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Cisco and Madge Networks Form Strategic Alliance for Token Ring Switching Products

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cisco Systems and Madge Networks have established a strategic partnership for Token Ring switching products and technology. Under the agreement, the companies will exclusively market Madge's Token Ring switch and Cisco will license Madge's advanced RingRunner technology for future switch products. This partnership will result in a new family of Cisco products addressing Token Ring switching needs at various levels, with the first products available in mid-1995. This marks an expansion of their existing relationship, which has existed since 1990 when Cisco licensed Madge's Fastmac technology for use in its routers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership will result in a comprehensive product family addressing the full spectrum of Token Ring switching needs.
  • The first products will be a customized version of Madge's stand-alone Token Ring switch, available on an OEM basis from Cisco, and will be available in mid-1995.
  • The agreement expands the existing relationship between the two companies, which was established in 1990 with the licensing of Madge's Fastmac technology for use in Cisco's routers.
  • Madge RingRunner technology is at the core of the companies' switching solutions, providing high-speed throughput and low latency for Token Ring frame switches and Token Ring/ATM cell switches.
  • Madge Networks provides networking solutions for the enterprise and is recognized for its technology leadership and commitment to customer support.

Statistics:

  • The partnership will result in a new family of Cisco products addressing Token Ring switching needs at various levels.
  • The first products will be available in mid-1995.
  • Madge Networks has 40 locations worldwide, serving its multinational customers from four major business centers in London, San Jose, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

Sources:

  • "Cisco and Madge Networks Team Up for Token Ring Switching Products," Silicon Valley Business Journal, undated (Source not explicitly dated in material)
  • "Madge Networks Press Release," June 12, (No date mentioned in the source material)

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