Cisco: 40 Years of Connecting the World with Purpose

The internet is at the heart of modern communication, but connecting devices to this is all thanks to the multiprotocol router.

The multiprotocol router was developed by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, two computer scientists from Stanford University who went on to found Cisco in 1984.

Forty years later, Cisco now has more than 90,000 employees and 2024 revenue of US$53.8bn.

As a leader in technology, the company has an enormous impact on the world and is aiming to do good with its power.

Cisco’s 2024 purpose report celebrates 40 years of the company’s impact and sets a new goal to engage, support and invest in 40 communities around the globe by 2034.

“At Cisco, we prove every day that running a successful business with a commitment to do good makes progress possible,” says Chuck Robbins, Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Cisco.

“Beyond our innovation, we remain unwavering in our commitment to make a positive difference in the world.”

What is Cisco’s purpose?

Cisco aims to combine its technology, people and broader networks to address society’s greatest challenges and 'Power an Inclusive Future for All'.

The company says it has impacted more than one billion people worldwide as it aims to build a sustainable future, drive positive change in communities and unlock the power of digitalisation.

Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer at Cisco, says: “While we will never be able to anticipate all the ways our societies will shift, we can commit to being driven by our Purpose and helping communities around the world build a more resilient and inclusive future for all.

“By putting our Purpose into practice, we drive growth for our business, people and communities. 

“Through this framework we’ve seen that what’s good for the world is good for business.”

Cisco’s key sustainability achievements

From FY16 to FY23, Cisco positively impacted more than one billion lives globally, ahead of its scheduled achievement in 2025.

The company provided US$556m in cash and in-kind contributions through Cisco and the Cisco Foundation in 2024.

Its employees volunteered 720,000 hours — equivalent to more than 82 years — and 86% of Cisco employees participated in driving community impact. 

Cisco has also approved US$35m to fund climate solutions through the Cisco Foundation since 2021. 

The company reached 4.7 million students through the Cisco Networking Academy and 96% of new Cisco products and packaging incorporate circular design principles. 

Mary de Wysocki, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cisco, says: “This work continues to be critical, particularly as we face the increasing energy demands of AI. 

“We’ll continue to be guided by our environmental sustainability strategy, The Plan for Possible, and advance sustainability in our products, accelerate clean energy access, support suppliers’ reduced environmental impacts and foster resiliency in communities.”

How Cisco will support 40 communities

To celebrate 40 years of impact, Cisco has set the goal of supporting 40 communities around the world over the next 10 years. 

The company aims to engage, support and invest in 40 communities to create a more connected, resilient and thriving world. 

Cisco set its One Billion Lives goal in 2016 and achieved its goal ahead of schedule. 

To put what it has learned in achieving this into action, it decided to 'zoom out' from the individual level and imagine what could be accomplished on a community level.

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