Cisco sets up business unit

IT JUGGERNAUT ROLLS ON

Signalling its increasing dependence on India for R&D requirements, Cisco, the global networking solutions provider, has set up a new business unit in Bangalore "" the first by the company to be based outside the US.

Ranganath Salgame, who had earlier led Cisco India, as the president, and Cisco Systems (India & Saarc), is heading the business unit.

The new business unit will focus on intelligent infrastructure, which comes under the emerging technology group within the company. Cisco has classified emerging technologies as a niche area which has the potential to touch at least $1 billion in revenue.

Salgame, who is based in Bangalore, reports to Marthin De Beer, senior vice president, emerging technology group, a company source told Business Standard.

Cisco has three different technology groups within the company, including the core technology, advanced technology and emerging technology groups. Each of these groups have their own business units.

The company, in the recent past, has launched various products and solutions in the emerging technologies area. The company is looking at India as one of its key market for these products and solutions.

Salgame, who is said to be the man behind Cisco's growing success in India as a market, had resigned as president, Cisco Systems (India & Saarc), in July last year.

According to the company sources, even though he had resigned as Cisco India head, he had not quit the company. Apart from heading the new business unit, Salgame would also be responsible for special projects in the West East, the company source said.

Cisco India employs about 2,200 people.