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Internet of Things World Forum Names Chicago as Host City for 2014 Event; Cisco Announces Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge

Successful Internet of Things World Forum Returns in 2014 to Address Internet of Things Industry, Challenges, Opportunities and Next Steps

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 10, 2014) -  Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced the 2014 return of the Internet of Things World Forum, a global event that will once again unite thought leaders, business leaders and practitioners in business, industry, government and academia to accelerate the development of the rapidly emerging Internet of Things market. The 2014 Internet of Things World Forum will be taking place in Chicago, October 14-16, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

At the 2014 Internet of Things World Forum, attendees will once again see examples firsthand of how the Internet of Things is changing industries worldwide, and hear directly from those who are changing it. Attendees will also hear predictions about how the Internet of Things will affect the global economy, and how it has the potential to address many of the challenges the various markets currently face.

According to Cisco research, over 50 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020, creating vast opportunities for the Internet of Things to transform businesses and industries by re-inventing business processes, operational efficiencies and customer service innovations. These opportunities exist in markets such as manufacturing, transportation, oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, sports and entertainment, government, education and retail.

The Internet of Things is the technology foundation of the Internet of Everything, defined as the networked connection of people, process, data and things. Cisco estimates the potential impact from this increased connectivity created by the Internet of Everything to reach up to US $19 trillion "value at stake" for businesses and governments over the next nine years.

Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge Announced

To further demonstrate its ongoing commitment to drive Internet of Things innovations, Cisco today announced the Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge for startup businesses. This global open competition aims to recognize, promote and accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technologies and products created by startup businesses that will contribute to the growth and evolution of the Internet of Things.

Through the Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge, Cisco seeks to inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups that are developing technologies in areas of applications, analytics, management and connectivity. Submissions will be accepted beginning April 21 through July 1 at www.cisco.com/go/iotchallenge with the winners of the competition selected during 2014 Internet of Things World Forum in Chicago.

Similar to the Internet of Things Security Grand Challenge that was recently announced by Cisco, three winners of the Internet of Things Grand Challenge for Startups will share US $250,000 in prize money that can be used to jumpstart new and existing businesses that contribute to the Internet of Things industry.

In addition to the cash prizes, Cisco will also provide winners with mentoring, training and access to business expertise from Cisco and other supporting organizations. The winners will also be provided with the opportunity to develop, test and pilot new technologies, plus potential investment and partnering opportunities in the future.

2014 Internet of Things World Forum Sponsors

The second annual Internet of Things World Forum will take place October 14-16 in Chicago, Illinois. The event will once again bring together global leaders, professionals and innovators representing markets such as manufacturing, transportation, oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, sports and entertainment, government, education and retail. Sponsors of the 2014 Internet of Things World Forum currently include the following companies, with many more sponsors to be named in the months ahead:

• Diamond Level: Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric
• Platinum Level: Zebra Technologies Corporation
• Titanium Level: Panduit Corp., Siemens AG, TTTech Computertechnik AG
• Silver Level: Itron

Internet of Things World Forum Steering Committee Event

The Internet of Things World Forum is guided by a steering committee representing thought leaders from businesses, universities, cities, and governments. This steering committee is united by the goal of shaping the Internet of Things World Forum's agenda to address top market opportunities and challenges that will influence global, political and environmental issues.

During an event on April 9 and 10, the steering committee will finalize the objectives and success criteria for this year's Internet of Things World Forum, addressing topics that aim to improve the lives of citizens in broad areas such as health, education, innovation, transportation, job creation and security.

Supporting Quotes

"Cisco is focused on bringing together new perspectives, technologies and solutions that anticipate and address global customer needs across the broad spectrum of public and private sectors," said Wim Elfrink, Cisco's executive vice president, Industry Solutions and Chief Globalisation Officer. "These objectives align with those of the City of Chicago, which is why it was selected as the host of the 2014 Internet of Things World Forum. The City of Chicago is committed to the implementation of Internet of Everything innovations that will make their city smarter and more connected, as well as for the location of the city in the heart of industrial and technology development that is driving digitalization of manufacturing and industries in general."

"The Internet of Things is creating a new powerful innovation cycle spanning across technologies, markets and domains," said Maciej Kranz, vice president, Cisco Corporate Technology Group. "Cisco is working with startups, innovators and research communities to foster technology breakthroughs and to accelerate their development and adoption via its global network of Innovation Centers. The Cisco Internet of Things Innovation Grand Challenge is another example of how we are partnering with the industry to fully realize the promise of the Internet of Things."

About the Internet of Things World Forum

The Internet of Things is an exclusive event created to unite global leaders for a collaborative industry discussion that will accelerate the impact of the Internet of Things on the global economy, society and the environment. In 2014, this exclusive, invitation-only event will once again bring together business and global thought leaders from across industries, technologies, and geographies that are passionate about igniting innovation and accelerating the advancement of the Internet of Things for their organizations and society as a whole.

At the inaugural Internet of Things World Forum that took place October 29-31, 2013 in Barcelona, more than 800 attendees and 16 partner companies brought together the best and brightest thinkers, doers, and innovators from business, government, and academia, making it the largest Internet of Things conference in the industry.

Supporting Resources

• More information on the Internet of Things World Forum, including sponsorship: www.iotwf.com
• Cisco's view of the Internet of Everything
• Cisco's view of the Internet of Things
• Cisco white paper on the Internet of Everything "Value at Stake"
• Cisco white paper: "The Internet of Everything; How More Relevant and Valuable Connections Will Change the World"
• IoT Innovation Challenge Website

Tags/keywords: Cisco, Internet of Things, IoT, IoE, Internet of Everything, Wim Elfrink, Chicago, Internet of Things World Forum

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About Cisco  Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned 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. 

Cisco Press Contact: Ben Stricker Cisco (408) 527-3199 bstricke@cisco.com Industry Analyst Contact: Malee Dharmasena Cisco +44 20 8824 6931 mdharmas@cisco.com Investor Relations: Penny Bruce Cisco (408) 527-2088 pebruce@cisco.com