Cisco is a leading technology company that specializes in networking and unified computing services, facilitating powerful connections across various sectors, including business and education. Founded in 1984 by computer scientists from Stanford University, Cisco has been at the forefront of developing Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. The company's extensive product portfolio includes switching products, storage solutions, and advanced network routing systems that enable connectivity for a wide range of devices and applications, such as mobile, data, voice, and video. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, California, and actively supports innovation through initiatives like the Cisco Innovation Grand Challenge, which encourages disruptive ventures in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, and the Spark Innovation Fund, a venture capital initiative that invests in promising technologies and business models.