Cisco first established operations in China in 1994 and now employs more than 3000 staff in sales, customer support and service, research and development, business process outsourcing, IT outsourcing, Cisco Capital programs, and manufacturing. The company has 12 offices in China, a major R&D facility in Shanghai, Scientific Atlanta R&D and manufacturing facilities, and several development centers supporting the Cisco WebEx collaboration product.

 

Redevelopment for Sichuan Province

In July 2008 Cisco announced that it will provide $45 million over three years to support the rebuilding efforts in China’s earthquake-devastated Sichuan Province. Partnering with the Chinese government and with select NGO and private-sector partners, the Cisco China Public-Private Partnership will provide technology and expertise to aid in rebuilding and creating 21st century sustainable economic development, with a focus on education and healthcare. Cisco and Chinese business, government, and NGO leaders have identified several key areas where Cisco will direct collaborative networking solutions, expertise, and resources to help revive the area and bridge the digital gap between urban and rural areas using 21st century connectivity.

Cisco’s education initiatives will support students and teachers to increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace, with an emphasis on the collaborative environment provided by 21st century education models. The effort will also focus on teacher training and skills development, including teamwork, problem solving, and communication. Cisco’s healthcare initiatives will build on Sichuan’s Health 2020 vision to develop a network of connected hospitals and other facilities. When these facilities are completed, healthcare providers across the province will be able to collaborate and access patient records and other medical resources online.