# Cisco **Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/cisco **Vertical:** Consumer Technology **Subcategory:** Enterprise **Tier:** Leader **Website:** cisco.com **Last Updated:** 2026-04-14 ## Summary San Jose enterprise networking and security (NASDAQ: CSCO) at ~$57B annual revenue; $28B Splunk acquisition completed March 2024 integrating SIEM/SOAR with Cisco Security Cloud competing with Palo Alto Networks for enterprise cybersecurity. ## Company Overview Cisco Systems Inc. is a San Jose, California-based global technology conglomerate — publicly traded on NASDAQ (NASDAQ: CSCO) as a Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 component — generating approximately $57 billion in annual revenue and employing 86,000+ employees across 150+ countries, operating as the world's leading enterprise networking equipment manufacturer and an expanding cybersecurity and observability platform following the $28 billion acquisition of Splunk (completed March 2024, Cisco's largest-ever acquisition). Cisco's product portfolio spans networking (Catalyst switches, ASR routers, Meraki cloud-managed networking), security (Duo MFA, Cisco Firepower, Umbrella DNS security, SecureX XDR), collaboration (Webex conferencing, Webex Calling), data center (Nexus switches, UCS servers, HyperFlex HCI), and observability (Splunk SIEM/SOAR, AppDynamics APM, ThousandEyes network intelligence). CEO Chuck Robbins has led the company since 2015. Founded 1984 by Stanford computer scientists Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner. Cisco's networking infrastructure platform addresses the enterprise requirement for secure, reliable, and scalable connectivity across campus, branch, data center, and cloud environments: enterprises running business applications across AWS, Azure, and on-premises data centers need switching, routing, wireless, and SD-WAN infrastructure that connects users to applications with the performance, redundancy, and security controls that IT operations require. Cisco's integrated platform (Catalyst Center for network management, Cisco DNA for intent-based networking, Meraki for cloud-managed branch networking) provides the policy-based automation that reduces the manual configuration overhead of managing thousands of network devices across enterprise campuses. The Splunk acquisition creates the security operations platform integration that CISO teams need: Cisco's network telemetry (seeing all traffic flows across the enterprise network) combined with Splunk's SIEM (correlating events from endpoint, cloud, and application logs) creates the visibility that enables threat detection and incident response at enterprise scale. In 2025, Cisco competes in the enterprise networking, cybersecurity platform, and cloud infrastructure market with Juniper Networks (NYSE: HPE subsidiary after 2024 acquisition, networking), Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET, data center networking, $6B+ revenue), and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW, cybersecurity platform, $8B+ revenue) for enterprise network infrastructure refresh cycles, security platform consolidation mandates, and AI data center networking architecture decisions. The Splunk integration (building the Cisco Security Cloud with Splunk SIEM/SOAR as the analytics backbone) creates a security platform that competes with Palo Alto's Cortex and Microsoft Sentinel for enterprise SOC modernization. AI infrastructure networking (high-speed Ethernet fabric for GPU cluster connectivity in AI training environments, competing with InfiniBand) represents Cisco's next infrastructure growth vector. The 2025 strategy focuses on monetizing the Splunk integration through Cisco Security Cloud platform deals, growing Meraki's cloud-managed networking for SMB and mid-market, and capturing AI data center networking share with the Silicon One ASIC-based 400G/800G switching portfolio. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What does Cisco do? Cisco Systems is the world's leading provider of networking equipment, software, and services. The company provides IT products and services across five major technology areas: networking (routers, switches, wireless), security (firewalls, threat detection), collaboration (Webex video conferencing), data center infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Cisco enables digital transformation for businesses, governments, and service providers in over 150 countries. ### Who are Cisco's customers? Cisco serves a diverse customer base ranging from small businesses to Global 2000 enterprises, government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and telecommunications service providers. Their customers span virtually every industry, from local school districts implementing Wi-Fi networks to massive cloud providers building data center infrastructure and Fortune 500 companies securing their enterprise networks. ### When was Cisco founded? Cisco Systems was founded in December 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandra Lerner at Stanford University in California. The company went public on February 16, 1990, and has since grown to become one of the world's most valuable technology companies with a market capitalization exceeding $300 billion. ### Where is Cisco based? Cisco's corporate headquarters is located at 3098 Olsen Drive, San Jose, California 95128, with a legal mailing address at 170 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. In October 2024, the company consolidated its Bay Area offices and moved its main headquarters to the former Splunk office on Santana Row in San Jose. Cisco operates globally with offices in over 150 countries. ### How much revenue does Cisco generate? Cisco generated approximately $56.65 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025, representing a 5.3% year-over-year growth from $53.80 billion in 2024. The company reported $10.45 billion in net income and returned significant value to shareholders. Cisco's largest revenue segment is Networking, which reached $28.30 billion in fiscal 2025, representing 44.53% of total revenue. The company also reported $29.6 billion in annual recurring revenue (ARR), including $4.3 billion from Splunk. ### What makes Cisco different from competitors? Cisco differentiates itself through comprehensive end-to-end solutions that integrate networking, security, and collaboration into a unified platform. The company's advantages include its massive installed base, industry-leading certifications (CCNA, CCNP), extensive partner ecosystem, and integration of AI across its portfolio. The $28 billion Splunk acquisition created a unique combined security and observability platform. Cisco also maintains 54% operating margins and invests heavily in innovation, with over $1 billion in AI-related orders anticipated for fiscal 2025. ### Who are Cisco's main competitors? Cisco's main competitors vary by product category. In networking, key rivals include Juniper Networks, HPE Aruba, Arista Networks, Huawei, and Extreme Networks. In security, competitors include Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, and Cisco competes with various specialized vendors. In collaboration, competitors include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other unified communications providers. While Cisco faces competition across categories, it remains the market leader in networking with the widest product portfolio. ### How can I contact Cisco? You can contact Cisco's corporate headquarters at (408) 526-4000 or toll-free at (800) 553-6387 (US only). The mailing address is 170 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, California 95134. For support inquiries, visit www.cisco.com/support. For sales inquiries, contact your local Cisco representative or partner, or visit the Cisco website at www.cisco.com to find regional contact information. ### Is Cisco hiring? Yes, Cisco is actively hiring across multiple disciplines including engineering, sales, product management, and corporate functions. Despite workforce reductions in 2024 (approximately 11,600 positions eliminated to focus on AI and strategic growth areas), Cisco continues to recruit for key positions. The company offers 3-12 month internship and co-op opportunities, apprenticeships, and entry-level programs. Cisco was ranked #3 on Fortune's World's Best Workplaces 2025. Visit jobs.cisco.com or careers.cisco.com to explore opportunities. ### What's the latest news about Cisco? Recent major developments include completing the $28 billion Splunk acquisition in March 2024, launching Cisco Hypershield security platform, acquiring AI security companies DeepFactor and Robust Intelligence in August 2024, and launching a $1 billion AI Investment Fund. Cisco is on track for $1+ billion in AI-related orders in fiscal 2025 and announced workforce restructuring affecting 7% of employees in August 2024 to focus on AI and strategic growth initiatives. The company also moved its headquarters within San Jose in October 2024. ### What is Cisco's market position? Cisco is the global leader in networking equipment with an estimated 50%+ market share in enterprise routing and switching. As of December 2025, Cisco has a market capitalization of $301.50 billion, making it the world's 40th most valuable company. The company was added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2009 and maintains dominant positions in enterprise networking, collaboration (Webex), and security markets. Cisco's integration of Splunk strengthens its position in cybersecurity and observability. ### What are Cisco's future plans? Cisco's strategic focus centers on AI infrastructure, cloud-native solutions, and integrated security. The company is investing heavily in AI with over $1 billion in AI-related orders expected in fiscal 2025 and a $1 billion AI startup investment fund. Future initiatives include migrating infrastructure to multi-cloud platforms, expanding Security Cloud capabilities post-Splunk integration, developing AI-powered networking automation, and enhancing Webex with AI features. Cisco aims to enable customers to build and secure AI workloads while transforming its own portfolio with AI-driven intelligence and automation. ## Tags b2c, hardware, mobile-first, public --- *Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*