Chambers doesn't see it this way. But analysts also see a softening in the networking sector as buyers pause to digest the tens of millions spent on gear over the past couple of years. Networking players 3Com, Cascade, and Fore, for example, have already announced disappointing quarters. That's caused a brutal sell-off in networking stocks. We aim to be a leader in every sector of the industry,'' he says.
Chambers has a twofold game plan.
Instead of a structure that revolves around product groups, such as high-end routers, Chambers is refashioning Cisco's business units to target customer segments, such as Internet service providers and consumers. Chambers has already proved this strategy can work. Consider the market for devices that allow traveling PC users to dial into the Net and company networks. Trim, with thinning blonde hair, he is competitive to the core. By any measure, Chambers is more businessman than technologist.