Cisco and Intel to improve wireless and security solutions

Intel Corporation and Cisco Systems announced an expansion of their existing
alliance to deliver new capabilities that enhance the reliability of wireless
LANs and deliver higher-quality services. It allows enterprises to use computers
and the network as a combined defense against security threats.

The two companies have jointly produced a new set of features, called
Business Class Wireless Suite, designed for companies using Cisco's Unified
Wireless Architecture and Intel Centrino mobile technology. The Suite includes:
Optimal access point (AP) selection technology to enable Intel Centrino mobile
technology-based clients to scan for the best AP for faster, more reliable and
efficient roaming within a business wireless LAN. It also has Enhanced Voice
over IP (VoIP) quality of service (QoS) technology to improve the audio clarity
and enable reliable voice communications for laptops.

SEAN MALONEY Businesses increasingly rely on computing and network infrastructure to improve the way they interact and conduct business

The suite provides an enhanced set of capabilities that makes wireless LANs
more robust for the enterprise, supporting enhanced roaming and business
applications such as VoIP. It reinforces the previous efforts between Intel
and Cisco with regard to the development of the Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX)
program for wireless LAN client interoperability. These features will be
available from Cisco and Intel in the first quarter of 2006.

Intel will join the Network Admission Control (NAC) program, an industry
effort led by Cisco to help customers identify, prevent, and adapt to security
threats, and Cisco will join the Intel Active Management Technology (AMT)
program. Intel AMT is part of Intel's Digital Office initiative, providing
capabilities to make new levels of IT manageability possible.

With Cisco NAC interoperating with Intel AMT, enterprises will be better
able to defend against security threats, helping to maintain user and business
productivity and reduce the cost of security attacks and improve system
remediation. Customers can expect Cisco NAC and Intel AMT to be compatible in
the fourth quarter of this year.

"Our expanded strategic alliance with Intel on security and wireless
demonstrates our commitment to deliver unified solutions that drive higher
levels of usability, performance and security for our customers," said
Charles Giancarlo, Chief Development Officer at Cisco Systems. "Security
continues to be a major concern for organizations, and with Intel representing
the first silicon manufacturer to join the NAC industry effort, client devices
can continue to be treated as trusted elements on the network."

"Businesses increasingly rely on computing and network infrastructure
to improve the way they interact and conduct their business," said Sean
Maloney, Executive VP and GM of the Intel Mobility Group. "Our continued
collaboration with Cisco combines our two companies' strengths in computing
and networking to drive the convergence of these technologies and enable new,
innovative uses of technology. As the first networking company to join the
Intel AMT program, Cisco brings an important perspective on the role of the
network in securing and managing IT assets."

DQC NEWS BUREAU