Business development trends and analysis for the data networking market

Abstract

The Internet has come a long way after the widely reported invention by Sandra Lerner and Leonard Bosack of the router, a device that can transmit data from one network to another based on certain protocols and principles. Despite a slow start in the mid 1980s, the Internet has emerged as one of the primary means of communication for people of all walks of life. Sophisticated, network-aware applications that integrate data, voice and video have helped fuel this growth. This thesis examines the latest technology trends and historical developments in various market segments of the Internet. Using technology trends as a backdrop, it analyzes business development at Cisco Systems, Inc., a major player in all Internet market segments. Well-known tools and concepts such as the Familiarity Matrix and Technology S-curve are used for case studies of business development at Cisco. Business Development is almost always a high-stakes endeavor requiring keen insight on both financial and strategy fronts. What are good strategies for corporate entrepreneurship? What are the challenges in business development by way of acquisitions? Will cyber anonymity continue to make us lonely and distanced, or will there be a new breed of Internet applications that will genuinely bring people closer? These are some of the questions this thesis explores, drawing on the wisdom and experience of industry experts.