Cisco reports 79% growth in Asia Pacific business

Global networking leader Cisco Systems, Inc. announced yesterday a strong improvement in its Asia Pacific business with a 79-percent year-to-year growth brought about by the rebounding economy of most countries in the region.

John Higgs, Cisco Systems' marketing director for Asia Pacific, likewise, said the company posted at 30-percent growth in the region from the first quarter to second quarter of its fiscal year, representing the sixth quarter of double-digit sequential growth with sales almost doubling from a year ago.

"Cisco Systems has made the right moves in the region specially by making continued investments even during the crisis. Today, we're reaping the rewards" Higgs said.

The Asia Pacific operations also saw revenue share moving upward from eight percent to nine percent during the last quarter, making the region the fastest growing area in the world for the company, he added.

Cisco's Asia Pacific region includes Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

In the Philippines alone, Cisco Systems has racked up a commanding lead against its competitors with a 55-percent share of the networking market, according to a report made by the International Data Corp. (IDC).

In the router space, it cornered an 83-percent share, while registering a 43-percent share in the local area network category.

"These numbers reflect our team's dedication and commitment not only in providing products, but also the best and cost-effective solution-sets that best answer our customers needs," said Noel Rivera, country manager of Cisco Systems Philippines.

Globally, Cisco Systems Corp. reported a net sales of $4.35 billion in its second quarter, or a 53-percent increase from its net sales of $2.85 billion for the same period last year.

The company saw marked growth for its different lines for the quarter with its router business growing by 31 percent, switches by 43 percent, and access products by 98 percent.