Cisco Adds SMB Systems

January 28, 2009: Cisco has announced a new focus on small to medium sized businesses in the form of a range of new systems, software and services designed specifically for SMBs.

Aimed at providing SMBs with new networking and collaboration solutions, Cisco says its new range of products improve security, connectivity and productivity.

First up is the Cisco Spam and Virus Blocker. The company says that the security appliance provides protection for a business's network and critical data from viruses and malicious email attacks while mitigating spam.

Next is the Cisco NSS2000 and NSS3000 Network Storage Systems, which it claims are affordable desktop, network-attached storage devices providing data protection and sharing for SMBs without complicated set up and operation.

Cisco has also released its Smart Business Communications System (SBCS) version 1.4, dubbing it a complete collaboration and communications system that connects offices, employees and customers from anywhere at any time. This new version includes the industry's first wireless desktop Internet Protocol (IP) phone with Bluetooth capabilities.

The company says that these new offerings build its November 2008 announcement of a US$100 (AU$150) million global strategic initiative to provide dedicated products, services and support for small businesses, which included the formation of the Cisco Small Business technology group (SBTG).

Cisco says that the SBTG is focused on developing technologies within six priority areas that meet small businesses' core business needs and help to enable business growth, including security, connectivity, productivity, remote access, customer interaction and customer support.

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