Cisco Case Study
Instructions:
Based on the Cisco Systems Architecture: ERP and Web-Enabled IT case answer the following questions:
1. Cisco is frequently cited as an Information Age company in contrast to an Industrial Age company. In your opinion, what are the key factors that differentiate Cisco as an Information Age company?
2. To what extent does information technology (IT) contribute to the Cisco strategy?
3. How would you characterize the role of Pete Solvik as CIO?
Solution
Cisco Case Study
1. Cisco is frequently cited as an Information Age company in contrast to an Industrial Age company. In your opinion, what are the key factors that differentiate Cisco as an Information Age company?
Cisco is perhaps an information age company because it was established at a period when the internet was not widespread, and it has industrialized over time to the information computerization age. The company was founded in 1984 when there was no extensive use of the internet and quickly established itself as an internet corporation through its trade in the sale of routers. The company started way early than its competitors thereby setting it apart as an information age company in the internet market. It is also worth noting that in 1997 when it had just started the internet business, the company made numerous sales that it was categorized among the best companies based on return revenues as well as returns based on assets. Generating high revenues is an important aspect which sets it aside as an information age company because it isn’t easy to make such fast development in a span of few years in a field that is still developing. The revolution from the pre-internet world to the internet world while maintaining high revenues makes the company outstanding.
2. To what extent does information technology (IT) contribute to the Cisco strategy?
The internet plays a primary role in the company’s organizational model as well as its innovation strategies. The company’s comprehensive networked business plan heavily relies on information technology to establish solid, interactive relationships. Furthermore, the Cisco uses information technology to realize the competitive advantage it relies on the market.IT contributes immensely to the strategy at Cisco through preventing any breach of resources by the use of other complementary technologies.
3. How would you characterize the role of Pete Solvik as CIO? Pete Solvik, the chief information officer (CIO) at Cisco played the role of a manager; he played a huge role in coordinating the efforts of the company in a bid to realize an information system that would serve the whole business. Besides, he centrally took care of Cisco’s infrastructure investment which he achieved through ensuring that the infrastructure costs were beneficial to the company through adding value to products and services provided.