Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been prominent in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. By the 2000s, Cisco Systems became the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco has used acquisitions more than 80 since 1993 to broaden its product lines and secure engineering talent in the highly competitive networking sector. After the massive technological spending of the Internet days, Cisco saw decline in demand for its routers. But by 2004, Cisco is recovering from the Internet downturn better than many other companies in the Silicon Valley.

Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco is recognized as a pioneer in using the Internet for its own business practices, offering consulting services to help other organizations around the world. Today, networks are an essential part of business, education, government, and home communications.

Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been prominent in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. This tradition of IP innovation continues with industry-leading products in the core areas of routing and switching, along with advanced technologies in areas such as optical, network security, IP-Telephony, wireless LAN, storage networking, and home networking. In addition to its products, Cisco provides a broad range of service offerings, including technical support services and advanced services. Cisco sells its products and services, both directly through its own sales force and indirectly through channel partners, to large enterprises, commercial businesses, service providers, and consumers.