思科升级统一通讯软件和设备
作者： Reuters
责任编辑： 阚智
来源： 《电脑商情报》
时间： 2007-03-06 12:03
Cisco Systems Inc. said on Monday it will offer customers an upgraded version of its set of software and network equipment that links desktop computers to office phones and mobile phones.
The new product line, Cisco Unified Communications system 6.0, will include features such as a single-voice mail system and the ability to instantly transfer calls on mobile phones to office phones.
The upgrade is part of Cisco's move to expand from its traditional product line of routers and switches, and aims to meet growing demand for a single communications system that office workers can use wherever they go.
Users will be able to make calls and send instant messages from cell phones just as they would from their office computers or phones, Cisco said. It did not give pricing details.
The new version will also feature simpler installation and software packaging in an effort to woo small and medium-sized businesses. Most customers of Cisco's routers and switches, which direct Internet traffic, are telephone and cable companies or global companies needing big networks.
Analysts said Cisco, by expanding into a broader range of products, was moving toward direct competition with companies like Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile , Research).
Its traditional rivals include Avaya Inc. (AV.N: Quote, Profile , Research), Ciena Corp. (CIEN.O: Quote, Profile , Research), Juniper Networks (JNPR.O: Quote, Profile , Research), and Nortel (NT.TO: Quote, Profile , Research).
"Driving all or a majority of all the various pipes of communications through a common infrastructure -- when you do that, you start touching not only the classic communications companies like Avaya and Nortel but also business applications of SAP (SAPG.DE: Quote, Profile , Research), Oracle (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile , Research), and Microsoft," said IDC research analyst Abner Germanow. Cisco is a client of IDC's industry research.
Cisco also cooperates with Microsoft and carries its Instant Messaging software in the Unified Communications system. The product line is built on an open industry standard and its applications run on both Windows and Apple Inc.'s (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile , Research) Macintosh computers.
"A lot of customers have Microsoft and so in reality, our approach is to be open so that customers can have choice," said Barry O'Sullivan, vice president and general manager of Cisco's Unified Communications business unit.
The launch of the new product line also comes amid a slight retreat in Cisco shares following a strong surge in 2006. Cisco shares have fallen around 13 percent since hitting a three-year high of 28.99 on Jan. 11.
They are still up 20 percent year-on-year, though, supported by expectations that demand for network equipment will rise because of growing Internet traffic including Web-based video.
The new product line, Cisco Unified Communications system 6.0, will include features such as a single-voice mail system and the ability to instantly transfer calls on mobile phones to office phones.
The upgrade is part of Cisco's move to expand from its traditional product line of routers and switches, and aims to meet growing demand for a single communications system that office workers can use wherever they go.
Users will be able to make calls and send instant messages from cell phones just as they would from their office computers or phones, Cisco said. It did not give pricing details.
The new version will also feature simpler installation and software packaging in an effort to woo small and medium-sized businesses. Most customers of Cisco's routers and switches, which direct Internet traffic, are telephone and cable companies or global companies needing big networks.
Analysts said Cisco, by expanding into a broader range of products, was moving toward direct competition with companies like Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile , Research).
Its traditional rivals include Avaya Inc. (AV.N: Quote, Profile , Research), Ciena Corp. (CIEN.O: Quote, Profile , Research), Juniper Networks (JNPR.O: Quote, Profile , Research), and Nortel (NT.TO: Quote, Profile , Research).
"Driving all or a majority of all the various pipes of communications through a common infrastructure -- when you do that, you start touching not only the classic communications companies like Avaya and Nortel but also business applications of SAP (SAPG.DE: Quote, Profile , Research), Oracle (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile , Research), and Microsoft," said IDC research analyst Abner Germanow. Cisco is a client of IDC's industry research.
Cisco also cooperates with Microsoft and carries its Instant Messaging software in the Unified Communications system. The product line is built on an open industry standard and its applications run on both Windows and Apple Inc.'s (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile , Research) Macintosh computers.
"A lot of customers have Microsoft and so in reality, our approach is to be open so that customers can have choice," said Barry O'Sullivan, vice president and general manager of Cisco's Unified Communications business unit.
The launch of the new product line also comes amid a slight retreat in Cisco shares following a strong surge in 2006. Cisco shares have fallen around 13 percent since hitting a three-year high of 28.99 on Jan. 11.
They are still up 20 percent year-on-year, though, supported by expectations that demand for network equipment will rise because of growing Internet traffic including Web-based video.
