Cisco, Microsoft Vow To Make Products Compatible

The top executives of Cisco Systems and Microsoft said that they would ensure their products work together, seeking to prevent customers from putting off buying decisions.

In their first joint public discussion, Cisco chief executive John Chambers and Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said they would compete in some areas but also meet demands from customers who want to pick and choose from both.

“They’re saying, ‘Give me the choice. Don’t give me the all or nothing choice,’” Ballmer said, adding that he was seeking “respectful competition” with Cisco.

“There are plenty of competitors that you just don’t talk to, or things get acrimonious,” he said. “That’s not where we want to go with Cisco.”

More from Biztech

Future Group - Reliance Retail Deal approved by CCI RBI ban on cryptocurrencies takes effect; prohibition could force investors to tap the black market

“Even where we’re going to compete, what the customer wants to know is, ‘Tell me how to interoperate. Don’t make me throw away one relationship because of the other,’” Chambers said.

The comments come as both companies launch new products and form alliances that point to a growing rivalry.

Microsoft and network equipment maker Nortel Networks, a Cisco competitor, announced a broad alliance in unified communications last year.

Cisco, in the meantime, has been expanding its alliance with IBM.

Both companies are also seen trying to bolster their unified communications offerings through recent acquisitions.

Ballmer said Microsoft’s relationship with Cisco was likely to evolve in coming years, although the size of the overlap should remain relatively small.

Reuters