Cisco implements holiday shutdown

Cisco Systems is implementing a mandatory shutdown for the holidays in an effort to trim costs amid a tough global economy, states CRN.

"Cisco will implement a mandatory year-end shutdown of the US-Canada theatre from 29 December through 2 January, with some exceptions for targeted business-critical teams, including technical assistance services and channel partner and customer product ordering services," Cisco confirmed in an e-mailed statement.

The shut-down comes as part of Cisco's previously announced plan to reduce fiscal year 2009 expenses by $1 billion, an effort that includes reductions in travel and discretionary spending, including off-site meetings, events, trade shows and marketing, according to the statement.

Research and Markets has added the "Networking Hardware and Software (IT) - Global Strategic Business Report" to its offering, states MarketWatch.

The global outlook series on networking hardware and software provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings.

The report offers a brief overview of select segments that make up the networking hardware and software industry.

StillSecure, a provider of secure network infrastructure solutions, has secured $5 million in venture debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank, says MarketWatch.

The financing allows StillSecure to maximise investments across all areas of the business and to better insulate itself from the current and future economic climate.

"StillSecure has made impressive strides in the network security space," says Frank Amoroso of Silicon Valley Bank. "We're proud to be the company's financial partner and look forward to helping it continue its growth."