Jim Duffy

Cisco Systems Canada Co. announced last month three LAN switches designed to bring enterprise-class features and function -- at a low cost -- to smaller business networks.

It seems as though people have always listened when Cisco CEO John Chambers spoke, and now they have even more reason to listen, given that Cisco has become just the third company ever to reach US$300 billion in market valuation. In an exclusive interview last month, Chambers shared his views on a host of issues with Network World (US) Senior Editor Jim Duffy.

A lot has changed with Ethernet since it was invented more than 25 years ago.

3Com Canada Inc. has broadened its portfolio of small office products with 12 new or enhanced offerings designed to make network installation as easy as plugging in a toaster.

Nortel Networks has rolled out enhanced Ethernet modules for its ATM switches that the company says support policy-based quality of service for converged campus nets.

Less than a year into the project, 3Com Corp. and Siemens AG have shuttered their US$100 million joint venture to develop LAN telephony products.

3Com unveiled a significant upgrade to its traffic-management software last month that enables users to proactively avoid network problems.

Craig Benson, the embattled chairman, president and CEO of Cabletron Systems, resigned last month from the company he co-founded in a New England garage more than 15 years ago.