Cisco Systems Teams with ASSA ABLOY to Harness the Power of the IP Network To Enhance Physical Security

Cisco Systems(R) (NASDAQ:CSCO) today announced a technologycollaboration with the leading supplier of locking solutions, ASSAABLOY, intended to deliver physical security solutions that closelyintegrate with Internet Protocol (IP) networks. This relationshipextends Cisco's vision of the Intelligent Converged Environment (ICE),a framework in which the network is the intelligent foundation for newsecurity applications. This innovative collaboration will allowcustomers to enhance safety and security of people, property andassets, while also reducing cost of deployment and ownership.

The two companies are unveiling a converged access-controltechnology at the ASIS show, which opened today in San Diego, Calif.Cisco and ASSA ABLOY will jointly demonstrate a "networked door" thatcombines new Cisco patent-pending IP-based converged access-controltechnology with ASSA ABLOY'S door lock components featuring the HighlyIntelligent Operation or Hi-O lock-technology standard. This combinedsolution simplifies the installation and operation of badge readers,electromechanical locks and other door security components whileenabling the creation and enforcement of integrated network andphysical security policies. Intelligent network services from Ciscospeed the deployment of a converged physical security and networkinfrastructure. At the same time, it provides real-time system statusupdates, and creates best practices that can help address complianceverification requirements.

Both doors and networks provide access to resources and assets,whether they are material, intellectual or financial. Historically,physical and network security systems have been independent andisolated from each other. The theft of money or intellectual propertycan be carried out physically or electronically. Cisco and ASSA ABLOYsee the value of enabling security applications to operate on aconverged physical security and IP-based infrastructure.

At the ASIS show, Cisco will preview its patent-pending IP gatewaytechnology that links ASSA ABLOY's badge readers to the IP network,extending Cisco's Self-Defending Network to include physical securitypolicies. The new technology will provide IT and safety and securitymanagers with tools to control movement into and within a facility aswell as control network resource access. As a result, organizationscan achieve higher compliance with physical access and securitypolices and can enhance network resource security by verifying anindividual's physical presence. In addition, the demonstration willshowcase the networked door system integrated with Cisco's ICE VideoSurveillance solution which offers access to video at any time fromany place, enabling real-time incident response, investigation andresolution. Cisco's video surveillance offering is available now andis a component of the company's expanding physical security portfolio.

The solution is completed using ASSA ABLOY's Hi-O system,including badge reader, locking system, and door. ASSA ABLOY's badgereaders identify user credentials at the door entry and allow accessto highly secure locations via communication with Cisco's prototypephysical security gateway connected to the IP network.

"The safety and security of people, property and assets is atop-of-mind concern for businesses and government alike," said MarkFarino, general manager of Cisco's Converged Secure InfrastructureBusiness Unit. "Through the power of the network and utilizing the ITinfrastructure, Cisco and ASSA ABLOY will enhance security integrationand drive new applications. The concept of employees using their badgeor other credentials to gain entry into buildings while alsoestablishing physical presence to access certain network resourceswill generate tremendous attention from many customers in a variety ofvertical markets. Cisco and ASSA ABLOY have partnered to show how aconverged solution brings network intelligence to the door, andtogether lead the industry in integrated physical and network securitysolutions."

"Thanks to the open standard-based 'plug and play' HI-Otechnology, installers and integrators of locks can quickly andautomatically connect together all the units in an electromechanicallocking system, regardless of vendor," said Ulf Sodergren, chieftechnology officer, ASSA ABLOY. "Functions such as identity control,code reading, locking, door opening, intruder alarm and fire alarm caneasily be installed without configuration. Our technologydemonstration with Cisco showcases how organizations will be able toreduce costs by linking their physical security system into an IPnetwork."

Cisco and ASSA ABLOY will jointly test and market interoperable"networked door" solutions as a result of their collaboration. ASSAABLOY will join the new Physical Security Cisco Technology DeveloperProgram, which focuses on providing comprehensive and interoperablesolutions for customers and resellers.

About ASSA ABLOY AB

ASSA ABLOY is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier oflocking solutions, meeting tough end-user demands for safety, securityand user friendliness. The Group has some 30,000 employees and annualsales of about EUR 3 billion.
ASSA ABLOY AB (publ)
P.O. Box 70340, SE-107 23 Stockholm
Phone: +46-8-506 485 00
Fax: +46-8-506 485 85
www.assaabloy.com

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the worldwide leader innetworking for the Internet. Information about Cisco can be found athttp://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, go tohttp://newsroom.cisco.com.

Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registeredtrademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliatesin the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarksmentioned in this document are the property of their respectiveowners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnershiprelationship between Cisco and any other company. This document isCisco Public Information.