Cisco Systems to provide strategic technology consultancy to PWC Logisitics

Cisco Systems to provide high-end technology consultancy and expertise to PWC Logistics to improve services and meet future technology requirements

Kuwait, 6th February, 2006 – PWC Logistics and Cisco Systems announced today an agreement which will enable Cisco Systems to provide strategic technology consultancy services to PWC. Although PWC Logistics already has a strong relationship with Cisco Systems, this announcement will bring both companies closer together.

"Cisco has long been our trusted advisor in networking and IT needs" explained Tarek Sultan, Chairman and Managing Director of PWC Logistics. "We look forward to developing this relationship further and see us jointly deploy technology solutions which not only help us maintain our competitive advantage but also significantly enhance services to our customers."

"PWC already operates a Cisco based data center solution. As it looks to increase customer activity so does the need to have a network in place which can cater to this demand. PWC is already deploying a Cisco based single converged network for voice, video and data with Cisco IP telephony on the extremities. As a valued customer and partner for Cisco, we are very pleased to extend to PWC the best consultancy services and support that we can offer. We look forward to a close relationship with PWC, to ensure that they receive the maximum return for their investment and that we are able to define with them the best way to use Cisco solutions to create value for their customers," said Samer Alkharrat, Cisco Systems General Manager for the Gulf region and Pakistan.

In its capacity as an IT advisor, Cisco will provide a wide range of high level services and support to PWC. Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG), a multi-discipline team of consultants, will work with PWC on the adoption of Internet-based business solutions, providing the company with expertise and insight into Cisco's future roadmap and how these solutions can be leveraged to provide PWC with a sustainable competitive advantage.

As a further part of the commitment, Cisco will offer ongoing training to PWC staff to enhance their technical capabilities, and extend invitations to Cisco educational events to PWC. To help ensure business continuity, regular support services will be available through Cisco business partners in the Middle East , while the Cisco SMARTnet and SMARTspares programs will ensure rapid replacement of mission critical infrastructure for PWC. Cisco will also offer PWC annual network optimization consultancy through the Network Supported Account program, to ensure that PWC continues to get maximum benefits from its network.

About PWC Logistics

PWC Logistics is a global provider of integrated supply chain solutions, with more than 450 offices located in over one-hundred countries spread across six continents. Through its network of warehousing facilities and transportation and freight management services, PWC provides its customers with flexible solutions tailored to meet their business needs.