Newest Versions of Cisco Network Magic Simplify Management of Home Networks

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - May 12, 2009) - Cisco® today announced it has updated its award-winning Network Magic suite of network management software that allows consumers to easily setup, manage, and help secure their home networks. The latest releases (Network Magic Pro, Network Magic Essentials, and Network Magic Basic) offer a new dynamic, interactive network map, more intuitive navigation, support for more types of networked consumer devices, and simplified access to printer and file sharing from within Network Magic. In addition, to add unprecedented value to its line of wireless routers, Network Magic Basic will now be included with all Linksys by Cisco wireless routers.

Network Magic Facts/Highlights:

• Updated User Interface

A more consumer-friendly user interface offers users more intuitive control over devices on their network from within a single network map window. The new interface also adds simplified access to printer and file sharing, an easier process for adding wireless devices, and support for a broader range of devices than earlier generations of Network Magic.


• Comprehensive Parental Controls

Network Magic users can utilize the Parental Controls built into the software to help oversee and control exactly how the Internet is being used by the whole family. With a simple point and set interface, users can set limits for web browsing, game playing and overall Internet usage. Additionally, for select Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N Routers, Home Network Defender, powered by Trend Micro, has been integrated into Network Magic to add further Parental Control capabilities to the offering.


• Integration with Linksys by Cisco wireless routers

Going forward, all Linksys by Cisco wireless routers will feature Network Magic Basic as the default network management tool. Current users of Linksys by Cisco routers can download the software for free from networkmagic.com.


• Expanded language support

The new versions of Network Magic include 33 languages integrated into the software.


• Optimized SpeedTest

New regional server support provides better measurement of local services through the popular Network Magic SpeedTest function.

Products:

• Network Magic Basic

Designed specifically to ship with Linksys by Cisco routers. Includes:
- Network mapping capabilities
- Guided wizards
- Viewable device details
- Centralized dashboards
- Wireless connection wizard
- Network device addition
- Wireless security setup
- Network intruder detection
- Internet connection repair
- Support for up to eight computers
- 30-day trial of Home Network Defender (1)
- 7-day trial of Network Magic Pro


• Network Magic Essentials

Built for users who require the basic functionality of the overall software offering to help solve issues with routers from any manufacturer or want to utilize the file and printer sharing capabilities to extend the capabilities of their home network. Includes most of the features of Network Magic Basic, with the exception of SpeedTest, and is designed to support a maximum of three computers. Priority tech support is available to users of Network Magic Essentials.


• Network Magic Pro

Provides the broadest available set of software capabilities available on the market for managing and securing the network with point and click ease. Includes all functionality of Network Magic Essentials plus support for network attached storage devices, Internet access controls, real-time screenshot capabilities and daily usage reports to help monitor any computer on the network, Internet SpeedTest, and support for up to eight PCs.


• Network Magic Mac Add-On

Offers easy setup for cross-platform sharing of files and printers by PC and Macs on a home network.

Supporting Quotes:

• Peder Ulander, senior director, software applications, platforms and services, Cisco Consumer Business Group

"Network Magic helps consumers take control of their network at a level that allows them to be comfortable with the technology as Cisco's overall vision of the media-enabled home becomes a reality. With this latest release, Linksys by Cisco customers will receive an unprecedented value via the integration of world-class software management capabilities with world-class hardware performance."

Market Trends:

• According to a YouGov survey, conducted in April 2009, with more than one thousand people who have a home network in the United States, 49 percent of those surveyed most preferred a software program that would walk them through the set up of a device on the network such as a printer or another PC.


• According to a recent home networking survey conducted by ABI Research, one in three consumers experience difficulty setting up their home network.

Pricing and availability:
Network Magic is available now at www.networkmagic.com for the following prices:

• Network Magic Pro -- $49.99


• Network Magic Essentials -- $29.99


• Upgrades for existing Network Magic Essentials or Pro customers with Version 4.9 or below -- $24.99


• Network Magic Mac Add-on -- $25.00

Supporting Resources:

• Product Web page -- http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/software


• Online Press kit (includes Product Screenshots, Product Comparison Chart, and Research Paper from ABI Research) -- http://www.networkmagic.com/press


• Network Magic Video Data Sheet -- www.linksysbycisco.com/networkmagicvideo


• Q&A with ABI Research Analyst Jason Blackwell -- http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2009/ts_051209.html


• Cisco Consumer Blogs: http://blogs.cisco.com/consumer


• Podcast with Ned Hooper discussing the Cisco Consumer strategy


• Read the Cisco news feature on the media-enabled home.


• Learn more about consumer products for a media-enabled home at www.linksysbycisco.com and www.linksysbycisco.com/forums.


• Become a Facebook fan of Cisco "LinksysbyCisco" and "Digital Cribs" and invite your friends to join the conversation.

Technorati Tags: Cisco, Consumer, Linksys by Cisco, Media-Enabled Home, Network Management Software, Networking Set up, Network Magic, Network Map, Speed Test, Home Management

About Cisco Systems
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco's vision for the consumer is to enable people to live a connected life that is more personal, more social, and more visual. More information about Cisco and its line of consumer products can be found at www.linksysbycisco.com and www.cisco.com/consumer.

Cisco, the Cisco logo, Linksys by Cisco and Cisco Systems are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.

(1) For routers with Home Network Defender capabilities

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Contact Information: Cisco Press Contact: Trevor Bratton Cisco (949) 823-1212 trevor.bratton@cisco.com Industry Analyst Contact: Lisa Soto Cisco (949) 823-4778 lisoto@cisco.com Investor Relations Contact: Carol Villazon Cisco 408-527-6538 carolv@cisco.com