One of the main trends that is developing is voice over data lines, because data lines are cheaper to put in and maintain. Cisco stands to benefit from this trend, since it controls an overwhelming majority of the data backbone. And as we've seen recently , Lucent has its own internal inventory issues to work out, as well as figuring out how to handle all that debt they took on with the acquisition of Ascend. Cisco stands like a shining star at the precipice of the Internet of tomorrow. The one potentially weak link in the company's strategy is wireless.
Cisco grows in large part through acquisitions.
From 1993 until the present, Cisco has bought up 50 companies . But before you doubt Chambers, take a deep breath and look at a chart of Cisco's historical performance. I say, believe the man. Or, better yet, believe the numbers. Looking at Cisco's last 10-Q, we find a company with solid numbers, strong growth, and no debt.