I take those 1,000 engineers, and instead of putting them into support, I put them into building new products. The network also is the glue for the internal workings of the company. The network also is Cisco's primary tool for recruiting talent, with half of all applications for jobs coming over the Net. When an employee wants information about a company event or health benefits, or needs to track an expense report, the network is the place to go at Cisco. The network works better when you've already had a personal touch,'' insists Chambers.
Chambers also believes in partnering with other businesses.
The software lets networks know immediately a user's identity and location and to respond differently to each one. Nothing causes Chambers more restless nights than worry over how to serve customers better. Rather, Cisco's leading-edge customers are seen as partners in forming the company strategy. Even such tactical moves as acquisitions and mergers are seen differently by a new-world company. That's why so many of them fail.