Cisco Systems History

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1984 – Cisco Systems was founded by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, a married couple working at Stanford University. They developed a multi-protocol router to connect different campus networks.
1986 – Cisco launched its first router (AGS), targeting businesses and universities.
1987 – The company hired its first CEO, Bill Graves.
1988 – Cisco introduced the IGS router, expanding into branch office networking.
1990 – Cisco went public on NASDAQ (CSCO), raising $224 million.

1993 – Cisco acquired Crescendo Communications, entering the switching market.
1994 – Cisco introduced the 7000 series routers, leading in enterprise networking.
1995 – Cisco became the market leader in networking equipment.
1996 – Launched Catalyst 5000 switches, expanding into LAN switching.
1998 – Acquired Selsius Systems, entering the VoIP market.
1999 – Cisco reached a $100 billion market cap, becoming one of the most valuable companies.

2000 – Cisco became the world’s most valuable company, with a market cap of $500 billion.
2001 – The dot-com bubble burst, reducing Cisco’s valuation significantly.
2003 – Acquired Linksys, entering the consumer Wi-Fi router market.
2004 – Launched Integrated Services Routers (ISR), integrating security and voice.
2005 – Acquired Scientific Atlanta, expanding into cable TV networking.
2007 – Announced the Nexus 7000 switch, targeting data centers.
2009 – Acquired TANDBERG, a leader in video conferencing.

2011 – Acquired AXIOSS, improving service management.
2012 – Launched Cisco Meraki, a cloud-managed networking platform.
2015 – Acquired OpenDNS, enhancing cybersecurity solutions.
2017 – Launched Intent-Based Networking (IBN) with AI-driven automation.
2018 – Acquired Duo Security, strengthening zero-trust security.

2020 – Cisco introduced Silicon One, a breakthrough in networking chips.
2021 – Announced new hybrid work solutions with Webex.
2022 – Focused on 5G, AI-driven security, and sustainability.
2023 – Cisco expanded its AI-powered network automation solutions.

Cisco continues to be a global leader in networking, security, and cloud solutions, driving innovation in AI, IoT, and cybersecurity. 🚀

Last updated 3 months ago