Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and the Telenor Group today announced a significant expansion of their relationship, marked by the evolution of their Joint Purpose Agreement (JPA) for the sixth consecutive year, to connect the unconnected to the services and opportunities they need.
This announcement underscores the success of the longstanding relationship and significantly advances the companies’ shared strategic priorities to drive positive impact across the markets they serve.
Advancing Digital Literacy and Sustainability Initiatives
With common ESG values, Cisco and Telenor seek to inspire other players in the industry to join forces in combating the social and environmental challenges facing future generations. As part of their extended collaboration, the companies will continue to co-invest in digital skills and cyber security awareness for younger generations and small to medium size companies in the emerging markets where they operate. The companies will also evaluate opportunities to engage and elevate green digital skills in strategic markets. Cisco and Telenor are also embarking on a joint initiative dedicated to environmental sustainability, with the goal of leveraging technology to enhance power efficiency and reduce carbon footprint, in line with their respective sustainability goals.
Growing with Services Beyond Connectivity
The expanded collaboration will further the companies’ shared focus on providing secure access and connectivity services. Cisco and Telenor will continue their dedicated efforts to introduce security offerings that are easily consumable and available to the mass-market to ensure everyone – consumer or business – has access to secure and reliable connectivity. The companies will collaborate on solutions to accelerate widespread adoption of security products, as well as raise further awareness on the importance of security.
The Cisco and Telenor expanded relationship will enable accelerated and simplified cloud connectivity management tailored to the needs and preferences of enterprises. The companies will integrate their solutions in Telenor’s cloud management platform with the ambition to tailor it to the needs of customers.
Developing Solutions for Critical Industries
Cisco and Telenor also announced their collaboration will develop and enhance integrations and functionality in communication networks, to offer managed services for defense and public safety. With some of the toughest requirements globally, the project will leverage the latest technologies and best practices to develop reliable and highly secure solutions that are “always-on”, beyond what is available today.
“We are proud to continue our successful partnership with Cisco, founded on shared goals and impactful achievements,” Sigve Brekke, President and CEO, Telenor. “Embarking on the next phase of our journey, we are accelerating innovation to unlock new possibilities. By combining our strengths, we will deliver impactful solutions, from fostering wider digital inclusion to innovating for critical customer segments.”
“Cisco and Telenor’s relationship is founded in shared values and a relentless commitment to helping our mutual customers drive their digital agendas while having a lasting impact in the communities we serve,” said Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO, Cisco. “Extending the relationship will strengthen our joint efforts around inclusivity, sustainability, public safety, and connecting the unconnected.”
To support these new initiatives, the companies have each appointed senior level executives within the areas of sustainability, product development, and cyber security. The initiatives will be led by Jonathan Davidson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Networking and Amol Phadke, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Telenor.