Fujitsu and Cisco Deliver Next-Generation High-End Routers

May 24, 2005

Fujitsu Limited and Cisco Systems, Inc. today introduced the first product to be delivered under the strategic alliance announced on Dec. 6, 2004, a Fujitsu and Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System built on the Cisco IOS XR next-generation operating system.

In December 2004, the companies reached a fundamental agreement to form a strategic alliance in the field of routers and switches. The companies have since worked together to customize the Cisco IOS XR operating system for high-end routers, and focused collaboration on enhancing product functionality and the support structure needed to respond to the demanding quality requirements of Japanese telecommunications carriers.

The newly introduced product is expected to become the core routing platform of choice for Internet Protocol Next-Generation Networks (IP NGNs), enabling service providers to converge their costly and complex service-specific networks to deliver the services and applications demanded by their customers.

"The basis for Cisco's strategic alliance with Fujitsu is to enable both companies to identify synergies, and combine resources all toward delivering on customer requirements with value-added, industry-leading networking solutions," said Tony Bates, vice president and general manager of Cisco's Carrier Core and Multiservice Business Unit. "Today's announcement demonstrates that the companies have already made tremendous progress, which provides momentum for future initiatives."

"A shift toward higher value-added subscriber services is leading to new market opportunities in Japan's telecommunication service market, which is a world leader with respect to broadband networks," said Chiaki Ito, corporate executive vice president and System Products Business Group president, Fujitsu Limited. "Through this alliance, we're creating products that will be core elements in realizing these new markets and part of a full lineup of routers and switches that -- together with our IT solutions -- will enable telecommunication service providers to deliver even more competitive offerings."