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Cisco and NHL Renew and Expand Strategic Technology Partnership


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NHL to use Cisco technology for video distribution, including Cisco TelePresence at League sites; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman delivers first press conference via Cisco TelePresence

Cisco technology to power new fan experiences such as NHL team-branded Flip video cameras and improved video experience for Yahoo! NHL Fantasy Hockey participants

PALM BEACH, Fla. - The National Hockey League (NHL) and Cisco today announced a multiyear renewal of their strategic partnership to feature Cisco technology solutions in key video-dependent areas such as hockey operations, business operations, marquee events and direct-to-consumer applications.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement at a press conference today in Palm Beach, Fla., and to media in New York City, Toronto and San Jose, Calif., through a Cisco TelePresence connection. The NHL’s press conference marked the first time that a professional sports commissioner has utilized Cisco TelePresence technology to host a multi-city press conference.

Cisco to play key role powering video distribution in hockey operations

The NHL will use wireless and fixed networks optimized for video to power the NHL’s communications and content delivery of game footage, analyst and player interviews, and fan contributions.

Cisco TelePresence technology to drive collaboration, efficiencies at League sites

The NHL has deployed Cisco TelePresence, a life-sized, high-definition video collaboration system, in its New York and Toronto NHL offices. This technology provides the feeling of being “in-person” with participants in remote locations. The league also will showcase Cisco TelePresence services on the NHL Network and NHL.com.

NHL leveraging Cisco technology to enhance fan experiences online and at marquee events

As the official partner of marquee NHL events such as the NHL Winter Classic, NHL Heritage Classic and NHL All-Star game, Cisco technology solutions will be utilized to enhance the unique NHL game experience inside and outside of the venues, allowing the fan to access exclusive content and data.

Cisco’s video content distribution network is also currently being utilized to make NHL Fantasy Hockey on Yahoo! the only platform that provides fantasy team owners with access to video highlights of every goal from every game throughout the season.

New NHL Flip Video cameras from Cisco drive a video-centric fan experience

Beginning today, fans can choose their own official NHL FlipTM video camera with the NHL logo or a custom design from any one of the 30 NHL teams.

A great gift for hockey fans, the new Flip designs are available exclusively through the Flip Video online store (www.theflip.com/NHL).

Also, Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle and Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin will be featured in the Flip Video 2010 holiday campaign, “Do You Flip?”.

Cisco also will equip the team of 20 NHL.com reporters with their own NHL logo Flip video camera to use as they travel to league games around the U.S. and Canada. With their official NHL Flips, the on-the-scene reporters will be able to enhance their coverage by capturing video footage from the games to post to the NHL.com website.

Outside the rink, NHL and Cisco team up to help children

During each season of the partnership, Cisco will support the NHL Foundation in its development of an NHL Lion’s Den, contributing Cisco TelePresence technology that will enable hospitalized children to interact with NHL players and legends.
Supporting Quotes:

* Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner

“Cisco offers game-changing technology that will benefit the way we present the game to our fans -- as well as the way we do business. We are excited about exploring the new possibilities this relationship will create.”

* Rob Lloyd, executive vice president, Worldwide Operations, Cisco

“Technology is a key driver in enabling the NHL to deliver an immersive engagement between its fans, teams and their players. The NHL leads the sports world in the innovative use of technology, and Cisco is delighted to extend our partnership to further enhance the fan experience.”

* Simon Fleming-Wood, vice president, Americas Marketing, Cisco Consumer Products

“Cisco has helped to make technology accessible and enjoyable for everyday consumers. With Flip Video, we have opened a world of personal video that is simple, affordable and fun. Working with the NHL, we can empower hockey fans to shoot and share amazing video on or off the ice, while also showing support for their favorite team with a unique NHL jersey-designed Flip.”

Videos

* David Lehanski - Group Vice President, NHL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf7ERh6AhFM

* Diane Dudeck, Senior Director, Worldwide Media and Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Cisco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM--nlaTFh8

About the NHL

The National Hockey League, founded in 1917, is the second-oldest of the four major professional team sports leagues in North America. Today, the NHL consists of 30 Member Clubs, each reflecting the League’s international makeup, with players from more than 20 countries represented on team rosters. According to a Simmons Market Research study, NHL fans are younger, more educated, more affluent, and access content through digital means more than any other major professional sport. The NHL entertains more than 250 million fans each season in-arena and through its partners in national television (VERSUS, NBC, TSN, CBC, RDS, RIS, ESPN America, ASN and NHL NetworkTM) and radio (NHL RadioTM, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and XM Canada). Through the NHL Foundation, the League’s charitable arm, the NHL raises money and awareness for Hockey Fights CancerTM and NHL Youth Development, and supports the charitable efforts of NHL players. For more information on the NHL, log on to NHL.com.
About Cisco

Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate, this year celebrates 25 years of technology innovation, operational excellence and corporate social responsibility. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

# # #

Cisco, the Cisco logo, Cisco TelePresence, Flip and Flip Video are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.

NHL, the NHL Shield, and the NHL Winter Classic word mark are registered trademarks and NHL Heritage Classic, NHL Network, and Hockey Fights Cancer are trademarks of the National Hockey League. © NHL 2010. All Rights Reserved.



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