TAIPEI -- Cisco Systems(R) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd. to expand the delivery and adoption of IP-based managed network services in Taiwan. As part of the agreement, Chunghwa Telecom will base its new managed network services on Cisco equipment.

In return, Cisco(R) will provide marketing assistance and access to resellers in the region that configure, install and maintain the equipment. The managed network services are targeted towards small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan.

The MOU underscores how Cisco(R) and Chunghwa Telecom will collaborate to promote managed network services using innovative Internet Protocol (IP)-based products and services to help Taiwan SMEs improve communications. Such services include IP virtual private networks (VPN), managed network security and managed IP telephony. Both parties agree to share market intelligence and conduct joint branded marketing campaigns to promote the service in Taiwan.

"We see a rapidly growing demand for network services among SMEs in Taiwan. To date, there has been a lack of complete, cost-efficient managed services in the market," said Tan Hochen, chairman of Chunghwa Telecom. "By offering managed services in network infrastructure development, management and maintenance, we hope to help SMEs strengthen their competitive edge and lower their operating costs."

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

Cisco Systems Inc.