |work=Cisco.com |access-date=July 24, 2013}}</ref> On August 14, 2013, Cisco Systems announced it would cut 4,000 jobs from its workforce, which was roughly 6%, starting in 2014.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/08/14/technology/enterprise/cisco-earnings/index.html?section=money_topstories | title=Cisco to cut 4,000 jobs | work=CNN Money | access-date=August 14, 2013}}</ref> At the end of 2013, Cisco announced poor revenue due to depressed sales in emerging markets, caused by economic uncertainty and by fears of the [[National Security Agency]] planting backdoors in its products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2063440/cisco-issues-grim-forecast-after-falling-short-on-revenue.html|title=Cisco issues grim forecast after falling short on revenue|first=Stephen |last=Lawson|date=November 13, 2013|work=PCWorld|access-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref>

In April 2014, Cisco announced funding for early-stage firms to focus on the Internet of Things. The investment fund was allocated to investments in IoT accelerators and startups such as The Alchemist Accelerator, Ayla Networks and [[EVRYTHNG]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=1412019|title=Cisco Investments Allocates $150 Million to Fund Early-Stage Firms Around the Globe|language=en-US|access-date=November 27, 2018}}</ref> Later that year, the company announced it was laying off another 6,000 workers or 8% of its global workforce, as part of a second restructuring.<ref name="CiscoRestructure">{{cite news|url=http://www.sanjosenews.net/index.php/sid/224722011|title=Cisco to lay off 6,000 workers in second restructuring|date=August 13, 2014|access-date=August 14, 2014|publisher=San Jose News}}</ref> On November 4, 2014, Cisco announced an investment in [[Stratoscale]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.crn.com/news/storage/300074674/cisco-intel-invest-in-hyper-converged-infrastructure-player-stratoscale.htm?itc=refresh | title=Cisco, Intel Invest In Hyper-Converged Infrastructure Player Stratoscale | publisher=Crn.com | date=November 4, 2014 | access-date=January 3, 2016 | first=Joseph F. |last=Kovar}}</ref>

On May 4, 2015, Cisco announced [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] and Chairman [[John Chambers (CEO)|John Chambers]] would step down as CEO on July 26, 2015, but remain chairman. [[Chuck Robbins]], senior vice president of worldwide sales & operations and 17-year Cisco veteran, was announced as the next CEO.<ref name="newCEO">{{cite news|title=Cisco's Chambers to step down as CEO, to be executive chairman|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ciscos-chambers-step-down-ceo-125209673.html|date=May 4, 2015|access-date=May 4, 2015|agency=Reuters}}</ref> On July 23, 2015, Cisco announced the divestiture of its television set-top-box and [[cable modem]] business to [[Technicolor SA]] for $600 million,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cisco sells set-top box business to Technicolor for $600 million|url=https://fortune.com/2015/07/23/cisco-sells-set-top-box-business-technicolor-600-million/|access-date=2020-07-08|website=Fortune}}</ref> a division originally formed by Cisco's $6.9 billion purchase of [[Scientific Atlanta]]. The deal came as part of Cisco's gradual exit from the consumer market, and as part of an effort by Cisco's new leadership to focus on cloud-based products in enterprise segments. Cisco indicated that it would still collaborate with Technicolor on video products.<ref name="wsj-stbsale">{{cite news|title=Technicolor to Buy Cisco's Set-Top Box Unit for About $600 Million|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/technicolor-to-buy-cisco-set-top-box-unit-for-about-600-million-1437628660|access-date=July 25, 2015|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> On November 19, 2015, Cisco, alongside [[ARM Holdings]], [[Dell]], [[Intel]], [[Microsoft]] and [[Princeton University]], founded the [[OpenFog Consortium]], to promote interests and development in [[fog computing]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/janakirammsv/2016/04/18/is-fog-computing-the-next-big-thing-in-internet-of-things/2/#1971ac3a34c9|title=Is Fog Computing the Next Big Thing in the Internet of Things|last=Janakiram|first=MSV|date=April 18, 2016|work=Forbes Magazine|access-date=April 18, 2016}}</ref>

In January 2016, Cisco invested in VeloCloud, a software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) start-up with a cloud offering for configuring and optimizing branch office networks. Cisco contributed to VeloCloud's $27 million Series C round, led by March Capital Partners.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jim |last=Duffy |work=Network World |url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/947032/cisco-puts-its-money-where-the-wan-is.html |title=Cisco puts its money where the WAN is |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426184042/https://www.networkworld.com/article/947032/cisco-puts-its-money-where-the-wan-is.html |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |date=January 14, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=January 18, 2016}}</ref>

In February 2017, Cisco launched a cloud-based secure internet gateway, called Cisco Umbrella, to provide safe internet access to users who do not use their corporate networks or VPNs to connect to remote data centers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Earls |first=Eamon McCarthy |date=February 16, 2017 |url=http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/news/450413144/Cisco-opens-Umbrella-a-cloud-based-secure-internet-gateway |title=Cisco opens Umbrella, a cloud-based secure internet gateway |work=[[TechTarget]] |access-date=February 17, 2017}}</ref> Immediately after reporting their fourth-quarter earnings for 2017, Cisco's price-per-share value jumped by over 7%, while its [[earnings per share]] ratio increased from 60 to 61 cents per share, due in part to Cisco's outperformance of analyst expectations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/16/cisco-csco-stock-up-after-earnings-for-q1-2018.html |first=Anita |last=Balakrishnan |date=November 16, 2017 |title=Cisco stock pops 5% as earnings beat, solidifying a transformation toward the cloud |work=CNBC |access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> In September 2017, Chambers announced that he would step down from the executive chairman role at the end of his term on the board in December 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/858877/000119312517286857/d458120dex991.htm |title=EX-99.1 |publisher=Sec.gov |access-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref> On December 11, 2017, Robbins was elected to succeed Chambers as executive chairman while retaining his role as CEO, and Chambers was given the title of "Chairman Emeritus".<ref>{{cite web |first=Julie |last=Bort |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/john-chambers-resigns-as-cisco-chairman-hints-at-a-next-chapter-2017-9 |title=John Chambers resigns as Cisco chairman, hints at a 'next chapter' |website=Business Insider |date=September 18, 2017 |access-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=1879710 |title=Cisco Executive Chairman John Chambers Notifies Board of Directors that he Will Not Stand for Re-Election |publisher=Cisco |date=September 18, 2017 |access-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref>

Reuters reported that "Cisco Systems Inc's (CSCO.O) product revenue in [[Russia]] grew 20 percent in 2017, ahead of Cisco's technology product revenue growth in the other so-called BRIC countries of [[Brazil]], [[China]] and [[India]]."<ref>{{cite news |title=Factbox: U.S. companies with exposure to Russia |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-sanctions-companies-factbo/factbox-u-s-companies-with-exposure-to-russia-idUSKBN1KU2L8 |work=Reuters |date=August 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. companies with exposure to Russia |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-russia-sanctions-companies/factbox-u-s-companies-with-exposure-to-russia-idUSKBN1HK2N0 |work=Reuters |date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>

On May 1, 2018, Cisco Systems agreed to buy AI-driven business intelligence startup Accompany for $270 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-cisco-says-will-acquire-accompany/brief-cisco-says-will-acquire-accompany-for-270-million-in-cash-idUSASC09YQR|title=Cisco Says Will Acquire Accompany For $270 Million In Cash|work=Reuters|access-date=May 21, 2018|date=May 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2018/05/01/cisco-to-buy-silicon-valley-ai-driven-business.html|title=Cisco to buy Silicon Valley AI-driven business intelligence startup for $270M|website=Silicon Valley Business Journal|date=May 1, 2018 |access-date=May 21, 2018}}</ref> As of June 2018, Cisco Systems ranked 444th on Forbes Global 2000 list, with $221.3 billion market cap.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/cisco-systems/|title=Cisco Systems on the Forbes Global 2000 List|work=Forbes|access-date=June 27, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In 2019, Cisco acquired CloudCherry, a customer experience management company, and Voicea, an artificial intelligence company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2019/08/06/cisco-to-acquire-mountain-view-startup-that-addsai.html|title=Cisco to acquire Mountain View startup that adds AI-powered transcription to Webex |last=Levitsky|first=Allison|date=6 August 2019|website=Silicon Valley Business Journal|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cisco-closes-cloudcherry-buyout-boosts-110611068.html|title=Cisco Closes CloudCherry Buyout, Boosts Customer Experience|website=finance.yahoo.com|date=October 15, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/13/cisco-csco-earnings-q1-2020.html|title=Cisco stock falls as it forecasts revenue decline|last=Novet|first=Jordan|date=2019-11-13|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>

In 2019, Cisco also introduced the "Silicon One" [[Application-specific integrated circuit|ASIC chip]] with the G100 model reaching a speed of 25.6&nbsp;Tbit/s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cooney |first1=Michael |title=Cisco powers up Nexus switch, offers 800GB optic modules |url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/3676575/cisco-powers-up-nexus-switch-offers-800gb-optic-modules.html |website=Network World |date=October 18, 2022}}</ref> The Silicon One competes against the Tomahawk series by [[Broadcom Corporation|Broadcom]] the [[Nvidia|Nvidia Spectrum]], the [[Marvell Technology|Marvell Teralynx]] and the [[Intel]] Tofino.<ref>{{Cite arXiv|last1=Saquetti |first1=Mateus |last2=Brum |first2=Raphael M. |last3=Zatt |first3=Bruno |last4=Pagliarini |first4=Samuel |last5=Cordeiro |first5=Weverton |last6=Azambuja |first6=Jose R. |title=A Terabit Hybrid FPGA-ASIC Platform for Switch Virtualization |date=May 20, 2021 |class=cs.AR |eprint=2105.09696}}</ref> In 2023, the Silicon One G200 will offer a speed of 51.2&nbsp;Tbit/sec.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theregister.com/AMP/2023/06/22/cisco_51t_switch_asic/ | title=Cisco challenges Broadcom, Nvidia with 51.2Tbit switch ASIC of its own }}</ref>

In March 2020, SVP and GM of Enterprise Networking David Goeckeler left to become CEO of [[Western Digital]]. and was replaced by Todd Nightingale, head of [[Cisco Meraki]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2020/03/05/david-goeckeler-cisco-western-digital.html|title=Cisco exec named CEO of Western Digital as Cisco tells employees about its 'next phase of strategy'|last=Levitsky|first=Allison|date=5 March 2020|website=Silicon Valley Business Journal|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> In October 2022, Cisco announced a partnership adding the Microsoft Teams app to its meeting devices.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Jane Lanhee |date=2022-10-12 |title=Cisco partners with Microsoft to add Teams to its meeting devices |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/cisco-partners-with-microsoft-add-teams-its-meeting-devices-2022-10-12/ |access-date=2022-11-23}}</ref>

In 2022, Cisco completely curtailed sales of its equipment in Russia due to [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], and completely discontinued service for already-sold devices. In April 2023, it became known that the company had destroyed equipment, spare parts, and even vehicles and office furniture worth 1.86 billion rubles (about $23 million) due to the impossibility of re-exporting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://meduza.io/news/2023/04/05/cisco-pered-uhodom-iz-rossii-unichtozhila-zapchasti-pochti-na-dva-milliarda-rubley|title=Cisco перед уходом из России уничтожила запчасти почти на два миллиарда рублей|language=ru|date=2023-04-05|website=[[Meduza]]}}</ref> In February 2023, Cisco also wrote off the debt of the Russian mobile operator [[MTS (network provider)|MTS]] in the amount of 1.234 billion rubles. As expected, these are unpaid amounts for previous equipment deliveries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/18/04/2023/643ecfef9a79475701588d4c|title=Cisco списала долг МТС более чем на ₽1 млрд|language=ru|date=2023-04-18|website=RBC}}</ref> In 2023, Cisco announced plans to begin manufacturing equipment in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/cisco-manufacture-india-diversification-move-2023-05-10/ |title=Cisco to begin manufacturing from India in diversification move |work=Reuters |date=10 May 2023 |access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref>

On 15 February 2024, Cisco announced it would lay off more than 4,000 employees, or 5% of its global workforce, and lowered its annual revenue forecast due to economic challenges and reduced demand from telecom and cable service providers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sriram |first=Akash |date=14 February 2024 |title=Cisco to cut more than 4,000 jobs, lowers annual revenue forecast |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/cisco-lay-off-5-workforce-2024-02-14/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Novet |first=Jordan |date=2024-02-14 |title=Cisco says it's cutting 5% of global workforce, amounting to over 4,000 jobs |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/14/cisco-cutting-5percent-of-global-workforce-in-restructuring-move.html |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

On 5 March 2024, Cisco Systems announced to secure unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $28 billion bid for cybersecurity firm [[Splunk]]. <ref>{{Cite news |date=March 5, 2024 |title=Cisco's Splunk deal set to win unconditional EU antitrust OK, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/ciscos-splunk-deal-set-win-unconditional-eu-antitrust-ok-sources-say-2024-03-05/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=Reuters-Business&utm_term=060925&user_email=31c5543c1734d25c7206f5fd591525d0295bec6fe84ff82f946a34fe970a1e66}}</ref>

On 24 April 2024, Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco, met with [[Pope Francis]] and signed the Rome Call for AI ethics at the Vatican, endorsing the document's principles for responsible and ethical AI use.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-24 |title=Tech giant Cisco sign's Vatican pledge for ethical AI development |url=https://international.la-croix.com/ethics/tech-giant-cisco-signs-vatican-pledge-for-ethical-ai-development |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=La croix international |language=en}}</ref>

== Finance ==
For the fiscal year 2023, Cisco reported earnings of US$12.6 billion, with an annual revenue of US$57 billion, an increase of 10.6% over the previous fiscal cycle. Cisco's shares traded at over $43 per share, and its market capitalization was valued at US$213.2 billion in September 2018.
{| class="wikitable float-left sortable" style="text-align: right;"
!Year
!Revenue<br />(mil. US$)
!Net income<br />(mil. US$)
!Total assets<br />(mil. US$)
!Price per share<br />(US$)
!Employees
|-
|2000<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2002.pdf|title=2002 Annual Report}}</ref>
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2001<ref name=":0" />
|22,293
|−1,014
|35,238
|16.69
|
|-
|2002<ref name=":0" />
|18,915
|1,893
|37,795
|11.80
|
|-
|2003<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2005.pdf|title=2005 Annual Report}}</ref>
|18,878
|3,578
|37,107
|14.38
|
|-
|2004<ref name=":1" />
|22,045
|4,401
|35,594
|17.44
|
|-
|2005<ref name=":1" />
|24,801
|5,741
|33,883
|14.67
|
|-
|2006<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2006.pdf|title=2006 Annual Report}}</ref>
|28,484
|5,580
|43,315
|17.45
|49,930
|-
|2007<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2007.pdf|title=2007 Annual Report}}</ref>
|34,922
|7,333
|53,340
|23.07
|61,560
|-
|2008<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2008.pdf|title=2008 Annual Report}}</ref>
|39,540
|8,052
|58,734
|18.15
|66,130
|-
|2009<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2009.pdf|title=2009 Annual Report}}</ref>
|36,117
| 6,134
|68,128
|16.14
|65,550
|-
|2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2010.pdf|title=2010 Annual Report}}</ref>
|40,040
|7,767
|81,130
|18.74
|70,700
|-
|2011<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2011.pdf|title=2011 Annual Report}}</ref>
|43,218
|6,490
|87,095
|14.10
|71,830
|-
|2012<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2012.pdf|title=2012 Annual Report}}</ref>
|46,061
|8,041
|91,759
|15.34
|66,640
|-
|2013<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2013.pdf|title=2013 Annual Report}}</ref>
|48,607
|9,983
|101,191
|19.20
|75,049
|-
|2014<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2014.pdf|title=2014 Annual Report}}</ref>
|47,142
|7,853
|105,070
|21.22
|74,042
|-
|2015<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2015.pdf|title=2015 Annual Report}}</ref>
|49,161
|8,981
|113,373
|25.09
|71,833
|-
|2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/c/NASDAQ_CSCO_2016.pdf|title=2016 Annual Report}}</ref>
|49,247
|10,739
|121,652
|26.83
|73,700
|-
|2017<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/annual-report/2017-annual-report-full.PDF|title=2017 Annual Report}}</ref>
|48,005
|9,609
|129,818
|31.97
|72,900
|-
|2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.last10k.com/sec-filings/csco|title=CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. (CSCO) 10K Annual Reports & 10Q SEC Filings|website=last10k.com|access-date=November 18, 2018}}</ref>
|49,330
|110
|108,784
|43.65
|74,200
|-
|2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/annual-report/cisco-annual-report-2019.pdf|title=Cisco 2019 Annual Report}}</ref>
|51,904
|11,621
|97,793
|55.84
|75,900
|-
|2020<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/annual-report/cisco-annual-report-2020.pdf|title=Cisco 2020 Annual Report}}</ref>
|49,301
|11,214
|97,793
|—
|77,500
|-
|2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/annual-report/cisco-annual-report-2021.pdf|title=Cisco 2021 Annual Report}}</ref>
|49,818
|10,591
|97,497
|—
|79,500
|-
|2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/annual-report/cisco-annual-report-2022.pdf|title=Cisco 2022 Annual Report}}</ref>
|51,557
|11,812
|94,002
|—
|83,300
|-
|2023<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/annual-report/cisco-annual-report-2023.pdf|title=Cisco 2023 Annual Report}}</ref>
|56,998
|12,613
|101,852
|—
|84,900
|}

== Corporate structure ==
===Acquisitions and subsidiaries===
{{further|List of acquisitions by Cisco}}
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 | caption1 = [[Cisco Jasper]], a Cisco [[Internet of Things|IoT]] and cloud business platform subsidiary.
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 | caption2 = [[Cisco Meraki]], a Cisco network security subsidiary.
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 | caption3 = [[CloudLock]], a Cisco [[cloud computing security]] subsidiary.
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Cisco acquired a variety of companies to spin products and talent into the company. In 1995–1996 the company completed 11 acquisitions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.brighthub.com/computing/enterprise-security/articles/65663.aspx |title=The History of Cisco |first=George |last=Garza |date=January 9, 2011 |access-date=January 28, 2011}}</ref> Several acquisitions, such as [[Stratacom]],<ref name="fisher">Lawrence M. Fisher, [https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/23/business/cisco-agrees-to-acquire-stratacom-in-a-stock-swap-worth-4-billion.html "Cisco Agrees to Acquire Stratacom In a Stock Swap Worth $4 Billion,"] ''[[The New York Times]]'', April 23, 1996.</ref> were one of the biggest deals in the industry when they occurred.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB830187806589052000|title=Cisco to Buy StrataCom For $4 Billion in Stock |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=April 23, 1996|last=Carroll|first=Paul B|access-date=June 16, 2020}}</ref> During the Internet boom in 1999, the company acquired [[Cerent Corporation]], a start-up company located in [[Petaluma, California]], for about US$7&nbsp;billion.<ref name="Cisco-Aug-1999-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1160/89161899003978/filing-main.htm |title=Cisco, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Aug 26, 1999 |work=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref> It was the most expensive acquisition made by Cisco to that date, and only the acquisition of [[Scientific Atlanta]] has been larger.<ref name="Cisco-Nov-2005-10-Q">{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1820/0001193125-05-231378.pdf |title=Cisco, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Nov 23, 2005 |work=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref> In 1999, Cisco also acquired a stake for $1 billion in KPMG Consulting to enable establishing Internet firm Metrius founded by Keyur Patel of Fuse.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/08/business/cisco-systems-to-invest-1-billion-in-the-accounting-giant-kpmg.html |title=KPMG & Cisco |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 8, 1999|last1=Holson |first1=Laura M. }}</ref> Several acquired companies have grown into $1Bn+ business units for Cisco, including LAN switching, Enterprise [[Voice over Internet Protocol]] (VOIP) platform [[Webex]] and [[home networking]]. The latter came as result of Cisco acquiring [[Linksys]] in 2003 and in 2010 was supplemented with new product line dubbed [[Cisco Valet]].

Cisco announced on January 12, 2005, that it would acquire [[Airespace]] for US$450 million to reinforce the wireless controller product lines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/860295/network-security-cisco-nets-airespace-for-450-million.html|title=Cisco nets Airespace for $450 million|last=Hochmuth |first=Phil |website=Network World|date=January 12, 2005|access-date=March 17, 2016}}</ref>

Cisco announced on January 4, 2007, that it would buy [[IronPort]] in a deal valued at US$830 million<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2007/corp_010407.html |title=Cisco Announces Agreement to Acquire IronPort |publisher=Cisco |date=January 4, 2007 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Cisco buys IronPort for $830 Million |url=http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/54992.html |author=Keith Regan |work=E-Commerce Times |date=January 4, 2007 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref> and completed the acquisition on June 25, 2007.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2007/prod_062507.html |title=Cisco launches Self-Defending Network v3.0 |publisher=Cisco Systems |date=June 25, 2007 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref> [[IronPort]] was best known for its IronPort AntiSpam, its SenderBase email reputation service and its email security appliances. Accordingly, [[IronPort]] was integrated into the Cisco Security business unit.<ref>"[http://www.ironport.com/company/about.html About]". Cisco IronPort. Accessed November 8, 2013.</ref> Ironport's Senderbase was renamed as Sensorbase to take account of the input into this database that other Cisco devices provide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-06 |title=What is Cisco SensorBase? |url=https://networklore.com/what-is-cisco-sensorbase/ |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Networklore |language=en}}</ref> SensorBase allows these devices to build a risk profile on IP addresses, therefore allowing risk profiles to be dynamically created on http sites and SMTP email sources.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://networklore.com/what-is-cisco-sensorbase/ |title=What is Cisco SensorBase? |author=Patrick Ogenstad |date=October 6, 2009 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref>

In 2010, Cisco bought [[Starent Networks]] (a mobile packet core company) for $2.9 billion<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vance |first=Ashlee |date=2009-10-13 |title=Cisco Is Buying Starent for $2.9 Billion to Bolster Its Wireless Networks Business |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/technology/companies/14cisco.html |access-date=2023-02-17 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosoff |first=Matt |title=Cisco's Crazy Acquisition Binge: Top 10 Buys From The Last Decade |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ciscos-10-biggest-acquisitions-in-the-last-decade-2011-4 |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> and Moto Development Group, a product design consulting firm that helped develop Cisco's Flip video camera.<ref name="Cisco-Oct-2009-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1680/119312509207912/filing-main.htm |title=Cisco, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 14, 2009 |work=secdatabase.com |access-date =March 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Nilay |date=2010-05-18 |title=Cisco buys MOTO Development Group to beef up consumer design chops |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-05-18-cisco-buys-moto-development-group-to-beef-up-consumer-design-cho.html |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref> Also in 2010, Cisco became a key stakeholder in ''e-Skills Week''. In March 2011, Cisco completed the acquisition of privately held network configuration and change management software company Pari Networks.<ref name="post">{{cite news |title=Cisco Completes Acquisition Of Pari Networks (Started By Former Cisco Execs) |work=TechCrunch |date=March 1, 2011 |url=http://www.techcrunchit.com/2011/03/02/cisco-completes-acquisition-of-pari-networks-started-by-former-cisco-execs/ |access-date=March 2, 2011 |archive-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704103551/http://www.techcrunchit.com/2011/03/02/cisco-completes-acquisition-of-pari-networks-started-by-former-cisco-execs/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Although many buy-ins (such as Crescendo Networks in 1993, [[Tandberg]] in 2010) resulted in acquisition of flagship technology to Cisco, many others have failed—partially or completely.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/323/119312509203556/filing-main.htm |title=Cisco, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 5, 2009 |work=secdatabase.com |access-date =March 25, 2013}}</ref> For instance, in 2010 Cisco occupied a meaningful share of the packet-optical market,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infonetics.com/pr/2010/1Q10-Optical-Network-Hardware-Market-Highlights.asp|title=Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei continue tight race for leadership in optical network hardware market|publisher=Infonetics Research|date=May 17, 2010|access-date=September 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929030337/http://www.infonetics.com/pr/2010/1Q10-Optical-Network-Hardware-Market-Highlights.asp|archive-date=September 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> revenues were still not on par with US$7&nbsp;billion price tag paid in 1999 for [[Cerent Corporation|Cerent]]. Some of acquired technologies (such as Flip from Pure Digital) saw their product lines terminated.<ref name="Cisco-Nov-2009-10-Q">{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/833/0001193125-09-237055.pdf |title=Cisco, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Nov 18, 2009 |work=secdatabase.com |access-date =March 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2383169,00.asp| title=Cisco's UMI Adventure Should End|publisher=PCMag|date=April 6, 2011|access-date=September 5, 2011|first=Lance|last=Ulanoff}}</ref>

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Cisco announced on March 15, 2012, that it would acquire [[NDS Group]] for $5bn.<ref name="Cisco-Mar-2012-8-K">{{cite web |title=Cisco, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Mar 15, 2012 |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2276/119312512117538/filing-main.htm |access-date=March 25, 2013 |work=secdatabase.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cisco to Acquire NDS for $5Bn |url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=712002}}</ref> 

In January 2013, Cisco Systems acquired Israeli software maker Intucell for around $475 million in cash, a move to expand its mobile network management offerings.<ref name="Cisco-Feb-2013-10-Q">{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2940/0000858877-13-000013.pdf |title=Cisco, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Feb 19, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =March 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-intucell-cisco-offering-idUKBRE90M0PO20130123| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125020418/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-intucell-cisco-offering-idUKBRE90M0PO20130123| url-status=dead| archive-date=November 25, 2018| title=Cisco to buy Israel-based software maker for $475 million |publisher=[[Reuters]] | date=January 23, 2013}}</ref> In the same month, Cisco Systems acquired Cognitive Security, a company focused on Cyber Threat Protection. Cisco also acquired SolveDirect (cloud services) in March 2013<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Timothy|title=Corum Group International Advises SolveDirect in Acquisition|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/corum-group/solvedirect-cisco/prweb10589636.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140706233346/http://www.prweb.com/releases/corum-group/solvedirect-cisco/prweb10589636.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 6, 2014|publisher=PRWeb}}</ref> and [[United Kingdom|UK]]-based Ubiquisys (mobile software) in April 2013 for $310 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunden |first=Ingrid |date=2013-04-03 |title=Cisco Is Buying Ubiquisys For $310M For A Big Move Into Mobile Coverage With Femtocells And Small Cells |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/04/03/cisco-is-buying-ubiquisys-for-310m-for-a-big-move-into-femtocells/ |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

Cisco acquired cyber-security firm [[Sourcefire]], in October 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merced |first=Michael J. de la |date=2013-07-23 |title=Cisco to Buy Sourcefire, a Cybersecurity Company, for $2.7 Billion |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/07/23/cisco-to-buy-sourcefire-a-cybersecurity-company-for-2-7-billion/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=DealBook |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Rachael |date=2013-07-23 |title=Cisco Acquires Sourcefire for $2.7 billion |url=http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2013/07/23/why-cisco-acquired-sourcefire-for-2-7-billion/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> On June 16, 2014, Cisco announced that it has completed the acquisition of ThreatGRID, a company that provided dynamic malware analysis and threat intelligence technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cisco Has Acquired ThreatGRID|url=http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac49/ac0/ac1/ac259/threatgrid.html|publisher=Cisco|access-date=August 11, 2014}}</ref>

On June 17, 2014, Cisco announced its intent to acquire privately held Tail-f Systems, a leader in configuration management software.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire Tail-f Systems|url=https://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=1438152}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tail-f Systems AB |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0118924Z:SS |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref>

On April 2, 2015, Cisco announced plans to buy Embrane, a software-defined networking startup. The deal will give Cisco Embrane's software platform, which provides layer 3–7 network services for things such as firewalls, VPN termination, server load balancers and SSL offload.<ref>By Liam Tung, ZDNet. “[https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/cisco-to-buy-embrane-to-boost-datacenter-sdn-play/ Cisco to buy Embrane to boost datacenter SDN play].” April 2, 2015. April 7, 2015.</ref>

On May 7, 2015, Cisco announced plans to buy Tropo,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tamarov |first=Maxim |date=2021-02-19 |title=Cisco completes the IMImobile acquisition |url=https://www.techtarget.com/searchunifiedcommunications/news/252496659/Cisco-completes-the-IMImobile-acquisition |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=TechTarget |language=en}}</ref> a cloud API platform that simplifies the addition of real-time communications and collaboration capabilities within applications.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.tropo.com/2015/05/tropo-joins-cisco-to-power-next-gen-collaboration-apis/|title = Tropo joins Cisco to Power next-gen collaboration APIs|website = Acquisition Summary|publisher = Tropo|last = Diggz|first = Johnny|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160916205507/https://www.tropo.com/2015/05/tropo-joins-cisco-to-power-next-gen-collaboration-apis/|archive-date = September 16, 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref>

On June 30, 2015, Cisco acquired privately held [[OpenDNS]], the company best known for its DNS service that adds a level of security by monitoring domain name requests.<ref>{{cite web|title = Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire OpenDNS|url = http://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=1667697|access-date = October 12, 2015}}</ref>

On August 6, 2015, Cisco announced that it has completed the acquisition of privately held MaintenanceNet, the US-based company best known for its cloud-based contract management platform ServiceExchange.<ref>{{cite web|title = Cisco Completes MaintenanceNet Acquisition|url = http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac49/ac0/ac1/ac259/maintenancenet.html|website = Cisco|access-date = October 12, 2015}}</ref> On the same month, Cisco acquired Pawaa, a privately held company in Bangalore, India that provides secure on-premises and cloud-based file-sharing software.<ref>{{cite web|title = Cisco has Acquired Pawaa|url = http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac49/ac0/ac1/ac259/pawaa.html|website = Cisco|access-date = October 12, 2015}}</ref>

On September 30, 2015, Cisco announced its intent to acquire privately held Portcullis Computer Security, a UK-based company that provides cybersecurity services to enterprise clients and the government sectors.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cisco.com/web/about/doing_business/corporate_development/acquisitions/ac_year/about_cisco_acquisition_years_list.html|title = Acquisitions|website = Acquisition Summary|publisher = Cisco}}</ref>

On October 26, 2015, Cisco announced its intent to acquire ParStream, a privately held company based in Cologne, Germany, that provides an analytics database that allows companies to analyze large amounts of data and store it in near real-time anywhere in the network.<ref>{{cite web|title = Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire ParStream|url = http://blogs.cisco.com/news/cisco-announces-data-analytics-news|website = blogs@Cisco – Cisco Blogs|date = October 26, 2015|access-date = October 27, 2015}}</ref>

On October 27, 2015, Cisco announced that it would acquire [[Lancope]], a company that focuses on detecting threat activity, for $452.5 million in a cash-and-equity deal.<ref>{{cite web|title = Cisco Beefs Up Security, Buys Lancope For $453M|url = https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/27/cisco-beefs-up-security-buys-lancope-for-453m/|website = TechCrunch|access-date = October 27, 2015|first = Ingrid|last = Lunden| date=October 27, 2015 }}</ref>

On June 28, 2016, Cisco announced its intent to acquire CloudLock, a privately held cloud security company founded in 2011 by three [[Israeli military]] veterans,<ref>{{cite news | last1=Leichman | first1=Abigail Klein | last2=Blum | first2=Brian | title=Cisco to pay $293 million for Israeli-founded CloudLock | website=Israel21c | date=January 21, 2018 | url=http://www.israel21c.org/cisco-to-pay-293-million-for-israeli-founded-cloudlock/ | access-date=January 21, 2018}}</ref> for $293 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesscloudnews.com/2016/06/28/cisco-cracks-open-wallet-for-293m-cloudlock-acquisition/|title=Cisco cracks open wallet for $293m CloudLock acquisition {{!}} Business Cloud News|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-date=July 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719081219/https://telecoms.com/webinars/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The deal was expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.

In August 2016, Cisco announced it is getting closer to making a deal to acquire Springpath, the startup whose technology is used in Cisco's HyperFlex Systems. Cisco already owns an undisclosed stake in the hyper-converged provider.<ref>Mark Haranas, CRN. “[http://www.crn.com/news/networking/300081607/sources-cisco-close-to-making-bid-to-buy-springpath.htm Sources: Cisco Close To Making Bid TO Buy Springpath].” August 4, 2016. August 8, 2016.</ref> In September 2023, Cisco announced discontinuation of its HyperFlex infrastructure products.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharwood |first=Simon |title=Cisco discontinues Hyperflex hyperconverged infrastructure |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/09/14/cisco_discontinues_hyperflex_hci/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=www.theregister.com |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2017, Cisco announced they would acquire [[AppDynamics]], a company that monitors application performance, for $3.7 billion. The acquisition came just one day before AppDynamics was set to IPO.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/24/cisco-snaps-up-appdynamics-for-3-7b-right-before-its-ipo/|title=Cisco snaps up AppDynamics for $3.7B right before its IPO|last=Lynley|first=Matthew|website=TechCrunch|date=January 25, 2017 |access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref>

On January 26, 2017, Cisco founded the Innovation Alliance in Germany with eleven other companies bringing together 40 sites and 2,000 staff to provide small businesses in Germany with expertise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressat.co.uk/releases/cisco-founds-innovation-alliance-with-eleven-partners-in-germany-60aeff177b2d59a1af2e6e2c34ece2df/|title=Cisco Founds Innovation Alliance With Eleven Partners In Germany|last=Alison|first=Homes|website=Pressat|access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref>

On August 1, 2017, Cisco completed the acquisition of Viptela Inc. for $610 million in cash and assumed equity awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=1870481|title=Cloud-first SD-WAN solution offers flexibility and simplicity to enterprises and telecom carriers}}</ref> Viptela was a privately held software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) company based in San Jose, Ca.

On October 23, 2017, Cisco Systems announced it would be acquiring Broadsoft for $1.9 Billion to further entrench itself in the cloud communication and collaboration area.<ref>Charlie Osborne, ZDNet. "[https://www.zdnet.com/article/cisco-to-acquire-broadsoft-in-1-9-billion-deal/ Cisco to acquire BroadSoft in $1.9 billion deal]." October 23, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2018.</ref>

On August 7, 2020, Cisco completed its acquisition of network intelligence company [[ThousandEyes]] for around $1 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Cisco Completes Acquisition Of ThousandEyes|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cisco-completes-acquisition-of-thousandeyes-301108576.html|access-date=2020-08-08|website=PR Newswire|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Krause |first=Reinhardt |date=May 20, 2024 |title=Is Cisco Stock A Buy With Investor Day Planned Amid Splunk Deal? |url=https://www.investors.com/news/technology/csco-stock-cisco-stock-buy-now/ |website=Investors.com}}</ref>

On October 1, 2020, Cisco announced that it would be acquiring Israeli startup Portshift for a reported $100 million.<ref>{{Cite news|title=TechCrunch|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/01/cisco-acquires-portshift-to-raise-its-game-in-devops-and-kubernetes-security/|access-date=2020-10-05|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101144042/https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_69e49886-9ac9-437b-9c74-6476f194d145|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 7, 2020, Cisco announced that it would be acquiring [[Slido]] to improve Q&A, polls and engagement in WebEx videoconferencing <ref>{{Cite web|title=Cisco is buying Slido to improve Q&A, polls and engagement in WebEx videoconferencing|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/07/cisco-acquires-slido-to-improve-qa-polls-and-engagement-in-webex-videoconferencing/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=TechCrunch|date=December 7, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209140738/https://social.techcrunch.com/2020/12/07/cisco-acquires-slido-to-improve-qa-polls-and-engagement-in-webex-videoconferencing/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 7, 2020, Cisco announced the acquisition of U.K based [[IMImobile]] in a $730M deal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cisco acquires customer interaction platform provider IMImobile in $730m deal |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/cisco-acquires-customer-interaction-solutions-provider-imimobile-in-730m-deal/ |access-date=9 December 2020}}</ref>

On May 3, 2021, Cisco completed its acquisition of Q&A and polling platform [[Slido]], which they offered both as a standalone product and with integrations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Narcisi |first=Gina |date=2021-05-03 |title=Cisco Closes Slido Deal For 'Inclusive' Webex Meetings |url=https://www.crn.com/news/networking/cisco-closes-slido-deal-for-inclusive-webex-meetings |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=CRN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunden |first=Ingrid |date=2020-12-07 |title=Cisco is buying Slido to improve Q&A, polls and engagement in WebEx videoconferencing |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/07/cisco-acquires-slido-to-improve-qa-polls-and-engagement-in-webex-videoconferencing/ |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gleason |first=Mike |date=2021-07-08 |title=Cisco takes over hybrid event manager Socio Labs {{!}} TechTarget |url=https://www.techtarget.com/searchunifiedcommunications/news/252500704/Cisco-to-acquire-Socio-Labs-for-Webex-event-hosting |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Unified Communications |language=en}}</ref>

In 2023, Cisco acquired the following cybersecurity companies: Valtix, Lightspin, and Armorblox.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crn.com/news/networking/cisco-to-acquire-valtix-to-further-security-cloud-strategy|title=Cisco to Acquire Valtix To Further Security Cloud Strategy|website=CRN|date=February 24, 2023|author=Gina Narcisi|access-date=February 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crn.com/news/networking/cisco-to-scoop-up-lightspin-in-second-cloud-security-purchase-of-2023|title=Cisco To Scoop Up Lightspin In Second Cloud Security Purchase Of 2023|website=CRN|date=March 29, 2023|author=Gina Narcisi|access-date=February 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://siliconangle.com/2023/05/31/cisco-buys-armorblox-beef-cybersecurity-generative-ai/|title=Cisco buys Armorblox to beef up cybersecurity with generative AI|website=Silicon Angle|date=May 31, 2023|author=Mike Wheatley|access-date=February 1, 2024}}</ref> Cisco also announced its intention to acquire networking and security startup Isovalent later that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Ron |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Cisco to acquire cloud-native networking and security startup Isovalent |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/21/cisco-to-acquire-cloud-native-networking-and-security-startup-isovalent/ |website=TechCrunch}}</ref>

On September 21, 2023, Cisco announced the acquisition of cybersecurity firm [[Splunk]] in a $28 billion deal, its biggest acquisition yet,<ref>{{cite news |title=Cisco to buy cybersecurity firm Splunk for $28 billion |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/cisco-acquire-splunk-28-billion-2023-09-21/ |access-date=21 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/21/cisco-acquiring-splunk-for-157-a-share-in-cash.html|title=Cisco makes largest ever acquisition, buying cybersecurity company Splunk for $28 billion in cash|website=CNBC|date=September 21, 2023|author=Rohan Goswami|access-date=November 17, 2023}}</ref> and the acquisition is announced to be completed on March 18, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cisco Completes Acquisition of Splunk |url=https://www.splunk.com/en_us/newsroom/press-releases/2024/cisco-completes-acquisition-of-splunk.html |access-date=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cisco and Splunk: Powering and protecting the AI revolution |url=https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2024/m03/powering-and-protecting-the-ai-revolution.html |access-date=18 March 2024}}</ref>

=== Ownership ===
As of 2017 Cisco Systems shares are mainly held by institutional investors ([[The Vanguard Group]], [[BlackRock]], [[State Street Corporation]] and others<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/csco/ownership-summary |title=Cisco Systems, Inc. Ownership Summary |publisher=Nasdaq.com |date=July 17, 2018 |access-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref>).

=== Facilities ===
Cisco is headquartered in [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], [[California]] at 170 West Tasman Dr. with dozens of buildings comprising its corporate campus.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Cisco |url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about.html |website=Cisco |access-date=3 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Over 15,000 full-time employees are based at the San Jose campus and the surrounding [[Bay Area]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bort |first1=Julie |title=Inside the secret world at Cisco headquarters — filled with heroes, 'mythical' nap pods, and goats |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/secret-places-at-ciscos-headquarters-2015-10#theres-also-a-small-emergency-telecomnetwork-box-that-the-team-can-take-on-a-plane-as-carry-on-25 |work=Business Insider}}</ref> Cisco's second largest campus in the United States is located at [[Research Triangle Park]] in [[North Carolina]] with 7,000 employees spanning across 12 buildings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to Cisco Raleigh! |url=https://blogs.cisco.com/wearecisco/welcome-to-cisco-raleigh |website=Cisco Blogs |access-date=3 January 2022 |date=11 January 2017}}</ref>

In August 2020, Cisco announced the creation of a new 130,000 square feet Midwest headquarters in [[Chicago]] at the [[Old Chicago Main Post Office]] accommodating 1,200 employees.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cisco opening Chicago hub at Old Post Office |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2021/08/13/cisco-opens-chicago-office-in-old-post-office.html |access-date=20 December 2021 |work=www.bizjournals.com |publisher=Chicago Business Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Donovan |first1=Lisa |title=Tech firm Cisco brands Chicago 'midwest hub' as it sets up shop in Old Post Office |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-cisco-old-post-office-chicago-hub-20210813-qadjlq4im5chdki6u5mxqr6ypa-story.html |access-date=18 November 2021 |work=chicagotribune.com}}</ref> Cisco maintains over 200 corporate offices in more than 80 countries.

In July 2021, Cisco announced all employees the option to work remotely on a permanent basis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Aaron |title=Here's how Cisco decided that none of its 75,000 employees ever have to return to the office |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/cisco-permanent-remote-work-for-all-workers-productivity-cost-savings-2021-7 |access-date=14 November 2021 |work=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cisco Opts Out of Return to Office in Favor of Individuals and Teams Choosing How Cisco Works |url=https://www.cio.com/article/189097/cisco-opts-out-of-return-to-office-in-favor-of-individuals-and-teams-choosing-how-cisco-works.html |access-date=20 December 2021 |publisher=CIO.com}}</ref>

== Products and services ==
{{main|List of Cisco products}}
{{Multiple image
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Cisco's products and services focus on three market segments—enterprise, service provider, midsize and small business.

Cisco provides IT products and services across five major technology areas: networking (including Ethernet, optical, wireless and mobility), security, collaboration (including voice, video, and data), data center and the [[Internet of things]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/index.html|title=Products & Services|website=Cisco|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02}}</ref>

Cisco has grown increasingly popular in the [[Asia-Pacific]] region over the last three decades{{when|date=July 2015}} and is the dominant vendor in the Australian market with [[leadership]] across all market segments.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cisco still dominates as Australian networking sales surge by double digits|url=http://www.crn.com.au/news/cisco-still-dominates-as-australian-networking-sales-surge-by-double-digits-497102|access-date=2020-10-04|website=CRN Australia}}</ref> It uses its Australian office as one of the main headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region.<ref>{{cite web|title=CCIE Security Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert|url=http://www.pass4suredumps.com/certification/CCIE%20Security%20Cisco%20Certified%20Internetwork%20Expert%20-%20Security|access-date=December 9, 2015|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308192121/http://www.pass4suredumps.com/certification/CCIE%20Security%20Cisco%20Certified%20Internetwork%20Expert%20-%20Security|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== VoIP services ===
Cisco became a major provider of [[Voice over IP]] to enterprises and is now moving into the home user market through its acquisitions of Scientific Atlanta and Linksys.

=== Hosted Collaboration Solution (HCS) ===
Cisco partners can offer cloud-based services based on Cisco's virtualized [[Cisco Unified Computing System|Unified Computing System]] (UCS). A part of the Cisco Unified Services Delivery Solution that includes hosted versions of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM), Cisco Unified Contact Center, Cisco Unified Mobility, Cisco Unified Presence, Cisco Unity Connection (unified messaging) and Cisco Webex Meeting Center.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ucstrategies.com/news-analysis/cisco-launches-hosted-collaboration-solution.aspx |title=Cisco Launches Hosted Collaboration Solution |work=UCStrategies.com |date=July 2, 2010 |access-date=August 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709042049/http://www.ucstrategies.com/news-analysis/cisco-launches-hosted-collaboration-solution.aspx |archive-date=July 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Network Emergency Response ===
[[File:Cisco 8851.JPG|thumb|right|A Cisco 8851 IP phone]]
As part of its Crisis Response initiative, Cisco maintains several Network Emergency Response Vehicles (NERV)s.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=Cisco Tactical Operations (TacOps)|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/supplier-sustainability/tactical-operations-tacops.html|website=Cisco|access-date=July 26, 2016}}</ref> The vehicles are maintained and deployed by Cisco employees during natural disasters and other public crises. The vehicles are self-contained and provide wired and wireless services including voice and radio interoperability, voice over IP, network-based video surveillance and secured high-definition video-conferencing for [[leader]]s and first responders in crisis areas with up to 3-72&nbsp;Mbit/s of bandwidth (up and down) via a 1.8-meter satellite antenna.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pfRjWwyO8k | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4pfRjWwyO8k| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title= Cisco Network Emergency Response Vehicle | date=May 8, 2008|publisher= YouTube |access-date= July 24, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Satoms |date=2018-05-01 |title=What is Satellite Internet VSAT and How Does it Work? |url=https://satoms.com/satellite-internet/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Satoms |language=en-GB}}</ref>

NERVs are based at Cisco headquarters sites in [[San Jose, California]], and at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, allowing strategic deployment in North America. They can become fully operational within 15 minutes of arrival. High-capacity diesel fuel-tanks allow the largest vehicles to run for up to 72 hours continuously.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/34965637 |title= TACOPS&nbsp;— Emergency Response Vehicle Tour, learningatcisco on USTREAM. Conference |publisher= Ustream.tv |access-date= July 24, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140104204422/http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/34965637 |archive-date= January 4, 2014 |url-status= dead |df= mdy-all }}</ref> The NERV has been deployed to incidents such as the [[October 2007 California wildfires]]; hurricanes [[Hurricane Gustav|Gustav]], [[Hurricane Ike|Ike]] and [[Hurricane Katrina|Katrina]]; the [[2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion|2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion]], tornado outbreaks in [[Tornado outbreak of April 14–16, 2011|North Carolina]] and [[2011 Super Outbreak|Alabama]] in 2011; and [[Hurricane Sandy]] in 2012.<ref>[http://blogs.cisco.com/csr/49-days-later-superstorm-sandy-relief-effort-is-still-running-on-cisco-technology/ 49 Days Later, Superstorm Sandy Relief Effort is Still Running on Cisco Technology]. Cisco.com Retrieved January 15, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/networking/cisco-nerv-the-ultimate-first-responder-vehicle/581 Cisco NERV: The ultimate first responder vehicle]. TechRepublic. Retrieved September 10, 2011.</ref>

The Crisis Response Operations team maintains and deploys smaller, more portable communication kits to emergencies outside of North America. In 2010, the team deployed to assist in earthquake recovery in Haiti and Christchurch (New Zealand). In 2011, they deployed to flooding in Brazil, as well as in response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2B2v573Bvo | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Q2B2v573Bvo| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title= Cisco TacOps |publisher= YouTube |date= June 28, 2011 |access-date= July 24, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2011, Cisco received the Innovation Preparedness award from the [[American Red Cross]] Silicon Valley Chapter for its development and use of these vehicles in disasters.<ref>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1L7pgotdEo 2011 Innovative Preparedness—Cisco Tactical Operations]. Youtube.com. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
</ref>

===Certifications===
{{Main|Cisco certifications}}
[[File:Ciscosystemsheadquarters.jpg|thumb|Cisco headquarters in the [[North San Jose Innovation District]]]]
Cisco Systems also sponsors a line of [[Professional certification (computer technology)|IT professional certifications]] for Cisco products.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cisco Certification and Career Paths|url=http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/learning_career_certifications_and_learning_paths_home.html}}</ref> There are five (path to [[network planning and design|network designers]]) levels of certification: Entry (CCT), Associate ([[Cisco CCNA|CCNA]]/CCDA), Specialist(Cisco Certified Specialist), Professional (CCNP/CCDP), Expert (CCIE/CCDE) and recently Architect (CCAr: CCDE previous),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/architect/ccar.html#~Exam |title=Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) |publisher=Cisco |access-date=July 30, 2021 }}</ref> as well as eight different paths, Collaboration, CyberOps, Data Center, DevNet, Enterprise, Security, and Service Provider .

A number of specialist technicians, sales, and datacenter certifications are also available.

Cisco also provides training for these certifications via a portal called the Cisco Networking Academy. Qualifying schools can become members of the Cisco Networking Academy and then provide CCNA level or other level courses. Cisco Academy Instructors must be CCNA certified to be a CCAI certified instructor.

Cisco is involved with technical education in 180 countries with its Cisco Academy program.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Network Academy|date=December 22, 2017 |url=http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/academy/index.html}}</ref> In March 2013, Cisco announced its interest in [[Myanmar]] by investing in two Cisco Networking Academies in [[Yangon]] and [[Mandalay]] and a channel partner network.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cisco Expands Commitment to Myanmar|url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=1166597}}</ref>

== Corporate affairs ==

=== Awards and accolades ===
[[File:US Embassy Tel Aviv - ACE 3.jpg|thumb|right|In 2010, Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] awarded Cisco the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence, which was presented in [[Jerusalem]] by Ambassador [[James B. Cunningham]] to Cisco Senior Manager Zika Abzuk]]
Cisco products, including IP phones and Telepresence, have been seen in movies and TV series.<ref>[http://www.vpnmag.co.uk/cisco-on-tv-and-in-the-movies/ Cisco on TV & in the Movies—About Cisco] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522053038/http://www.vpnmag.co.uk/cisco-on-tv-and-in-the-movies/ |date=May 22, 2014 }}. Cisco Systems (May 15, 2008). Retrieved September 10, 2011.</ref> The company was featured in the documentary film ''[[Something Ventured]]'' which premiered in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicoleperlroth/2011/05/12/q-and-a-with-something-ventured-producer-paul-holland/|title=Q and A With 'Something Ventured' Producer Paul Holland|last=Perlroth|first=Nicole|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=December 10, 2018}}</ref>

Cisco was a 2002–03 recipient of the [[Ron Brown Award]],<ref name=BusinessWire>{{cite press release |last= Smith|first= Abby|date= September 30, 2003|title= Cisco Systems Receives Presidential Award for Corporate Leadership; Cisco's Networking Academy Program Recognized for Highest Quality Corporate Citizenship|url= https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030930005266/en/Cisco-Systems-Receives-Presidential-Award-Corporate-Leadership|publisher= Business Wire|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref>Cisco News website [http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/corp_093003.html Cisco Systems Receives Presidential Award for Corporate Leadership] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220223642/http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/corp_093003.html |date=February 20, 2011 }}. Retrieved April 10, 2011.</ref> a U.S. presidential honor to recognize companies "for the exemplary quality of their relationships with employees and communities".<ref name="BusinessWire" /> Cisco ranked number one in Great Place to Work's World's Best Workplaces 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=World's Best Workplaces 2019|url=https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces-international/world-s-best-workplaces/2019|access-date=2020-08-08|website=Great Place to Work®|language=en-gb}}</ref> In 2020, ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' magazine ranked Cisco Systems at number four on their Fortune List of the Top 100 Companies to Work For in 2020 based on an employee survey of satisfaction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-companies-to-work-for-based-on-employee-satisfaction-fortune-2020-2|title=The 25 best companies to work for, based on employee satisfaction|publisher=[[Business Insider]]|author=Jessica Snouwaert|access-date=April 1, 2020}}</ref>

According to a report by technology consulting firm [[LexInnova Technologies|LexInnova]], Cisco was one of the leading recipients of network security-related patents with the largest portfolio within other companies (6,442 security-related patents) in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cso.com.au/article/578941/australia-world-fourth-largest-holder-network-security-patents-analysis-finds/|title=Australia is world's fourth-largest holder of network-security patents, analysis finds|author=David Braue|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref>

In 2024, Cisco was awarded Best Office Phone for its CP-8861 model by PhonePrices.co.uk.<ref>{{Cite web |title=14 best office phones – Top handsets for modern UK office use |url=https://www.phoneprices.co.uk/business/best-office-phones/ |website=PhonePrices.co.uk|date=May 3, 2024 }}</ref>

=== Sponsorship ===
In February 2021, Webex signed a multi-year partnership with [[McLaren|McLaren Racing]] as the Official Collaboration Partner of the team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2021 |title=Cisco Webex named Official Collaboration Partner of McLaren Formula 1 team |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/partners/cisco-webex/cisco-webex-named-official-collaboration-partner-mclaren-formula-1-team/ |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=[[McLaren Racing]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> In the following year, the partnership was extended to Cisco as the Official Technology Partner of the team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2022 |title=McLaren Racing announces extended and expanded partnership with Cisco |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/partners/cisco-webex/mclaren-racing-announces-extended-and-expanded-partnership-cisco/ |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=[[McLaren Racing]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> In October 2023, Cisco was announced as the Official Primary Partner of the McLaren [[F1 Academy]] programme. Cisco's branding will be carried on [[Bianca Bustamante]]'s car, race suit and team kit in the [[2024 F1 Academy season]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-20 |title=Bustamante: F1 Academy 'definitely something we've been needing for the past few years' |url=https://feederseries.net/2023/10/20/bustamante-f1-academy-definitely-something-weve-been-needing-for-the-past-few-years/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Feeder Series |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Dan |date=2024-02-02 |title=McLaren unveil Bustamante's F1 Academy livery |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/02/02/mclaren-unveil-bustamantes-f1-academy-livery/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Motorsport Week |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Controversies ==
[[File:Cisco Networkers 2007 - Anaheim.JPG|thumb|right|Cisco Live 2007 in [[Anaheim]], [[California]]. Cisco Live is the company's annual exposition and conference.]]

=== Shareholder relations ===
A class action lawsuit filed on April 20, 2001, accused Cisco of making misleading statements that "were relied on by purchasers of Cisco stock" and of [[insider trading]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2006/corp_081806.html | title=Cisco Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit Resolved | publisher=Cisco Systems, Inc. | date=August 18, 2006 | access-date=January 25, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060906090159/http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2006/corp_081806.html | archive-date=September 6, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> While Cisco denied all allegations in the suit, on August 18, 2006, Cisco's liability insurers, its directors and officers paid the plaintiffs US$91.75&nbsp;million to settle the suit.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2006/08/14/daily75.html | title=Cisco resolves class action lawsuit | work=[[American City Business Journals|Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal]] | date=August 18, 2006 | access-date=January 25, 2007}}</ref>

=== Intellectual property disputes ===
On December 11, 2008, the [[Free Software Foundation]] [[Free Software Foundation, Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc.|filed suit against Cisco]] regarding Cisco's failure to comply with the [[GPL]] and [[LGPL]] licenses and make the applicable source code publicly available.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.fsf.org/news/2008-12-cisco-suit |title=Free Software Foundation Files Suit Against Cisco For GPL Violations |publisher=Free Software Foundation |location=BOSTON, Massachusetts |date=December 11, 2008 |access-date=January 4, 2009}}</ref> On May 20, 2009, Cisco settled this lawsuit by complying with FSF licensing terms and making a monetary contribution to the FSF.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.fsf.org/news/2009-05-cisco-settlement.html |title=FSF Settles Suit Against Cisco |publisher=Free Software Foundation |date=May 20, 2009 |access-date=May 20, 2009}}</ref>

In October 2020, Cisco was ordered to pay US$1.9 billion to Centripetal Networks for infringement on four cybersecurity patents.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kwan|first=Campbell|title=Cisco ordered to pay $1.9b in cyber patent loss|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/cisco-ordered-to-pay-1-9b-in-cyber-patent-loss/|access-date=2020-10-07|website=ZDNet|language=en}}</ref>

=== China ===
Cisco has been criticized for its involvement in [[censorship in the People's Republic of China]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tankman/internet/ |title=The tank man: the struggle to control information |work=pbs.org |access-date=November 13, 2008}}</ref> According to author [[Ethan Gutmann]], Cisco and other telecommunications equipment providers supplied the [[People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] with surveillance and Internet infrastructure equipment that is used to block Internet websites and track online activities in China.<ref>Ethan Gutmann (May/June 2010) {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20161224055812/http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/hacker-nation-chinas-cyber-assault "Hacker Nation: China's Cyber Assault"]}}, World Affairs Journal</ref> Cisco has stated that it does not customize or develop specialized or unique filtering capabilities to enable governments to block access to information and that it sells the same equipment in China as it sells worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://blogs.cisco.com/gov/2006/02/cisco_testimony_before_house_i.html | title=Cisco Testimony Before House International Relations Subcommittee | first=John | last=Earnhardt | publisher=Cisco Systems, Inc. | date=February 15, 2006 | access-date=January 25, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061206095153/http://blogs.cisco.com/gov/2006/02/cisco_testimony_before_house_i.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = December 6, 2006}}</ref>

[[Wired News]] had uncovered a purported leaked, confidential PowerPoint presentation from Cisco that detailed the commercial opportunities of the [[Golden Shield Project]] of Internet control.<ref name="Stirland">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2008/05/leaked-cisco-do/ |title= Cisco Leak: 'Great Firewall' of China Was a Chance to Sell More Routers |first= Sarah |last=Stirland |date=May 20, 2008 |access-date=June 27, 2009 |magazine=Wired}}</ref> In May 2011, a group of [[Falun Gong]] practitioners filed a lawsuit under the [[Alien Tort Statute]] alleging that Cisco knowingly developed and customized its product to assist the Chinese government in prosecution and abuse of [[Falun Gong]] practitioners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/5:2011cv02449/240845|title=Doe I et al v. Cisco Systems, Inc. et al|work=Justia Dockets & Filings}}</ref> The lawsuit was dismissed in September 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leagle.com/decision/In%20FDCO%2020140908824.xml/DOE%20v.%20CISCO%20SYSTEMS,%20INC.|title=DOE I v. CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.|author=EDWARD J. DAVILA, District Judge}}</ref> by the [[United States District Court for the Northern District of California]], which decision was appealed to [[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plainsite.org/dockets/2ows95zql/court-of-appeals-for-the-ninth-circuit/doe-i-et-al-v-cisco-systems-inc-et-al/|title=Doe I, et al v. Cisco Systems, Inc., et al :: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit :: Case No. 15-16909}}</ref> in September 2015. On July 7, 2023, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court's decision and ruled the lawsuit may proceed to trial.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-07-07 |title=Lawsuit alleging California tech giant aided Chinese torture may proceed, 9th Circuit says |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-07-07/9th-circuit-revives-case-alleging-california-tech-titan-aided-torture-by-china |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 7, 2023 |title=DOE I, ET AL V. CISCO SYSTEMS, INC., ET AL, No. 15-16909 (9th Cir. 2023) |url=https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2023/07/07/15-16909.pdf |access-date=August 9, 2023 |website=United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit}}</ref> Cisco filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodge |first=William S. |date=2025-02-04 |title=Cisco's Cert Petition |url=https://tlblog.org/ciscos-cert-petition/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Transnational Litigation Blog |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2020, the [[Australian Strategic Policy Institute]] accused at least 82 major brands, including Cisco, of being connected to forced [[Persecution of Uyghurs in China|Uyghur labor in Xinjiang]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Xu |first1=Vicky Xiuzhong |last2=Cave |first2=Danielle |last3=Leibold |first3=James |last4=Munro |first4=Kelsey |last5=Ruser |first5=Nathan |date=1 March 2020 |title=Uyghurs for sale |url=https://www.aspi.org.au/report/uyghurs-sale |access-date=7 July 2022 |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute}}</ref>

=== Tax fraud investigation ===
In October 2007, employees of Cisco's Brazilian unit were arrested on charges that they had imported equipment without paying import duties. In response, Cisco stated that they do not import directly into Brazil, and instead use middlemen.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/101607-cisco-brazil-arrests.html?page=1 | title=Cisco offices raided, executives arrested in Brazil: reports | publisher=NetworkWorld | date=October 16, 2007 | access-date=October 16, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020061925/http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/101607-cisco-brazil-arrests.html?page=1 | archive-date=October 20, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/17/business/LA-FIN-Brazil-Cisco.php | title=Brazilian tax authorities raid, close Cisco System's offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro | work=International Herald Tribune| date=October 17, 2007 | access-date=October 17, 2007}}</ref>

=== Antitrust lawsuit ===
On December 1, 2008, [[Multiven]] filed an [[antitrust]] lawsuit{{refn|<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=168775 | title=Multiven Sues Cisco | newspaper=Light Reading | publisher=lightreading | date=December 1, 2008 | access-date=December 2, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/35852 | title=Net maintenance provider sues Cisco over allegedly monopolistic SMARTnet | publisher=NetworkWorld. | date=December 1, 2008 | access-date=December 2, 2008 | archive-date=January 2, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200715/http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/35852 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crn.com/networking/212201523 |title=Cisco Accused Of Monopoly In Antitrust Lawsuit |publisher=ChannelWeb |date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=December 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204041433/http://www.crn.com/networking/212201523 |archive-date=December 4, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=http://multiven.com/news?article_id=12 | title=Multiven Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Cisco Systems, Inc. | publisher=Multiven, Inc. | date=December 1, 2008 | access-date=December 1, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106062338/http://multiven.com/news?article_id=12 | archive-date=January 6, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://searchitchannel.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid96_gci1341067,00.html?track=sy540 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715042607/http://searchitchannel.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid96_gci1341067,00.html?track=sy540 | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 15, 2012 | title=Cisco Systems hit with antitrust lawsuit | publisher=SearchITChannel | date=December 4, 2008 | access-date=December 4, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/lawsuit-cisco-blocks-outsider-gear-maintenance/2008-12-03 | title=Lawsuit: Cisco blocks outsider gear maintenance | publisher=fiercetelecom | date=December 3, 2008 | access-date=December 3, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205163343/http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/lawsuit-cisco-blocks-outsider-gear-maintenance/2008-12-03 | archive-date=December 5, 2008 | url-status=dead }}</ref>}} against Cisco Systems, Inc. Multiven's complaint alleges that Cisco harmed Multiven and consumers by bundling and [[Tying (commerce)|tying]] [[Software bug|bug]] fixes/[[Patch (computing)|patches]] and updates for its [[operating system]] software to its maintenance services (SMARTnet). In May 2010, Cisco accused the person who filed the [[antitrust]] suit, British-Nigerian technology entrepreneur [[Peter Alfred-Adekeye]], with hacking and pressured the US government to extradite him from Canada. Cisco settled the antitrust lawsuit two months after Alfred-Adekeye's arrest by making its software updates available to all Multiven customers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://multiven.com/#/advocacy/07192010|title=After weeks of deliberation, Cisco settles Multiven v. Cisco=19 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2519776/government-it/cisco-settles-antitrust-suit-over-software-updates.html|title=Cisco settles antitrust suit over software updates|author=Stephen Lawson|magazine=Computerworld|date=August 2, 2010|access-date=December 27, 2015|archive-date=February 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223022538/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2519776/government-it/cisco-settles-antitrust-suit-over-software-updates.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2011/06/03/cisco_charged_with_duplicity/|title=Judge blasts Cisco's 'unmitigated gall' in ex-exec's arrest|author=Rik Myslewski|publisher=The Channel|date=June 3, 2011}}</ref>

=== Remotely monitoring users' connections ===
Cisco's Linksys E2700, E3500, E4500 devices have been reported to be remotely updated to a firmware version that forces users to register for a cloud service, allows Cisco to monitor their network use and ultimately shut down the cloud [[service account]] and thus render the affected router unusable.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cisco Pushing 'Cloud Connect' Router Firmware, Allows Web History Tracking|date=June 29, 2012 |url=http://tech.slashdot.org/story/12/06/29/1425210/cisco-pushing-cloud-connect-router-firmware-allows-web-history-tracking|publisher=Slashdot|access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cisco's cloud vision: Mandatory, monetized and killed at their discretion|newspaper=Extremetech |date=July 2, 2012 |url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/132142-ciscos-cloud-vision-mandatory-monetized-and-killed-at-their-discretion|publisher=Extreme Tech|access-date=December 26, 2013|last1=Hruska |first1=Joel }}</ref>

=== Firewall backdoor developed by NSA ===
According to the German magazine ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' the NSA has developed JETPLOW for gaining access to ASA (series 5505, 5510, 5520, 5540 and 5550) and 500-series PIX Firewalls.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Interactive graphics: the spy tools of the NSA are sitting here|url=http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/netzpolitik/interaktive-grafik-hier-sitzen-die-spaeh-werkzeuge-der-nsa-a-941030.html|magazine=Der Spiegel|access-date=January 11, 2014}}</ref>

Cisco's Chief Security Officer addressed the allegations publicly and denied working with any government to weaken Cisco products for exploitation or to implement security backdoors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Comment on Der Spiegel articles about NSA TAO Organization|url=http://blogs.cisco.com/news/comment-on-der-spiegel-articles-about-nsa-tao-organization/|publisher=Cisco.com|access-date=December 29, 2013}}</ref>

A document included in the trove of National Security Agency files released with Glenn Greenwald's book ''No Place to Hide'' details how the agency's [[Tailored Access Operations]] (TAO) unit and other NSA employees intercept servers, routers and other network gear being shipped to organizations targeted for surveillance and install covert firmware onto them before they are delivered. These Trojan horse systems were described by an NSA manager as being "some of the most productive operations in TAO because they pre-position access points into hard target networks around the world."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/05/photos-of-an-nsa-upgrade-factory-show-cisco-router-getting-implant/|title=NSA "upgrade" factory show Cisco router getting implant|date=May 14, 2014 }}</ref>

Cisco denied the allegations in a customer document<ref>{{cite web|title=Customer Recommendations: Securing Your Network|url=http://www.cisco.com/web/about/security/intelligence/customer-rec-secure-ntwk.html|publisher=Cisco.com|access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref> saying that no information was included about specific Cisco products, supply chain intervention or implant techniques, or new security vulnerabilities. Cisco's general counsel also said that Cisco does not work with any government, including the United States government, to weaken its products.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.cisco.com/news/internet-security-necessary-for-global-technology-economy// |title=Internet Security Necessary for Global Technology Economy |publisher=Cisco.com|access-date=May 13, 2014}}</ref> The allegations are reported to have prompted the company's CEO to express concern to the President of the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://recode.net/2014/05/18/in-letter-to-obama-cisco-ceo-complains-about-nsa-allegations/ |title= In Letter to Obama, Cisco CEO Complains About NSA Allegations|date= May 18, 2014|publisher=Re/Code|access-date=May 18, 2014}}</ref> Whistle blowers like [[Edward Snowden]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Snyder |first1=Bill |author-link1= |last2= |first2= |author-link2= |date=May 15, 2014 |orig-date= |title=Snowden: The NSA planted backdoors in Cisco products |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2608141/snowden--the-nsa-planted-backdoors-in-cisco-products.html |publisher=[[InfoWorld]] |publication-date=May 15, 2014 |agency=IDG Communications, Inc. |access-date=November 18, 2022 |url-access= |quote= }}</ref> and journalist reporter [[Julian Assange]] have echoed similar sentiments publicly.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 29, 2017 |title=A scramble at Cisco exposes uncomfortable truths about U.S. cyber defense |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cyber-defense/a-scramble-at-cisco-exposes-uncomfortable-truths-about-u-s-cyber-defense-idUSKBN17013U |editor1-last=Menn |editor1-first=Joseph |publisher=Reuters |publication-date=March 29, 2017 |agency=The Thomson Reuters |access-date=November 18, 2022 |url-access= |quote= }}</ref>

=== Spherix patent suit ===
{{update-section|date=June 2025}}
In March 2014, Spherix sued Cisco for patent infringement. Spherix alleged that over $43 billion of Cisco's sales, including switches and routers, infringed on 11 patents that Spherix acquired from [[Nortel]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cisco Sued for Infringement of Old Nortel Patents|url=http://www.eweek.com/blogs/first-read/cisco-sued-for-infringement-of-old-nortel-patents.html#sthash.4O5UyJEi.dpuf|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140625111734/http://www.eweek.com/blogs/first-read/cisco-sued-for-infringement-of-old-nortel-patents.html#sthash.4O5UyJEi.dpuf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 25, 2014|publisher=eweek|date=March 27, 2014|author=Jeffrey Burt}}</ref>

=== India net censorship role ===
{{As of|2020|April}} Cisco Systems is alleged to be helping the Indian Jammu and Kashmir administration build a firewall that will prevent Internet users in [[Kashmir]] from accessing blacklisted websites, including social media portals, through fixed-line connections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Javaid |first=Azaan |date=2020-03-03 |title=US firm helps J&K build firewall to keep social media off-limits even when internet returns |url=https://theprint.in/india/us-firm-helps-jk-build-firewall-to-keep-social-media-off-limits-even-when-internet-returns/374096/ |website=[[ThePrint]] |language=en-US |access-date=2020-04-06}}</ref> Cisco denies the allegations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cisco Says It's Not Helping The Indian Government Enforce The Kashmiri Internet Blackout |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/pranavdixit/cisco-says-its-not-helping-the-indian-government-enforce |website=BuzzFeed News |date=March 4, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Caste discrimination lawsuit ===
In 2020, a lawsuit was initiated against Cisco and two of its employees by the [[California Department of Fair Employment and Housing]] for alleged discrimination against an Indian engineer on account of him being from a lower [[caste]] than them.<ref>{{cite web|title=California sues Cisco for alleged discrimination against employee because of caste |first=Rishi |last=Iyengar |publisher=[[CNN Business]] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/01/tech/cisco-lawsuit-caste-discrimination/index.html |date=2020-07-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=California sues Cisco over discrimination against dalit employee |publisher=[[The Week (Indian magazine)]] |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2020/07/01/california-sues-cisco-over-discrimination-against-dalit-employee.html |date=2020-07-01}}</ref>

=== Israeli-Palestinian conflict ===
The Israeli military uses Cisco data centers to support its AI targeting operations and other defense and intelligence activities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-18 |title=As Israel uses US-made AI models in war, concerns arise about tech’s role in who lives and who dies |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-ai-technology-737bc17af7b03e98c29cec4e15d0f108 |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> At least 32 Cisco employees lost 288 family members in Gaza since October 2023. Employees who have spoken out against Cisco's ties to Israel have been fired, attempts to organize employees in support of divestment have been censored, and the company banned discussion of the conflict in company meetings in April 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Archit |title=Cisco, a Major Contributor to Israel's Military Technology, Fired a Pro-Palestine Employee |url=https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/cisco-israel-tech-internal-speech-palestine-gaza |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=www.dropsitenews.com |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Div col |colwidth = 20em }}
* [[Mass surveillance in the United States]]
* [[Cisco certifications]]
* [[Cisco IOS]]
* [[Packet Tracer]]
* [[Cisco Catalyst]]
* [[Cisco DevNet]]
* [[Cisco Express Forwarding]]
* [[Cisco Discovery Protocol]]
* [[Cisco Security Agent]]
* [[Cisco Systems VPN Client]]
* [[Cisco WebEx]]
* [[Cisco Field]]
{{Div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* Bunnell, D. (2000). ''Making the Cisco Connection: The Story Behind the Real Internet Superpower''. Wiley. {{ISBN|0-471-35711-1}}.
* Bunnell, D. & Brate, A. (2001). ''Die Cisco Story'' (in German). Moderne Industrie. {{ISBN|3-478-35995-3}}.
* Paulson, E. (2001). ''Inside Cisco: The Real Story of Sustained M&A Growth''. Wiley. {{ISBN|0-471-41425-5}}.
* Slater, R. (2003). ''The Eye of the Storm: How John Chambers Steered Cisco Through the Technology Collapse''. HarperCollins. {{ISBN|0-06-018887-1}}.
* Stauffer, D. (2001). ''Nothing but Net Business the Cisco Way''. Wiley. {{ISBN|1-84112-087-1}}.
* Waters, J. K. (2002). ''John Chambers and the Cisco Way: Navigating Through Volatility''. Wiley. {{ISBN|0-471-00833-8}}.
* Young, J. S. (2001). ''Cisco Unauthorized: Inside the High-Stakes Race to Own the Future''. Prima Lifestyles. {{ISBN|0-7615-2775-3}}.
{{refend}}

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