Cisco Systems is a global technology company that specializes in the design, manufacturing, and sales of networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other high-technology services and products. The company was founded in 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Today, Cisco is considered one of the leading companies in the technology industry, with a market capitalization of over $200 billion.
Cisco's products and services are used by businesses, government agencies, and consumers around the world. The company is best known for its routers and switches, which are used to connect devices on computer networks. In addition to networking hardware, Cisco also provides a range of software, security, and cloud-based services to its customers. These include collaboration tools, cybersecurity solutions, and data center infrastructure products.
Over the years, Cisco has grown through a combination of internal development and strategic acquisitions. Some of the company's notable acquisitions include AppDynamics, which provides application performance management software, and Duo Security, which specializes in multi-factor authentication and zero-trust security solutions. In recent years, Cisco has also been focused on expanding its offerings in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, with products and services designed for smart cities, manufacturing, and transportation.
In addition to its core business operations, Cisco has also been actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives. The company has established the Cisco Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and economic development programs around the world. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cisco also launched a $225 million global response fund to support healthcare and education organizations, as well as vulnerable populations.