Agricultural Bank of China to Simplify Network Management and Reduce Operating Costs with Cisco Integrated Services Routers

Large Implementation of 250 Cisco Integrated Services Routers(ISR) Helps Unify Provincewide Network

BEIJING, September 8, 2005 - Cisco Systems® today announced that the Agricultural Bank of China HeBei Branch (ABC Hebei) has selected Cisco® 2800 series integrated services routers (ISR) to upgrade its third-tier provincial network, connecting its 250 sub-branches and outlets in the province. The 250 Cisco 2800 series ISR will be deployed to integrate the previously independent business, office administration and multiple service networks into a unified province-wide network, maintaining the data security capabilities of each, while at the same time lowering costs and simplifying system management. The project marks the largest planned implementation of Cisco 2800 series integrated services routers to date in China since Cisco introduced this new line of branch-office routers in 2004.

Since 1998, ABC Hebei Branch has used Cisco Systems equipment to develop its core business and city-level networks. The industry-leading availability, scalability, and stability of Cisco solutions and the ongoing services Cisco has provided to ABC Hebei has again made Cisco the first choice for the latest county-level network expansion. Additionally, the unique management features and performance offered by the Cisco 2800 series ISR also attracted the bank.

The Cisco ISR is the industry’s first routers to deliver highly secure, concurrent data, voice, and video services at wire-speed performance to enterprise branch offices. With a Cisco IOS® Software-based virtual private network (VPN), firewall, intrusion prevention system (IPS) services, and content-engine network modules, Cisco offers the industry’s highest performing branch-office routers.

Through Cisco’s leading Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) VPN technology, a network can be logically divided according to type, creating sub-networks suitable for core business, office administration and customer service. Such flexibility is especially necessary in the financial industry, where different networks require different levels of security.

“The ongoing implementation of the latest networking technology in its information network demonstrates the far-reaching vision of ABC Hebei, ” commented William Shen, vice president of Cisco Systems China, “Cisco is very proud to continue as the ABC’s primary solution provider as part of our commitment to share our tradition of innovation with our customers.”

In addition to the Cisco 2800 ISR, Cisco 7609 Internet Routers and Cisco 7206 routers also will be deployed at the ABC Hebei Branch headquarters and city-level sub-branches.

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