Inside Cisco (PDF)

An insider reveals the core strategies behind Cisco's phenomenalsuccess

Most savvy business observers agree that the major component inCisco's phenomenal growth has been their unwavering commitment toexpanding their product line through aggressive acquisitions. Since1995, the "New Goliath," as Cisco is known throughout the businessand finance communities, has acquired more than sixty companies. Inthis groundbreaking book, a Silicon Valley veteran, Ed Paulson,uses his strong connections to Cisco's management to reveal theM&A gospel according to Cisco.

Paulson explores how Cisco has used acquisitions to stay aheadof its competitors, analyzes their strategies and proven methodsfor incorporating new companies seamlessly, positively, andprofitably. Paulson reveals the centerpiece of Cisco's acquisitionstrategy-one that is company-focused, culturally compatible, andretains staff. He examines how Cisco executives determine if atarget company is compatible with Cisco's corporate culture andstrategic outlook and describes the extraordinary lengths to whichthese executives will go to gain the loyalty of acquired people.This book details the Cisco methodology and illustrates how it canbe applied to companies across industries.

Ed Paulson (Chicago, IL) is President of Technology andCommunications, Inc., a business and technology consulting firm anda visiting professor at DePaul University's School for NewTraining. He is a Silicon Valley veteran with more than two decadesof experience and the author of numerous business and technologybooks, most recently, The Technology M&A Guidebook(Wiley: 0-471-36010-4).