Cisco Systems plans to collaborate rather than compete with IT services providers as it targets new market opportunities such as virtual education and health for communities. The company unveiled in 2009 its blueprint for “Smart+Connected Communities,” a strategy that uses the network as the platform for delivering a variety of services to communities in areas such as public safety and security, transportation, buildings, energy, health care and education. Analyst: Working through partners and channels is “religion for Cisco,” Gartner says.”]
Source: https://www.csoonline.com/article/2127436/cisco-to-stay-out-of-the-services-business.html