Cisco plans interest-free financing to SMBs

The financing will be provided through Cisco Capital which has been providing finance to SMB and large enterprises in India from 2005. After the launch of $150 million Cisco Capital as part of Cisco chairman John Chambers $1.1 billion investment plan for India.

As part of its financial offerings for the SMBs Cisco had so far financed about 170 companies in India, for both networking products as well as services at an interest rate of 7 per cent per annum.

The company has now decided to offer zero per cent financing options for companies who for its professional and technological services.

A company going for the financing should avail of services worth $50,000 per annum, company officials said here on Thursday.

"Most SMBs have realised that technology is critical to enhancing their competitiveness. On the other hand many of them see technology as an expense that puts pressure on the company's cash flow. The