# Cisco Systems

**Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/cisco-systems  
**Vertical:** Technology  
**Subcategory:** General  
**Tier:** Emerging  
**Website:** cisco.com  
**Last Updated:** 2026-04-14

## Summary

Networking and cybersecurity giant with $55B revenue; Splunk $28B acquisition in 2024 creates unified data-driven security and observability platform.

## Company Overview

Cisco Systems is a global technology leader providing networking hardware, cybersecurity software, collaboration tools, and cloud infrastructure for enterprises, service providers, and governments worldwide. Founded in 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner at Stanford University and headquartered in San Jose, California, Cisco created the modern internet router and has remained one of the most important infrastructure companies through multiple technology cycles. The company is listed on NASDAQ and generates approximately $55 billion in annual revenue.

Cisco has successfully pivoted from a hardware-dependent revenue model toward software subscriptions and recurring services, which now represent over half of total revenue. The company's portfolio spans networking (Catalyst switches, Meraki cloud networking), security (Duo, Umbrella, SecureX), collaboration (Webex), and observability (ThousandEyes, AppDynamics). In 2024, Cisco completed its largest acquisition ever — purchasing Splunk for $28 billion to significantly expand its cybersecurity and observability capabilities.

In 2025, Cisco is integrating Splunk's data platform with its security product portfolio to create a comprehensive SOC (Security Operations Center) platform. The company has framed AI as a core investment theme, embedding AI across Webex (meeting transcription, AI assistants), networking (AI-driven operations), and security (AI threat detection). Cisco's revenue growth has been moderate, with transition pains from hardware to software recurring revenue. The company faces stiff competition from Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike in security, Microsoft Teams in collaboration, and Arista Networks in high-performance networking.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Cisco Systems?
Cisco Systems is one of the world's largest technology companies, founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, California. The company provides networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, and high-technology services, and is a global leader in enterprise networking, security, and cloud solutions.

### What products and services does Cisco Systems offer?
Cisco offers networking equipment including routers and switches, network security and cybersecurity solutions, cloud and data center solutions, collaboration tools (Webex), and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms.

### Who are Cisco Systems' target customers?
Cisco Systems primarily serves enterprise customers, providing solutions for networking, security, and cloud infrastructure needs. The company focuses on businesses requiring enterprise-level technology solutions.

### When was Cisco Systems founded?
Cisco Systems was founded in 1984. The company has over 40 years of innovation in the technology industry.

### Where is Cisco Systems headquartered?
Cisco Systems is headquartered in San Jose, California, USA.

### What industry does Cisco Systems operate in?
Cisco Systems operates in the technology industry, specializing in networking, telecommunications, and enterprise technology solutions.

### How long has Cisco Systems been in business?
Cisco Systems has been in business for over 40 years, having been founded in 1984.

### What technology approach does Cisco Systems use?
Cisco provides comprehensive technology solutions spanning networking hardware, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and IoT platforms. The company focuses on enterprise-grade solutions for networking, security, and collaboration.

### What collaboration tools does Cisco offer?
Cisco offers Webex as its collaboration tool platform for enterprise communication and teamwork solutions.

### What are Cisco Systems' recent developments?
Cisco has recently expanded its AI infrastructure offerings through partnerships with NVIDIA and launched AI Canvas, a generative UI platform for enterprise solutions.

## Tags

b2b, enterprise, fortune500, global, hardware, infrastructure, public, saas

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*Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*