Cisco targets SMEs

The company quotes an IDC report, which says: "Firms may not yet know exactly what internet technologies they want, but they are certainly hungry for all of the benefits that ebusiness offers."

In Cisco's opinion, successful ebusiness implementations require an access solution that includes multi-service capability to deploy integrated voice/data applications and virtual private networks to provide a high level of security.

Joe Ammirato, marketing director for Cisco's mid range, said: "To merely be connected to the internet is no longer a competitive advantage. Companies that leverage the internet by implementing ebusiness applications to streamline operations and reduce costs will lead in their industries."

The company claims that the 1751 will deliver the flexibility and capacity to manage a secure network that can be easily upgraded through card slots.

The basic model comes for $1,495, with the full multi-service-ready version, the 1751-V at $2,495.

UK prices have not been finalised.