Microsoft, Cisco Enhance Offices

REDMOND, Wash. and SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Microsoft Corp. and Cisco(R) (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced that theyintend to work together to offer Windows Server 2008 with Cisco WANoptimization in a solution for branch office environments. Ciscowill embed a virtualization component within its Wide AreaApplication Services (WAAS) appliance family that will help customersto host Windows Server 2008 services within their existing networkinfrastructure for branch offices.

The two companies intend for Cisco to offer Windows Server 2008preinstalled on its new virtualized Cisco WAAS appliances that arescheduled to be available later this year. To optimize the value ofthis solution for customers, the two companies plan to test andvalidate the resulting architectures for the remote informationtechnology (IT) infrastructure in the branch office and to offercustomers joint support. In addition, Cisco and Microsoft plan towork together to promote awareness of the integrated solution amongchannel resellers and customers by offering business frameworks andmarketing programs.

"Extending our collaboration with Cisco to integrated solutions forbranch offices presents an exciting opportunity for our customers andfor Microsoft and Cisco," said Bob Muglia, senior vice president,Microsoft Server and Tools Business division. "The technologiesannounced today will help boost performance and availability bymaking critical Windows Server 2008 services available to remoteoffices through integration with Cisco's WAAS solution."

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT)

Cisco Systems Inc.