S. Desa, ISM 101
11/19/09
Project Management at Cisco Systems
Jose Solorio, Project Manager
Ben Rus, Alireza Ataei, (UCSC) Project Management Interns
Advanced Methodologies Group
Cisco Systems, Inc
San Jose, CA
Abstract:
Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. As its customers rely more and
more on networks – to enable their business or organization strategies and their lifestyles, they
are in a unique position to have the opportunity to change the way we work, live, play and learn.
And as the network evolves, it must do so on terms defined by customers in order to be
embraced as a key enabler to deliver new services and meet today’s business challenges. Over
its 25-year history, Cisco has been guided by customer input for nearly every strategic decision
and customer focus has always been the number-one priority. Building customer success starts
with putting the customer first and foremost, and at Cisco, they don’t just talk about it, they do it.
In this presentation we will discuss a brief history of Cisco Systems, explore the company’s
vision, mission and goals, as well as reveal some of the key products and services offered. We
will then take a look at the Advanced Methodologies Group by exploring who they are and what
value they provide to the company. To conclude we will discuss Project Management within
Cisco Systems and give an example of a typical day for a Project Manager.
About the Speaker
Jose Solorio
As a Project Manager at Cisco Systems, Jose is responsible for managing and ensuring the delivery of
Cisco-funded projects. He’s worked at Cisco for just under 2 years – 6 months as an intern. With
guidance from operations managers and other experienced personnel within Cisco, he’s grown to manage
increasingly demanding projects, requiring resources and visibility from teams outside his own.
Prior to joining Cisco, Jose ran his own business creating business operations manuals for small business
in the San Jose area. He holds a BS in Information Systems Management from UC Santa Cruz and a
CCENT Certification (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) from Cisco. He is also a former
ISMA (Information Systems Management Association) Officer.
Ben Rus and Alireza Ataei
Ben and Ali are current UCSC students working as Project Management Interns at Cisco Systems. They
are currently ISM Undergraduate degree program students at UCSC. Ben and Ali began working in their
current position at Cisco in June of 2009. At Cisco, they assumed the role of Project Management Interns
in the Advanced Methodologies Group under the Customer Advocacy Organization.