Every business goes through its ups and downs, and Cisco is no different. The world leader in networking equipment has taken a major beating recently. However, Cisco has always managed to come out of every crisis even stronger.
The name “Cisco” is based on its origins as a startup from San Francisco. The company was founded in 1984 by a husband and wife team who worked together in computer support at Stanford. During the 1980s, they invented the multiprotocol router, a critical device for the early Internet. They had to fight the University for the rights to their invention. After taking the company public in 1990, they walked away with a lot of cash and later divorced.
During the dot-com boom, the company was rightfully seen as the leader of the “new economy.” As the provider of most equipment directory data over the Internet, Cisco was at one time the most valuable company in the world. Of course, that wasn’t to last, as the company was hit shortly after by the dot-com bust, just like every other tech giant at the time.
However, Cisco remains probably the most important company shaping the future of telecommunications. Today, they develop and sell not only computer networking hardware, but also software and services. Its products, distributed under five brands (Cisco, Linksys, WebEx, IronPort and Scientific Atlanta), are currently number one in thirteen product areas, number two in five and number three in just one. While they specialize in the business market, they weren’t afraid to venture into the home networking market as well.
Cisco is often said to be a company almost synonymous with high performance, high prices, and high margins. On their official YouTube channel, they call themselves a “future-ready network”; in fact, Cisco is a company that always looks ahead for future growth. They are known for their acquisitions of other companies to expand their product line. Often listed as one of the best companies in the world to work for, the company places a high value on teamwork and what they call “corporate citizenship.”
Cisco was the first company of the Internet age and one of the most successful and profitable companies of all ages. Over the years, they certainly had their share of problems and controversies, including being the subject of some serious criticism that couldn’t be easily disputed.
However, whatever happens in the future, this company has already earned its place in history.
