Cisco Device Connections Program Provides Vendors License Rights to use HNAP in their Networked Devices for Easier Set up, Configuration and Interoperability on a Home Network

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Cisco(R) today announced the Cisco Device Connections Program (Cisco DCP), a program which enables manufacturers to use the Home Network Administration Protocol (HNAP) in variety of network connected devices. HNAP enables a simple, secure and open approach for devices to be set up and configured with other HNAP enabled devices on a home network.

Facts/Highlights:


    --  Cisco is leading the effort to make connected home products easier to
        use and set-up through open licensing of its HNAP technology.  The Cisco
        Device Connections Program provides manufacturers of networkable
        devices, such as PCs, cameras, routers/gateways, storage, media players,
        printers and others access to Cisco's Home Network Administration
        Protocol (HNAP) to license into their products.
    --  The Cisco Device Connections Program is intended to establish an
        ecosystem of vendors of interoperable networkable products that can work
        together so that customers can experience the full potential of the
        Media Enabled Home, including easy set up, device discovery, management,
        wireless security, remote access, and more!
    --  The Cisco DCP is designed to demonstrate that vendor's HNAP enabled
        devices have met the recognized test criteria and can be publicly
        endorsed and promoted as working better on, and integrated with home
        networks that use HNAP enabled routers/gateways and Network Magic
        software.
    --  Cisco is committed to the Device Connections Program and deploying the
        HNAP technology across its line of products.
    --  The Cisco DCP provides manufacturers with the verification and license
        to use HNAP in their networkable devices.  Benefits of being a DCP
        licensee
        --  Licensees of the Cisco DCP will be able to build their own network
            administration tools and applications that take advantage of the
            HNAP protocol and provide and/or open up their devices for
            integrated control and configuration with other HNAP-based
            applications.
        --  Accurate Topology Discovery within Cisco's Network Management
            Software Suite
        --  Access to tools and platform technologies for building their own
            consumer applications (setup, management etc.) to take advantage of
            HNAP devices
        --  Ability to communicate directly with Cisco consumer products
            including Linksys by Cisco routers (which include Network Magic) or
            other routers/gateways with the addition of Network Magic and
            program/obtain settings for custom task extensibility
        --  Certification and assurance that their product(s) will work not only
            with all of the new Linksys by Cisco home networking technologies,
            but also with other devices that use HNAP as a discovery and
            communications method along with Network Magic software.
        --  There are no licensing fees required.

Supporting Quotes:


    --  Ned Hooper, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Consumer
        Group, Cisco

"With the proliferation of entertainment content, devices and services, consumers' home networks have become increasingly complex to set-up and manage. Cisco's open HNAP license program leads the industry ecosystem to address these consumer pain points and improve the overall consumer experience."

Supporting Resources:


    --  Read Cisco's news feature on the media-enabled home.
    --  Learn more about consumer products for a media-enabled home at
        www.linksysbycisco.com and www.forums.linksysbycisco.com
    --  Become a fan of Cisco "Digital Cribs" and
        "LinksysbyCisco" and invite your friends to join the
        conversation.
    --  The Cisco CES press conference  will take place from 1:00-1:45 p.m. PST
        at the Las Vegas Venetian Hotel, Venetian Titian Room #2206. Press,
        analysts and bloggers at CES are invited to attend.  Contacts not at the
        show can attend via a live webcast accessible on Cisco's CES 2009
        Web site.

Technorati Tags: Cisco, Linksys by Cisco, Consumer, Home Networking, HNAP, License Program, Router, CES, Ned Hooper, CES, Connected Devices.

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.

SOURCE Linksys