SMB computer networking: See the business and technical bene�ts that Cisco SMB Network Foundation Solutions offer - and the types of SMBs that should deploy them. Read about Cisco small business computer network, medium business networks, and small busines network security.

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from Cisco Systems Inc.

Q. What is the Cisco small and medium business (SMB) Class Network Foundation solution offering?

A. Traditionally, companies refer to their data networks as the "plumbing," infrastructure, or core. Often they refer simply to the component products that make up this infrastructure, such as routers and switches. Over time, Cisco has developed an integrated network infrastructure product suite that delivers much higher value than basic "plumbing" or standalone products. We recognize the need to articulate this value proposition more clearly. Of course, viewing the core network infrastructure as the foundation for advanced business solutions is not a new message for Cisco. By emphasizing the concept of the full service "network foundation" now, our goal is to reinforce this message in a way that conveys the strengths of our core offering to small- and medium-sized businesses and to prepare them for future deployment of growth technology solutions.

The Cisco network foundation constitutes a high value infrastructure—comprised of routers, switches, security solutions, and wireless LAN (WLAN) devices—that enable the intelligent, end-to-end movement of data, voice, and video across networks (between branches, over the Internet, and so on). Central to the full service network foundation message is the concept that intelligent services bring unique differentiation with end-to-end security, availability, and quality of service enhancements, unmatched by our competition.

By adopting networked business applications which run on a solid network foundation, companies are able to work more productively with customers, suppliers and employees, launch new e-commerce initiatives, leverage a more mobile workforce, consolidate infrastructure costs and reduce total cost of ownership, reduce exposure to downtime and security breaches, and expand operations more easily and cost-effectively.

Q. Why is Cisco focusing on its network foundation offering in the small- and medium-sized business space?

A. The Gartner Group has found that the top three networking initiatives for midsize businesses in 2003 are 1) increased network security, 2) increased availability or reliability, and 3) operating cost reduction.

In this tough economy, SMBs are increasing spending on strategic investments that will make a positive, near-term impact on these challenges. In fact, SMB business decision makers are under pressure to increase employee productivity, customer loyalty, and pro�tability, while the technical decision makers are focused on improving network security, availability, and operating costs. With that, SMBs are challenged by a lack of quali�ed staff to help them implement these solutions. They are looking for "whole solutions" (hardware, software, implementation services, support, �nancing) from their solution suppliers.

The network foundation effectively conveys to SMB customers that Cisco understands their need for integrated, business-focused solutions. According to Gartner, "vendors that understand the special needs and wants of SMBs are more likely to be rewarded with impressive, sustainable revenue, increased pro�tability and loyal, long-term clients."