Cisco Code of Business Conduct Connecting with Our Values

Cisco Code of Business Conduct

Connecting with Our Values

Cisco Systems, Inc. Code of Business Conduct 2

Contents 3 Message from John Chambers, Chairman and CEO

4 I Am Ethical •ConnectwithOurValues •MakeGoodChoices •EthicsDecisionTree

7 I Know the Code •CrackingtheCode •Waivers •AnnualCertification

11 I Share My Concerns •MyObligation •HowtoVoiceMyConcerns

14 I Respect Others •Harassment •Discrimination •Retaliation •AccommodationforIndividualswith

Disabilities •DrugsandAlcohol •WorkplaceSafety •PersonalInformation •CorporateSocialResponsibility •Quality

18 I Use Resources Responsibly •CompanyAssets •ElectronicCommunication •CiscoCommunityMailers •RecordsManagement •SocialMedia

22 I Avoid Conflicts of Interest •ServingonOutsideBoards,

Committees,orAssociations •InvestmentsandInterestsinOther

Businesses •Inventions,Books,andPublications •SpeakingEngagements •EndorsementsandProviding

References •MixingWorkandFamily

Relationships

28 I Understand Policies Related to Gifts, Hospitality and Entertainment

•CommercialCompanies •GovernmentOfficialsand

Agencies •InternalEmployees •RafflesandGiveaways •LocalCustoms •ExpenseReports

38 I Protect What Is Ours •ProprietaryInformation •InformationSecurity

43 I Follow the Law •AntitrustandCompetitionLaws •InsiderTrading •GlobalAnti-CorruptionPolicy •GovernmentBusinessandPolitical

Contributions •UsingCopyrightedMaterial •PrivacyLaws •Export,Reexport,andTransfer

50 I Am Accurate and Ethical with Our Finances

•FinancialOfficerCodeofEthics •Violations

53 Additional Resources


DearCiscoEmployees,

Whenyouthinkaboutwhatmakesacompanysuccessful,cultureisalwaysanessentialcomponent.AtCisco,ourcultureisthefoundationofeverythingwedo,anditisbasedonthesetofcorevaluesthateachofuswearsonourCiscobadge.Severalofthesevalues,includingtrust,integrity,inclusion,empowerment,andopencommunication,remindusthatpreservinganethicalworkplaceiscriticaltoourlong-termsuccessasacompany.Themessageforeachemployeeisclear:Anysuccessthatisnotachievedethicallyisnosuccessatall.AtCisco,weholdourselvestothehighestethicalstandards,andwewillnotacceptanythingless.

Whilecollaborationandteamworkplayanimportantroleinourcompany’sgrowthandinnovation,itistheresponsibilityoftheindividual,ofeveryCiscoemployee,toupholdhighstandardsofconduct.TheCiscoCodeofBusinessConduct(COBC)isavaluabletooltohelpyoudojustthat.Withinformationaboutourpoliciesandprocedures,guidelinesforethicaldecisionmaking,andreal-lifeexamplesofsituationsyoumayencounteronthejob,theCOBCservesasanimportantresourcetoguideyouinapplyingourcorevaluestospecificsituationsofday-to-daybusiness.IfyouareunsureofwhattodoinaparticularsituationorsuspectthatourCOBCisbeingviolated,youhaveanobligationtospeakup.PleasetalktoyourmanageroralsofeelfreetocontacttheEthicsOfficeortheLegalDepartment.YoumayalsovoiceyourconcernsanonymouslythroughtheCiscoEthicsLine.AlloftheseoptionsaredescribedindetailinthisCOBC.

Ourcommitmenttoourcustomers,ourpartners,ourfellowemployees,andthebroaderglobalcommunity,requiresustobenotonlythe“BestintheWorld,”butalsothe“BestfortheWorld.”Together,wedemonstratebyouractionsthatCiscoisacompanywithstrongvaluesandacommitmenttoalwaysdotherightthing.Ourstandingasanethicalcompany,justlikeourreputationastheleaderincommunicationsandIT,isacriticalasset,asimportantasthetechnologywecreate,andweareallresponsibleforprotectingit.Iexpectitofmyself;Iexpectitofmyleadershipteam;andIexpectitofeveryoneofyou.

ThankyouforbeingpartoftheCiscoFamilyandforyourpledgetoupholdtheseimportantvalues.

Sincerely,

JohnChambers ChairmanandCEO


Cisco Says...Cisco was founded in an environment of open communication, empowerment, inclusion, integrity, and trust. Thesevaluesremainattheforefrontofourcultureandourbusinessdecisions.Wemustmaintainourcommitmenttothesevaluesandcontinuebuildingaculturethatunderstandswhatisacceptableandwhatisnot.Wewillnevercompromiseonissuesofintegrity.OurCodeofBusinessConduct(COBC)reinforcesourcorevaluesandisaguidetohelpyoumaketherightethicaldecisionsandresolveissuesyoumayencounter.

Make good choices.Whenyouarefacedwithanethicaldilemma,youhavearesponsibilitytotakeaction.Adecisiontreecanhelp.Itmayseemeasiertosaynothingorlooktheotherway,buttakingnoactionis,initself,anactionthatcanhaveseriousconsequences.Letthedecisiontreeguideyouractions.SpeakupifyouseeorsuspectactivitythatviolatesourCOBC.Aswecontinuetogrowandinnovate,youwillbehelpingtofurtherourmissionandpreserveourcorevalues.

IAmEthicalInnovativeideas,emergingtechnologies,strategicacquisitions-Iworkinanindustrywherethepaceisfastandchangeisconstant.Buttherearesomethingsthatdonotchange,likethecommitmenttodoingbusinesshonestly,ethically,andwithrespectforoneanother.IthinkCiscohasbeensuccessfulasacompanybecauseweputcorevaluesliketheseintopracticeonthejobeveryday;doingtherightthingisjustpartofourDNA.

Connect with the Code...

•Observeandpreserveourcorevaluesofopencommunication,empowerment,inclusion,integrity, and trust.


Our continued success depends on your ability to make decisions that are consistent with our core values. Regardlessofthesituation,exercisetotalhonestyandintegrityineverythingyoudo.Asanemployee,youareresponsibleforcomplyingwithallapplicablelawsandregulationsineachcountryinwhichwedobusinessandforknowingandcomplyingwithourCOBCandotherpoliciesofthecompany.ViolationsoflaworthisCOBCorotherpoliciesofthecompanyaresubjecttodiscipline,whichmayincludeterminationofemployment.Yourcommitmenttodoingtherightthingwillstrengthenourteamandourreputationasagloballeader.

Whatif...


•Makedecisionsthatareconsistent with these core values.

•Complywithallapplicablelaws and regulations in each country where we do business. What if I’m not sure whether a particular action is a violation of our COBC?

ChecktheguidelineshereintheCOBCforananswer.Iftheanswerisstillnotclear,usethedecisiontreetohelpyoudeterminetherightcourseofactionandwhomtocontactforhelp.


Is it legal?

No

?

YesDoes this

comply with Cisco policy?

No

?

Yes

No

?

Yes

No

?

?

Yes

No

Would I feelconcerned if

this appearedin a newsheadline?

Yes

?

No

Yes

The decisionto move forward

appears appropriate.

Does this reflect Cisco

values and culture?

Could this adversely

affect Cisco if all employees

did it?

Could this adversely affect

company stakeholders?

Not sure? Contact Legal for guidance

The action may have serious

consequences; do not do it

Not sure? Check Cisco Policy Central

for more information.Talk to your manager,

your Human Resources representative, or Legal for guidance

Not sure? Check the Ethics O�ce website or contact your

manager or Ethics O�ce for guidance





Not sure? Talk to your manager,

Legal, or the Ethics O�ce for guidance











Ethics Decision Tree

Adecisiontreecanbea useful tool when you arefacedwithadifficultdecision.Askyourself:

Ask yourself:


Cisco says...It is easy to “crack” the code; our COBC is user-friendly.Webelievethatlong-term,trustingbusinessrelationshipsarebuiltbybeinghonest,open,andfair.OurCOBCreflectsthisbelief.Itisaresourcethatyoucanrelyontohelpdeterminewhatisappropriate,andwhatisnotwhenitcomestoactingwithintegrityintheworkplace.TheCOBCpromotes:

•Honestandethicalconduct,includingtheethicalhandlingofactualorapparentconflictsofinterestbetweenpersonalandprofessionalrelationships

•Full,fair,accurate,timely,andunderstandabledisclosureinreportsanddocumentsthatwefilewith,orsubmittogovernmentalagenciesandinotherpubliccommunications

•ProtectionofconfidentialandproprietaryinformationaboutCiscoandouremployees,contractors,customers,partners,andvendors

•Compliancewithapplicablegovernmentaldirectives,laws,rules,andregulations

•PromptinternalreportingofanyviolationsoftheCOBC

•AccountabilityforadherencetotheCOBCbyeveryCiscoemployee

The COBC applies to everyone at Cisco worldwide. TheCOBCappliestoallCiscoemployees,subsidiaries,andmembersofourBoardofDirectors.Wealsoseektodobusinesswithsuppliers,customers,andresellerswhoadheretosimilarethicalstandards.TheCOBCismonitoredbyourEthicsOfficeandisaffirmedyearlybyeveryemployeethroughanannualcertificationproces.

Connect with the Code…

•Read,understand,andcomplywiththeCOBC.

•SeekhelpifyouhavequestionsabouttheCOBC.

•Certifyannuallythatyouhavereviewedandunderstand the COBC and completeanyassociatedCOBC training.

I Know the CodeIwouldneverknowinglyviolatealaworpolicy,butsometimessituationsarise where the right thing to do is not clear, so I refer to the COBC for clarification.


Asanemployee,youarerequiredtoreview,understand,andabidebytheCOBC.Remember,youareinchargeofyourdecisionsandyouractions,sowhenindoubt,checkitout.NoonehastheauthoritytomakeyouengageinbehaviorthatviolatestheCOBC,andanyattempttodosoisunacceptable.YoualsohavearesponsibilitytowatchforpotentialviolationsoftheCOBCandtoreportthem,whethertheyoccurinsideCiscoorthroughexternaldealingswithourcustomersorotherpersons,businesses,orgovernments.RefertotheCOBCsectionentitled“IShareMyConcerns”forguidanceonhowtoreportyourconcerns.

Ifyouareamanager,youholdaleadershiproleandareresponsibleforsettingagoodexampleforyouremployees,encouragingopenandhonestcommunication,andtakingactionwhenethicalissuesarebroughttoyourattention.WorktoensurethatthosewhoreporttoyouunderstandtherequirementsoftheCOBC,andtosupportemployeeswho,ingoodfaith,raisequestionsorconcerns.YouareresponsiblefortakingactiontoaddressconductthatisinviolationoftheCOBCandtoseekhelpfromtheEthicsOfficeifthepropercourseofactionisnotclear.

The COBC is extensive…but not exhaustive. YouwillfindthattheCOBCprovidesdetailedguidance,butcannotaddresseverysituationyoumaypossiblyfaceinthecourseofyourworkday.Werelyonyoutoexercisegoodjudgmentinyourdecisionmakingandtoseekhelpwhenyouhavequestionsorconcernsthatarenotaddressed in the COBC.

Wecontinuallymonitorlawsandregulationsastheyapplytoouroperationsworldwide,but,again,wetrustouremployeestofollowthespiritofthelawandtodotheright,ethicalthingevenwhenthelawisnotspecific.Insomecases,acountry’slocallawsmayestablishrequirementsdifferentfromourCOBC.IfalocallawconflictswithourCOBC,wefollowthelocallaw;ifalocalbusinesspracticeconflictswithourCOBC,wefollowourCOBC.Whenindoubt,askforhelp.

ForadditionalinformationontheCiscoEthicsProgram,visittheEthicsOfficewebsite.

Waivers of a provision of this COBC must be submitted to and approved by the Ethics Office.WaiversforanyCiscoexecutiveofficerormemberofCisco’sBoardofDirectorsmustbesubmittedtotheEthicsOfficeandapprovedbytheBoardofDirectors.WaiversgrantedtoexecutiveofficersandmembersofCisco’sBoardofDirectors,alongwiththereasonsforgranting


thewaiver,willbepubliclydisclosedbyappropriatemeans.

Annual certification of the COBC and other supplemental code(s) and guidelines is required. ChairmanandCEOJohnChambersrequiresallemployeestoreviewandunderstandtheCOBC.YouwillbesentnotificationandreminderemailsdirectingyoutocompleteyourcertificationoftheCOBC.EmployeesmustalsocompleteanyassociatedCOBCtrainingasapartoftheircertification.

AtthesametimethatyouannuallyreviewandcertifytheCOBC,ifyoufallintoanyofthesubcategoriesbelow,youarealsorequiredtoannuallyreviewandcertifythefollowingsupplementalcode(s)andguidelines:

•Work with Government Officials in the U.S.-IfyousupportCisco’sbusinesswiththeU.S.PublicSectormarket[federal,stateorlocalgovernment(s)],readandacknowledgeCisco’sU.S.PublicSectorEthicsCodeandcompletetheonlinetraining“WorkingwithU.S.PublicSectorCustomers.”

•Work with Schools and Libraries-IfyousupportCisco’sbusinessregardingtheU.S.E-RateProgram,readandacknowledgeCisco’sE-RateProgramGuidelines.

•Work in Global Sales/Marketing-Ifyouareinthesalesormarketingorganization(includingServiceSales)outsidetheUnitedStates,orifyouareinsalesormarketingintheUnitedStatesandsupportglobalaccounts,completetheonlinetraining“DoingBusinessWithIntegrity;Anti-CorruptionLawsinaGlobalMarket.”

Aspartoftheon-boardingprocess,newhiresarerequiredtocompletetheCOBCcertification(andtheotherabove-referencedsupplementalcodes,guidelines,andmandatoryonlinetrainingthatarerelevanttothem)whentheyjoinCisco.Thereafter,newhireswillberequiredtoparticipateintheannualcertificationcampaign.


Whatif...What if I have a concern with a section of the COBC or have reservations about completing my COBC annual certification?IfyouhaveanissuewithasectionoftheCOBCorwiththeCOBCcertification,youshoulddiscussyourconcernswithyourmanager,yourHumanResourcesrepresentative,ortheEthicsOffice.EvenifyoufailtocompleteyourcertificationoftheCOBC,youarestillobligatedtofollowthepoliciescontainedinit.FailuretocompletetheannualCOBCcertificationmayresultindisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingterminationofemployment.


Cisco says...You have an obligation to speak up. Allemployeeshavearesponsibilityforpromptlyreportinganyissueorconcernthattheybelieve,ingoodfaith,mayconstituteaviolationoftheCOBCoranyotherCiscopolicy.Wealsoencourageyoutocomeforwardifyouencounterasituationthat“justdoesnotfeelright.”Opencommunicationandempowermentaretwoofourcorevalues,andyourcommitmenttotakeactiontoshareyourconcernswillhelpensureanethicalworkplaceforeveryone.

You have several options available to you for voicing your concerns. MaybeyouhaveaquestionabouttheCOBCorwantmoredetailsaboutaparticularpolicy,ormaybeyouhaveseenorsuspectsomeonehasviolatedtheCOBC.Whomdoyoucontact?

•StartbytalkingwithyourmanagerorHumanResourcesrepresentative.Sincetheymaybeyourclosestlinktoanissue,theycanactasagoodresourcetoresolveyourissue.Theyhavearesponsibilitytolistenandtohelp.Ciscomanagershaveadutytopromoteanopenandhonestenvironmentwheremembersoftheirteamscanfeelcomfortableaboutvoicingtheirconcernswithout fear of retaliation.

•IfyoudonotfeelcomfortableinitiallydiscussingyourconcernwithyourmanagerorHumanResourcesrepresentative,orafterseekingassistance,youdonotfeeltheoutcomeresolvedyourissue,pleasecontacttheEthicsOffice.TheEthicsOfficeisresponsibleforadministeringtheCOBCandisavailabletoallemployees,customers,partners,shareholdersandother


•ShareyourconcernsaboutknownorsuspectedCOBCviolations.

•Knowtheoptionsavailabletoyouforvoicingyourconcerns.

IShareMyConcernsIunderstandmyresponsibilityasaCiscoemployeetodotherightthingwhen it comes to my own actions and to share my concerns when I see or suspectsomethingthatcouldharmthecompany.IlikeknowingthatthereareplacestoturnwhenIhaveaquestionorconcern.


stakeholderswhowishtoraiseconcernsoranalertaboutpotentialviolations.TheEthicsOfficemanagesallinquiriespromptlyandconfidentially,totheextentpossiblebylaw. YoucancontacttheEthicsOfficebye-mail,WebForm,orbycallingtheCiscoEthicsLine,available24hoursaday,7daysaweek.TheEthicsLineisaconfidentialoption,providedbyTheNetwork,aleadingthird-partyreportingservice.Youhavetheoptiontoremainanonymous*whenyouusethisservice;however,theinvestigationoftheallegedincidentmaybehinderediftheinvestigatorisunabletocontactyouforfurtherinformation.YourconcernisdocumentedbyahighlytrainedinterviewspecialistandisdisseminatedtoappropriateCiscomanagement,whowillpromptlyaddressthematter.

*Please note:SomecountriesinwhichCiscodoesbusinessdonotallowsuchconcernstobereportedanonymously.VisittheEthicsLinewebsiteforcountry-specificguidelinesonhowtoshareconcernsaboutsuspectedviolationsoftheCOBC.

•Questionsandconcernsregardinglegal issuescanbesubmittedtoLegal.

•Questionsandconcernsregardingaccounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters(orotherrelatedissues)canbesubmittedtotheGovernance,Risk,andControls(GRC)group.AnotheroptionistocontacttheAuditCommitteeoftheBoardofDirectorsorifyouareconcernedaboutmaintaininganonymity,youmaysendcorrespondencetotheAuditCommitteeatthefollowingprivatemailbox(PMB)addressat:CiscoSystems,AuditCommittee,105SerraWay,PMB#112,Milpitas,CA95035.

Whatever reporting method you choose, your concern will be promptly addressed. Dependingonthenatureofanallegedviolation,theEthicsOffice,Legal,GRC,oranotherapplicableorganizationwillpromptlyaddresstheconcernandseekaccurateandreliableinformationinordertodiscoverthetruthaboutreportedallegedviolationsofaCOBCpolicy.CiscowillattempttoaddresseachCOBCviolationinaconsistentmannerthatisappropriatetothenatureoftheviolation,includingterminationofemploymentifwarrantedbythecircumstances.Ciscoemployeeshaveanobligationtocooperatewithinvestigationsintoallegedethicalmisconduct.Failuretocooperateandprovidehonestandtruthfulanswersorinformationcouldresultindisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingterminationofemployment.

Connect with the Code…

•Understandthatallreportedconcernswillbepromptlyaddressed.

•Cooperatewithinvestigationsintoethicalmisconduct.

•Understandthatretaliationfor disclosing ethical concerns made in good faith willnotbetolerated.


Whatif...What if my manager tells me to do something that is dangerous and possibly illegal? I know I should tell someone, but I’m afraid that my manager will make my job difficult for me if I do.Thebestplacetoraiseyourconcernswouldtypicallybewithyourmanager,butbecauseitisyourmanager’srequestthatconcernsyou,callingtheCiscoEthicsLineisagoodoption.IfyoureportyourconcernstotheEthicsOffice,youwillhavetheassurancethatCiscoislookingintothesituationandthatretaliationbyyourmanagerorotherswillnotbetolerated.

What if I reported a concern but never heard anything about it?Considerwhetherthematterwasreportedanonymously.Ifso,totheextentthatoutcomescanbereported,theremaynotbeamechanismforgettingbacktoyou.Also,allmatterswillbeinvestigatedappropriately,butitmaynotbeappropriatefortheresultsoftheinvestigationtobecommunicatedbacktoyou,theoriginalreportingparty,inlightofprivacyandconfidentialityissues.

What if I did not report any concerns but am asked to cooperate in an internal investigation by HR, Employee Relations (ER), GRC, or someone in management? Must I participate?Yes.AsaCiscoemployee,youareobligedtocooperateininternalinvestigations.Failuretodosomayresultindisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingterminationofemployment.


IRespectOthersMyvisionoftheidealworkplace?Onethatispositive,creativeandrewarding…anenvironmentthatpromotesindividualexpression,innovationandachievement.That’sthekindofworkplacewehavehereatCisco.I’mofferedopportunitiestogrowpersonallyandprofessionally,andmymanagerencouragesmetosucceed.I’mtreatedwithrespectanddignity.Inreturn,Irecognizemydutytoactresponsibly,beateamplayer,alwaysdomybest,andtreatotherswithrespectanddignity.

Cisco Says...You are free to do your job without fear of harassment. Ciscoprohibitsconductthatsinglesoutanemployeeorgroupofemployeesinanegativewaybecauseoftheirgender,race,color,nationalorigin,ancestry,citizenship,religion,age,physicalormentaldisability,medicalcondition,sexualorientation,genderidentityorgenderexpression,veteranstatus,ormaritalstatus.Harassmentcantakemanyforms,includingoffensiveremarks;unwelcomeadvances;requestsforsexualfavors;jokes;andethnic,racist,orsexualslurs.AnyformofharassmentisaviolationofCiscophilosophyandpolicies.

We do not discriminate.Weareproudofourdiversityandourcommitmenttomaintainingadiverseworkforce.Inrecruiting,hiring,developing,andpromotingemployees-allemploymentprocesses-decisionsaremadewithoutregardtogender,race,color,nationalorigin,ancestry,citizenship,religion,age,physicalormentaldisability,medicalcondition,sexualorientation,genderidentityorgenderexpression,veteranstatus,ormaritalstatus.Wearepassionateaboutpreservingourpositivecultureandensuringthateachindividualistreatedwithrespectanddignityasavaluedmemberof the Cisco team.


•DoyourparttomakeCiscoagreatplacetowork.

•Treatotherswithrespectanddignity.

•Ifyouknoworsuspectthatothersarebeingharassedordiscriminatedagainst,reportit immediately.


Retaliation will not be tolerated. Takingactionagainstanyonewhobringsadiscrimination,harassment,orethicsissueforwardisstrictlyforbidden.Wetakereportsofretaliationseriously.Anyonefoundtohaveretaliatedagainstanotherindividualwillfacedisciplinaryactionandpossibleterminationofemployment.

Our workplace accommodates individuals with disabilities. Wearecommittedtoworkingwithandprovidingreasonableaccommodationsforemployeesandapplicantswithphysicalormentaldisabilities.Disabledemployeesareencouragedtoprovidenotificationfromtheirdoctordescribinganyrestrictionsontheirabilitytoperformtheessentialdutiesorfunctionsoftheirjob.

We have a strict drug and alcohol policy. Employeesarenotpermittedtouse,possess,sell,transfer,manufacture,distribute,orbeundertheinfluenceofillegaldrugsonCisco-ownedorleasedproperty,duringworkinghours,whileoncompanybusiness,orwhileusingcompanyproperty.Inaddition,noemployeemayreportforwork,goonorremainondutywhileundertheinfluenceoforimpairedbyalcoholorillegaldrugsorsubstances.Alcoholuseatcompany-sponsoredeventsisallowedonlywithpriorwrittenapprovalofthedepartmentSeniorVicePresident.Violationofthispolicywillresultindisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingterminationofemployment.AlcoholconsumptionguidelinesforCiscoemployeeeventscanbefoundintheDrugandAlcoholintheWorkplacepolicy.

We are committed to providing a safe and nonthreatening workplace. Employeesshouldbefamiliarwithandfollowallsafetyguidelinesandreportanyunsafeconditionsoraccidents.Anyactsorthreatsofviolencetowardanotherpersonorcompanypropertyshouldalsobereportedimmediately.Wewanttofosterthekindofenvironmentwherepeoplefeelsafeandaretreatedwithcourtesyandprofessionalismatalltimes.

We provide safeguards for your personal information. Ciscorespectstheprivacyrightsandinterestsofallitsemployeesandprovidessafeguardsfortheprotectionofitsemployees’personalinformationthatiscollected,held,andused.Everyone


•Speakoutagainstactsofretaliation.

•KnowandabidebyCiscopoliciesregardingdrugsandalcohol.

•Reportanyunsafeconditions,violentacts,orthreats.

•Protectanduseothers’personalinformationappropriately.

•ActivelyengagewithprogramswhichsupportCisco’scommitmenttoCSR.

•Beaccountableforqualityindeliveringanunrivaledcustomerexperience.


mustrespecttheprivacyrightsofcoworkersandhandleallemployees’personalinformationinaccordancewithCisco’sGlobalHR-relatedDataProtectionPolicy.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important part of our culture. Thecompany’sCSRprogramsandinitiativesuseresponsiblebusinesspracticesandsocialinvestmentstocreatelong-termvalueforourbusiness.OurCSRfocusareasinclude:transformingsocieties,creatingathrivingemployeeexperience,governingourbusiness,developingproductsresponsibly,andprotectingtheenvironment.IhavearesponsibilitytoactinamannerconsistentwithourCSRphilosophy.Ciscoleadersencourageallemployeestobeengagedinthecommunityandlearnaboutconservinglimitedenvironmentalresources.

Cisco values human rights.OurpoliciesincorporateethicalprinciplespresentedintheUnitedNationsUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights.Theseprinciples,suchas:freedomofassociation,nondiscrimination,privacy,compulsoryandchildlabor,immigration,wages,andworkinghours,continuetoserveasaguideforhowweconductourbusinessandhowweinteractwithoursuppliersandbusinesspartners.Also,CiscosupportstheUnitedNationsGlobalCompactanditstenprinciples.

ReadmoreintheannualCSRReport.

I am accountable for quality in delivering an unrivaled customer experience. WeatCiscoarecommittedtodeliveringunprecedentedvalueandopportunityforourcustomersbecausecustomersuccessisanimportantpartofourcultureandacorevalue.Thesecommitmentsalignwithourqualityobjectivestoprovideworld-classproductsandservices,understandandenhancethecustomerexperience,anddrivecontinuousimprovementthroughout Cisco.

Asindividuals,weagreetoadheretotheCiscoQualityPolicyandtheCiscoBusinessManagementSystemwhichdescribeourcommitmenttoquality.Wealsohelpensurequalitybyfollowingourrespectiveorganizations’processesandproactivelymeetingandexceedingcustomer needs.

FormoreinformationaboutCisco’scommitmenttoquality,pleasevisittheCorporateQualityhomepage.


What if the person harassing me is my supervisor? If I complain, couldn’t I lose my job?No.YouareavaluedmemberoftheCiscoteam,andyouareentitledtoworkinanenvironmentfreefromintimidating,hostile,oroffensivebehavior-fromanyone.ContactHumanResources,theEthicsOffice,orLegalforhelp(seetheCOBCsectionentitled,“IShareMyConcerns”).

What if I received an email that I was not supposed to receive and it included very offensive jokes? If it was not meant for me to read, is that harassment?Offensivejokessentthroughcompanyemail,regardlessoftheirintendedrecipient,havenoplaceinaworkplacethatvaluesdignityandrespectforeveryemployee.Youmayresponddirectlytothecoworker,notifyinghimorherthatyoufoundtheemailoffensive.Asktheindividualtorefrainfrom sending out such email in the future, and say that you will escalate the matter if it continues.

What if I believe that I was passed up for a promotion because of my age? What should I do?Ciscopolicyrequiresthatemploymentdecisionsbemadewithoutregardtoanycandidate’sage.Ifyoufeelyouweretreatedunfairly,contactHumanResourcesforassistanceorcalltheCiscoEthicsLine.

What if I receive a telephone call from someone requesting information about one of my coworkers and I am not certain that the caller is a Cisco employee?YoushouldnotdiscloseanypersonalinformationaboutyourcoworkerstoanyoneifyouareuncertainastowhetherthecallerisaCiscoemployee.Employeephonenumbersandemailaddresses,andreportingstructuresfromtheCiscoEmployeeConnection(CEC)directoryshouldneverbeprovidedtounknowncallers.

Whatif...


IUseResourcesResponsiblyCiscocountsonmetoactresponsiblyandusegoodjudgmenttoconserveandsafeguardcompanyresources,suchascomputers,telephones,Internetaccess,faxmachines,andcopiers.IamcommittedtousingtheseresourcesfrugallyandhelpingtoensurethatCiscoreceivesthebestvalueforitsmoneybecauseIknowitiscriticaltoourbottomline.

Cisco Says...Company assets are provided for business use. Companyassetsshouldbeusedfirstandforemostforbusinesspurposesandtoadvanceourstrategicobjectives.Weeachhavearesponsibilitytouseandmaintainourassetswithcareandtoguardagainstwasteandabuse.Ourassetsincludenotonlythephysicalspaceinwhichwework,butalsootherphysicalassetssuchassecuritiesandcash,officeequipment,andinformationsystems.Theyevenincludethingsthatarenotofaphysicalnature,suchassoftware,patents,trademarks,copyrights,andotherproprietaryinformation.Forexample,Ciscotrademarksshouldnotbeusedonnon-companymaterialsoraspartofanydomainnamethatisnotregistered,used,andcontrolledbythecompany.Similarly,Cisco’scopyrightedworks,suchasdocumentation,graphics,images,videos,audiorecordings,andsoftware,shouldonlybeusedonlyforbusinesspurposespursuanttoCisco’spolicies.Youhavenoexpectationofprivacywhenusingcompanyresourcesforpersonalreasons,asthoseresourcesbelongtoCiscoandthereforematerialtransmittedmayberetainedorreviewed.

Get written approval when you use company assets for non-company purposes. Wetrustyoutousegoodjudgmenttoconservecompanyresources.Donotborroworremovethemfromcompanypremiseswithoutproperauthorization,andneverusecompanyassetstosupportapersonalbusinessorconsultingeffortoroutsidefundraisingactivity.Thisincludes


•Usecompanyassetsresponsibly,asifyouwerepayingforthemyourself.

•Treatwhatisourswithcareand guard against waste and abuse.


Ciscoresourcesthathavebeenidentifiedas“scrap”,garbageordestinedforrecycling.Exceptincidentaluseofacompany-suppliedcomputerandrelatedapplicationsasdescribedinthefollowingparagraph,usingcompanyresourcestosupportpoliticalactivityorlobbyingisprohibitedunlesswrittenpermissionisobtainedfromtheSeniorVicePresidentofWorldwideGovernmentAffairs.

Use email, computer, and other communications systems lawfully and professionally. Occasionaluseofcompanyassetsforpersonalreasonsispermitted,withinreason,aslongasitdoesnotcompromiseCisco’sinterestsoradverselyaffectjobperformance(yoursorthatofyourcoworkers).Youruseofcompanyresourcesshouldneverresultinsignificantaddedcosts,disruptionofbusiness,oranydisadvantagetoCisco.Beconscientiousandresponsible;donotaccess,distribute,download,oruploadmaterialthatisprohibitedbylaworcontainssexualcontent;ordistributeoruploadmaterialcontainingoffensivelanguage,thirdpartycopyrightprotectedmaterialswithoutpermissionfromtheowner,anythingthatwouldnegativelyreflectonCisco,orderogatorycommentsaboutrace,gender,sexualorientation,age,orreligion.

Use Cisco community mailers responsibly. Ciscocommunitymailersareintendedtoletemployeesnetworkandengageingroupactivitiesthatwillenhancepeerrelationshipsinsideandoutsidetheworkplace.Mailersmaynotbeusedtosolicitillegalorfraudulentactivityorenableorencourageanothertobreachacontract.CiscomailersmaynotbeusedforpoliticalactivitieswithoutthewrittenpermissionoftheSeniorVicePresidentofWorldwideGovernmentAffairs.MailerusageshouldbeconsistentwiththeCiscovaluesoftrust,integrity,inclusion,andrespectforothers.Ifyouareunsurewhetherthecontentyouintendtopostisappropriate,pleasecontacttheEthicsOfficeforclarification.Postingstomailerscontainingcontentthatviolatesthesecorevalueswillresultindisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingterminationofemployment.Forfurtherguidance,refertothePolicyonUseofCiscoAssetsforActivitiesRelatingtoEmployees’PersonalBeliefs.

Know the policies related to management and retention of records and email. AtCisco,wecollaborateandexchangeinformationinvariousforms,whetheritisanemail,avideo


•Obtainauthorization(throughpolicy,procedure,orexpresswrittenapprovalfromyourmanager)beforeusingCiscoassetsfornon-companypurposes.

•Useelectroniccommunications technologyresponsiblyandprofessionally.

•RetainandmanageCiscocompanyrecordsresponsibly.


Whatif...

oraudiorecording,oranelectronicdocument.Wehavepoliciesinplacetohelpuseffectivelyandefficientlymanageourcompany’sdocumentationandemailsystemssothatwearecompliantwithlegalandbusinessrequirements.Ingeneral,employeesshouldretainallinformationthatrelatestoaCiscobusinessrecord,legalmatter(pendingoranticipated),oraudit.IfyoureceiveadocumentretentiondirectivefromCiscoLegal,youmustfollowitandretainalldocumentsspecifiedinthatdirective.

Be respectful and professional when using video and social media tools.Withtheriseofnewmediaandnext-generationcommunicationstools,thewayinwhichCiscoemployeescancommunicateinternallyandexternallycontinuestoevolve.Theseemergingmediatoolsinclude:video,blogs,wikis,podcasts,virtualworlds,andsocialnetworking.Ciscoencouragesemployeestolearnaboutandusethesesocialmediatoolsbecausetheycanpromoteteamworkandcollaboration.PoliciesandguidelinesregardingtheuseofthesetoolscanbefoundintheSocialMediaPolicyandintheIWEGlobalSocialMediaCommunityandtheyemphasizetheneedto:

•Communicateinarespectfulandprofessionalmanner

•AvoiddisclosingproprietaryinformationormisusingCisco’sintellectualproperty

•Keepapplicablepoliciesandregulationsinmind

•UnderstandthatthesamerulesaboutcommunicatingCiscoinformation‘offline’,alsoapplyinthe‘online’world

What if I write a personal letter or surf the Internet or call a family member on my office phone? Are these types of activities OK?Generally,limitedpersonaluseofcompanyresourcesispermittedaslongasasignificantcostisnotassumedbyCiscoandyourworkisnotdisrupted.


What if I operate a small side business from home? Both my manager and the Ethics Office have determined that the business does not represent a conflict of interest with my Cisco work. Is it OK for my customers to leave messages on my Cisco voicemail?No,unlessitispurelyincidental.Eventhoughthereisnoconflictofinterest,youhaveanobligationtouseCiscocompanyassets(includingthecommunicationssystemandvoicemail)onlyforCiscobusiness.Employeesarenotpermittedtouseassetstosupportasecondjob,self-employmentventure,orconsultingeffort.Ifyouanticipateregularcommunicationsfromsuchanactivity,youareresponsibleforsettingupyourowntelecommunicationsmodalities.

May I use a Cisco community mailer to offer to other mailer recipients the use of my subscription-based account for a paid service?No,youmaynotoffertheuseofyoursubscriptionaccounttoothersviaCiscocommunitymailers.Doingsomayviolatethetermsofthesubscriptionandpossiblycreatelegalramifications.

What if I have recently completed a project…can I throw out or delete all the project documentation?Thereisbusinessvalueinstoringrecordsrelatedtoaproject,however,weshouldonlykeepnecessaryinformation.Retentionguidelineswilldifferfromprojecttoproject.CiscohasalegalobligationtoretainrecordsasprovidedintheCiscoRecordRetentionSchedule,whichincorporatesapplicablelawsandregulations,andanobligationtopreventthedispositionofinformationrelatedtoaninvestigation,claim,orlawsuit.ContacttheEnterpriseRecords&InformationManagement(ERIM)teamforretentionanddispositionguidelines.


IAvoidConflictsofInterestWhenIamfacedwithasituationandamnotsurewhattodo,Iaskmyself:AmIdoingwhat’srightforthecompany?AvoidingconflictsofinterestmeansavoidingsituationsthatcreateorappeartocreateaconflictbetweenmypersonalinterestsandCisco’sinterests.

Cisco Says...Avoid activities or relationships that might affect your objectivity. Aconflictofinterestmayexistwhenyou,amemberofyourfamily,oraclosepersonalfriendisinvolvedinanactivitythatcouldaffectyourobjectivityinmakingdecisionsasaCiscoemployee.ExamplesofactivitiesthatmightcreateaconflictofinterestincludeacceptingoutsideemploymentwithaCiscocustomer,supplier,orcompetitor,orhavingasignificantfinancialinterestintheirenterprise.Conflictsofinterestcanalsoarisewhenyou,amemberofyourfamily,oraclosepersonalfrienduseyourpositionforpersonalgain.Itisimportanttorememberthateventheappearanceofaconflictofinterestmustbeavoided.

Be sure to obtain written approval before serving on outside directorships, Technical Advisory Boards (TABs), or government-affiliated boards. EmployeeswhowishtoserveonoutsideBoardsofDirectors,TABsofaprofit-makingorganization,oranygovernment-affiliatedboardarerequired,beforeaccepting,toobtainwrittenapprovalusingtheExternalBoardParticipationtool.Membershiponboardsofindustryassociationsgenerallydoesnotpresentafinancialconflictofinterest;however,youshouldbesensitivetopossibleconflictswithCisco’sbusinessinterestsif,forexample,theassociationtakesapositionthatiscontrarytoCisco’sinterestsorthoseofourprimarycustomers.Inaddition,ifyoudosuchservice,youareprohibitedfromintroducingtheotherventuretoCiscoforbusinesspurposesorinanywayengaginginarelationshipwiththeotherentityonbehalfofCisco.


•Alwaysaskyourself:AmIdoing what is right for the company?

•Ifaconflictofinterest(ortheappearanceofone)develops,askforhelpfromtheEthicsOfficeorCiscoLegal.


ParticipatingonboardsthatareaffiliatedwithgovernmentsrequiresreviewbyLegal.ContacttheEthicsOfficeforapprovalpriortojoiningtheboardormanagementofanon-profitorganization.

Investing in other companies may present a conflict of interest. Atsomepointinyouremployment,youmayfindyourselfinapositiontoinvestinacompanythatis(orisreasonablylikelytobe)aCiscopartner,customer,supplier,competitor,orcandidateforacquisitionbyCisco.Itisimportantthatyouunderstandthepotentialconflictofinterestthatmayoccurinthesecircumstances.Themostimportantconsiderationistoserveourshareholdersfirst.Ciscohasdevelopeddetailedpoliciestoaddressspecificinvestmentscenariosandthenecessarywrittenapprovalprocessesassociatedwitheach.Formoreinformationonspecificinvestmentsandthenecessaryapprovals,pleasevisitthewebsiteslistedinthe“LearnMore”sectionorcontacttheEthicsOfficeforguidanceonhowtoproceed.

Written permission is required in some instances. Ifyou,amemberofyourimmediatefamilyoraclosepersonalfriendentersintoanykindofemployment,business,orconsultingrelationshipwithaCiscovendor,supplier,competitororcustomerthatisaffiliatedwithyourworkresponsibilities,youmustreceivepriorwrittenpermissionfromtheEthicsOffice,theCiscovicepresidentofyourorganization,andyourHRManager.Afterpermissionhasbeenreceived,acopyofthiswrittenpermissionwillbemaintainedbyHumanResourcesandkeptintheemployee’sfile.ThisdoesnotmeanthatfamilymembersorclosepersonalfriendsareprecludedfromworkingforoneofCisco’svendors,suppliers,competitorsorcustomers.TheaforementionedapprovalprocessissimplyaprecautionthatwehaveinplacetohelpensurethatCiscoemployeesavoidconductingCiscobusinesswithmembersoftheirfamiliesorclosepersonalfriendsandarenotputintoapositionwhereCiscoconfidentialinformationmightbecompromised.

Development of new products also requires written permission. CiscoemployeesmustobtainwrittenpermissionfromtheEthicsOffice,theCiscovicepresidentfortheirorganizationandtheirHRManagerbeforedeveloping,outsideofCisco,inventions,


•CheckCiscopoliciesforguidancewheninvestinginacompanythathasaconnection to Cisco.

•KnowthecircumstancesunderwhichyoumustobtainwrittenpermissionfromtheCiscovicepresidentforyourorganization.

•Donotacceptcompensationforspeakingengagements.

•Reportpotentialconflictsof interest as they relate toemploymentoffamilymembersorclosepersonalfriendseitherasemployees,competitors,contractors,orvendors.


products,books,software,publications,orintellectualpropertythatisormayberelatedtoCisco’scurrentorpotentialbusiness.Afterpermissionhasbeenreceived,acopyofthiswrittenpermissionwillbemaintainedbyHumanResourcesandkeptintheemployee’sfile.

Do not provide endorsements without prior approval from Public Relations. Ciscoanditsemployeesarefrequentlyaskedtoprovideendorsements.Theserequestsmaytakemanyforms(articles,pressreleases,casestudies,testimonials,branding,etc.)andmaycomefrommanydifferentparties(vendors,distributors,customers,etc.).ProvidingtheseendorsementsmaynotalwaysbeinCisco’sbestinterest.CasualorindiscriminateendorsementscandilutetheCiscobrand;upsetvendororchannelrelations;andinsomecases,increasetheriskofCiscoliabilityforthemisdeedsofothers.PleaseconsulttheCiscoEndorsementGuideandcontactPublicRelationspriortomakinganyendorsements.EmployeesarepermittedtoprovidepersonalreferencesforcurrentorformerCiscoemployeesbutonlyinaccordancewiththeReferencesandVerificationofEmploymentpolicy.Thispolicycontainsdisclaimerswhichmustbeincludedwithanypersonalreferencesforcurrentorformeremployees.

Do not accept compensation for speaking engagements on behalf of Cisco. SpeakingateventswhereyouareidentifiedasspeakinginyourcapacityasaCiscoemployee,whenitisdeterminedtobeinCisco’sbestinterests,isconsideredpartofyournormaljobresponsibilities.BecauseyouwillbecompensatedbyCiscoforthetimespentpreparingfor,attending,anddeliveringthepresentation,youshouldnotrequestoracceptanyformofcompensation,unless:

•Thecompensationissometypeof“acceptable”novelty,favor,orentertainment,asdefinedintheCOBCsectionentitled“IUnderstandPoliciesRelatedtoGifts,HospitalityandEntertainment”

•TheCiscovicepresidentforyourorganizationfirstprovideswrittenauthorization;or

•ThefeeisdonatedtotheCiscoFoundationorothernonprofitcharitableorganization.


Mixing family or personal relationships with work relationships can create special workplace challenges. Personneldecisionscanbecomedifficultiftheemployeewhomyousuperviseisalsoamemberofyourimmediateorextendedfamilyorissomeonewithwhomyouhaveasignificantpersonalrelationship.Evenifyouarecarefulandworktoremainobjectiveinyourbusinessdealings,theveryfactthatyoushareapersonalrelationshipwiththisindividualcansuggesttheappearanceofaconflictofinterest.Asaresult,employeesmustavoidadirectorindirect-verticalreportingrelationshipwithanymemberoftheirimmediateorextendedfamilyorotherswithwhomtheyhaveasignificantrelationship.Ifsucharelationshipexistsoroccurs,youmustreportit,inwriting,toyourHumanResourcesrepresentativeandtheEthicsOffice.InadditionCiscoemployeesshouldnotusetheirpositionstogiveanunfairadvantagetofamilymembersorclosepersonalfriendswhoareseekingacontractororvendorrelationship,internship,orotheremploymentopportunitywithCisco.PleaseconsulttheEmployeeReferralProgramforinformationontheproperchannelstorefersomeoneforemploymentatCisco.

Outside business activities involving selling or servicing Cisco equipment are considered a conflict of interest. Ciscoemployeesarenotpermittedtoengageinoutside-business-relatedactivitiesthatinvolvethesale,resale,marketing,orrepairofCiscoequipment(oranyconsultingactivitiesrelatedtotheabove)forprofit.

If a conflict of interest (or the appearance of one) develops, report it immediately. Ifthereisanychancethataconflictofinterestortheappearanceofaconflictofinterestmayexist,pleasecontacttheEthicsOffice.Ifyoursituationconcernsanoutside-of-Ciscoemploymentorconsultingopportunity,completeandsubmittheConsultingandOutsideEmploymentApprovalform.Onceapotentialconflictisreported,theCiscoEthicsOfficeorLegalwilldeterminewhetheraconflictofinterestexistsandadviseyouofyouroptionsforresolvingit.


What if I develop a product that I think would be beneficial for Cisco? Does Cisco prohibit employees from becoming suppliers to Cisco?Becausethissituationcouldcausedividedloyalty,oratleasttheappearanceofaconflictofinterest,Ciscodoesnottraditionallypurchaseproductsorservicesfromitsemployees.Ourreputationforimpartialityandfairdealingwithsupplierscouldbedamagedbyroutinelyacquiringproductsorservicesfromemployees,evenwithfullandopencompetition.Beforeconsideringsuchanarrangement,youmustobtainwrittenpermissionfromtheCiscovicepresidentforyourorganization.

What if one of my relatives or a close personal friend works for a Cisco customer or supplier? Cisconeedstoknowsothatappropriateactioncanbetakentopreventpotentialconflictsfromaffecting(orappearingtoaffect)companydecisions.Forexample,ifyoursisterworksforasupplierandhasbeeninvolvedinprocurementactivities,andyourmanagerhasjustinformedyouthatshewantsyoutojoinaproposalteamlookingatbidsfromvariouscompanies,includingtheonethatemploysyoursister,youmustdiscloseit.

What if my best friend’s daughter just graduated from college and would like to apply for a position two levels below me in my reporting chain? Can I forward her resume directly to the hiring manager (my direct report)?Someofourbestnewhirescomefromemployeereferrals,andthereisnothingthematterwiththisreferralifyouknowtheapplicantyourselfandareconfidentoftheindividual’scapability.Ifyoudon’tknowtheindividual,youshouldevaluatewhetherareferralwillbeseenaspressuretohire;itmaybebesttoallowyourbestfriend’sdaughtertoapplythroughthegeneralapplicationprocess.RefertotheEmployeeReferralProgramandcontacttheEthicsOfficeoryourHumanResourcesrepresentativeformorespecificguidance.

Whatif...


What if the local school system is looking for someone skilled in IT architecture to develop an information system? Is it OK to engage in an activity or business on the side that competes in a similar, but not identical, product market to Cisco’s?Itdepends.Publicschoolsandother“public”entitiesusetaxpayerdollars;asaresult,theyarerequiredbylawtofollowcertainlawsandregulations,andaresubjecttopublicreviewoftheirexpendituresandotheractivities.Inordertoavoidanypotentialconflictofinterestissues,itiscriticaltofirstcheckwithLegaltodetermineifyouractivitywillbeconsistentwithsuchlaws.YoucanalsocontactPublicSectorComplianceortheEthicsOfficeforhelp.

What if I am not sure about whether an activity outside of work poses a conflict of interest?Unfortunately,itisnotpossibletolistallthecircumstancesthatmightsignalpotentialconflictsofinterest.Oneofthebestwaystogaugewhethertheactivitycreatesaconflictofinterestistoaskyourselfaseriesofquestions:Doestheactivityinterfere(orgivetheappearanceofinterfering)withthedutiesthatyouperformat,oroweto,Cisco?Areyou,amemberofyourfamily,oraclosepersonalfriendreceivingimproperpersonalbenefitsthroughtheactivitybecauseofyourpositionwiththecompany?DoestheactivitycompeteagainsttheinterestsofCisco?Ifyouanswer“yes”toanyofthesequestions,theactivitymayindeedcreateaconflictofinterestandmustbedisclosed.Ifyouarenotsure,contacttheEthicsOfficeforassistance.


Istrivetopromotesuccessfulworkingrelationshipsandgoodwillwithourbusinesspartners,whoarevitaltooursuccess.Fromtimetotime,Imayconsiderofferingoracceptingagift,hospitalityorentertainmentwithabusinesspartner,butrecognizethatIshouldbecarefulnottocreateasituationthatwouldsuggestaconflictofinterest,dividedloyalty,ortheappearanceofanimproperattempttoinfluencebusinessdecisions.

IUnderstandPoliciesRelatedtoGifts,HospitalityandEntertainment

Cisco Says...“Gifts, hospitality and entertainment” means anything of value. It can include the following (a non-exhaustive list): •meals •useofvehiclesorvacationfacilities•lodging •homeimprovements•discounts •ticketstoentertainment/sportevents•loans •giftcardsorcertificates•cash •stocks•services •opportunitytobuydirectshares(“friendsandfamily•equipment shares”)inacompanywithaconnectiontoCisco•prizes •favorabletermsonaproductorservice•transportation •products


•Knowtherulesforacceptingandofferinggifts,hospitalityand entertainment.

•Beabletodistinguishbetweenwhatis“acceptable,”“inappropriate,”and“questionable.”

•Beawarethattherulesforgovernmentemployeesaremuch more stringent.


The following ground rules apply for any kind of gift, hospitality or entertainment that is exchanged between a Cisco employee or his or her family member and a business partner:

• No obligation:Thegift,hospitalityorentertainmentdoesnotplacetherecipientunderanyobligation.

• No expectations:Thegiverdoesnotcreateanystatedorimpliedexpectationsofgettingreciprocalorresultingactionsfromtherecipient(s).

• Made openly.Thegift,hospitalityorentertainmentistransparentlyprovided.

• Reasonable value:Thesizeofthegift,hospitality,orentertainmentiswithinCisco’sdollarlimits(outlinedbelow)andfortravel-relatedexpensesmustconformwithCisco’stravelexpensepolicies,

• Appropriate:Thenatureofthegift,hospitalityorentertainmentisappropriatetothebusinessrelationshipandlocalcustoms.

• Conforms to the recipient’s rules:Thegift,hospitalityorentertainmentispermittedbytherecipient’sorganizationalpolicies.

• Infrequent: Thegivingorreceivingofthegift,hospitalityorentertainmentisnotovertlyfrequentbetweenthegiverandrecipient.

• Legal:Thegift,hospitalityorentertainmentislegal,perrelevantlaw.

• Documented: Theexpenseisaccuratelydocumented,pursuanttotheGlobalExpenseandotherrelatedpolicies.

Know the policies regarding gifts, hospitality and entertainment between Cisco and the following: Commercial companies.Theexchangeofgifts,hospitalityandentertainmentbetweencommercialcompanybusinesspartnersandCiscoemployees(ortheirfamilymembers)fallintothethreefollowingcategories.Beforeofferingoracceptingagift,hospitalityorentertainment,evaluatetheofferusingtheabovebasicgroundrulesandthefollowingguidelines:


•Accuratelyreportexpendituresforgifts,hospitalityorentertainment.

•Ifyouneedmoreinformationorareindoubtaboutwhethertogiveoracceptgifts,hospitality,entertainment,prizes,orgiveaways,contacttheEthicsOfficeorLegalforhelp.


• Acceptable*:Thefollowingguidelinesdescribewhatisconsideredgenerallyacceptableandrequiresnoapproval:

– Nominal giftswithacombinedmarketvalueofUS$100orless,toorfromasinglesourceperyear,areacceptable.

– Occasional mealswithabusinessassociateshouldfollowtheGlobalExpensePolicy-MealsandEntertainmentguidelines.

– Occasional entertainment (forexample,attendanceatsports,theater,orotherculturalevents)valuedatlessthanUS$200,persource,peryear,areacceptable.

– When offering Cisco-branded equipment(e.g.Linksysrouters)toanon-Ciscopartythathasamarketvaluethatexceedsthegiftthreshold,youmustobtainapprovalfromboththeEthicsOfficeandthevicepresidentofyourorganization(vicepresidentsmustobtaintheirsupervisor’sapproval).

*Please note:TheaboverulescoveringcommercialorganizationsarenotnecessarilyapplicabletoCiscomarketingprograms,promotions,orCisco-sponsoredevents,whichmaybesubjecttootherguidelines.PleasecontactyourCiscomarketingrepresentativeorLegalfor more information.

• Inappropriate:Sometypesofgifts,hospitality,orentertainmentaresimplywrong,eitherinfactorinappearance,andareneverpermissible.WithrespecttoCiscoemployment,employees(aswellasmembersoftheirimmediatefamiliesandclosepersonalfriends)maynever:

–Offeroracceptgifts,hospitalityorentertainmentthatwouldbeillegal

–Offeroracceptcashoracashequivalent(includingloans,stock,stockoptions,bankchecks,travelers’checks,Visaorothertypeofcheckorcashcards,moneyorders,investmentssecurities,ornegotiableinstruments)

–Offeroracceptgifts,hospitalityorentertainmentduringatenderorcompetitivebiddingprocess

–Incuranexpenseonbehalfofacustomerthatisnotrecordedproperlyonthecompany’sbooks


–Offer,accept,orrequestanything(regardlessofvalue)aspartofanagreementtodoanythinginreturnforgifts,hospitalityorentertainment

–Usetheirownmoneyorresourcestopayforgifts,hospitalityorentertainmentforacustomer,vendor,orsupplier

–Participateinanactivitythatwouldcausethepersongivingorreceivingthegifts,hospitalityorentertainmenttoviolatehisorherownemployer’sstandards

–Offer,accept,orparticipateingifts,hospitalityorentertainmentthatisunsavoryorotherwiseviolateourcommitmenttodiversityandmutualrespect;anysituationthatwouldcauseacustomer,employeeorotherthirdpartytofeeluncomfortableorthatwouldembarrassCiscobyitspublicdisclosure(forexample,adultentertainment),isinappropriate.

• Questionable:ForanythingthatdoesnotfallintotheAcceptableorInappropriatecategory,orthatexceedsthedollarlimitnotedabove,askyourmanagerandtheEthicsOfficeforguidance.Youwillthenneedtoobtainwrittenapprovalfromyourdepartmentvicepresident*andyourHumanResourcesmanagerbeforeofferingoracceptingwhateverisoffered.

*Please note:Ifyouareavicepresidentorhigher,youneedtoobtainpermissionfromyoursupervisor.

Government employees and agencies.Keepinginmindtheabovebasicgroundrules,stricterandmorespecificrulesandcompanypoliciesapplywhenweinteractwithgovernmententitiesandtheiremployeesandrepresentatives.Ifyouareunsurewhetherornotanentityisgovernment-affiliated,contactPublicSectorComplianceforhelp.Nothingofvalueshouldeverbepromised,offeredorprovidedtoagovernmentemployeeeitherdirectlyorindirectlyinanattempttoinfluencethegovernmentemployeetoactorrefrainfromactinginconnectionwithobtainingorretaininganybusinessadvantage.

• Before offering any gift, hospitality or entertainment to a U.S. federal, state, or local government employee,carefullyreviewCisco’sU.S.PublicSectorEthicsCodeandgift/hospitalitypolicylimits.

• Gifts are banned to U.S. Congress and staff:TheU.S.federallobbyingdisclosurelaw(2007)bans,almostcompletely,givinggiftsofanykindtoCongressionalofficials,U.S.Senators,andU.S.


RepresentativesandtheirstaffsfromCiscoorCiscoemployees.Thelawforbidsusfrombuyingmealsandeventticketsandgivinganysortofproductdiscounts.Evencourtesygiftssuchasflowers,candy,oranysmalltokenthatyoumightsendtothankanofficialforhelpofsomekindarebanned.ThelawrequirestheserestrictionsbecauseCiscousesregisteredlobbyiststorepresentusbeforetheCongressoftheUnitedStates.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutthislaworaboutcompliancewithgovernmentethicsandlobbylawsingeneral,pleasecontactGlobalPolicy&GovernmentAffairsorthePublicSectorComplianceGroup.

• When considering a gift to a government employee associated with a government outside of the United States, followCisco’spolicyregardingglobalanti-corruption,addressedinthe“IFollowtheLaw”sectionoftheCOBC.Underamajorityofanti-corruptionlaws,governmententitiescanincludemanygovernment-ownedorcontrolledorganizations,suchaspublicuniversities,hospitals,sovereignwealthfunds,andtelecomserviceproviders,aswellaspublicinternationalorganizations,suchastheUnitedNations,WorldBank,orAfricanUnion.

• Follow Cisco’s process for inviting any government employee to Cisco-sponsored business meetings and events. TheCiscoGuestTravelandEventTool(GTET)isCisco’sonlinetoolthatCiscoemployeesarerequiredtousetoobtainrequisitepre-approvalsforinvitinganygovernmentguesttoaCiscobusinesseventormeetingwhenCiscoistopayforanyportionofthegovernmentguest’straveland/orhotelaccommodations.

Internal employees. TherearespecificpoliciesthataddressgivinggiftsinternallytoCiscoemployees.PleaserefertotheGlobalExpensePoliciesforspecificguidance.

Contingent Workforce (Contractors and Temporary Employees). GiftstocontractorsortemporaryemployeesarenotreimbursablethroughCisco’sreimbursementtools.PleaserefertoGlobalExpensePolicyforspecificguidance.

Third-party offers for Cisco employee travel. EmployeesmustadheretotheEmployeeTravelPolicybeforeacceptingoffersbythirdpartiestopayforCiscoemployees’travel.

There are special rules relating to raffles and giveaways. Rafflesandgiveawaysthatarefair,nondiscriminatory,andconductedinapublicforumforalltoseeandunderstandaretypicallypermittedunlesstheprizeisworthmorethanUS$500.GiftsworthmorethanUS$500mustbedisclosedtoamanager,whowillconsultwiththeEthicsOffice


todeterminewhetherthegiftshouldbeaccepted.

– When Cisco hosts the raffle or giveaway and only Cisco employees participate, the US$500limitdoesnotapply,butfrugalityshouldbeobserved.

– When Cisco hosts the raffle or giveaway and opens it to non-Cisco employees, it is subjecttotheUS$500limitunlesswrittenapprovalfromyourdepartmentvicepresidentisobtained(andkeepinginmindanyspecificandapplicablegiftlawsorrulesthatmayapplytoanygovernment-relatedpersonnel).Also,considerwhethertheraffleprizeorgiveawaywouldcausetherecipienttoviolatehisorherrespectivecompany’sorentity’srelatedpolicies.

– When an outside party hosts the raffle or giveaway,Ciscoemployeesmayaccepttheprizeaslongastheprocessappearstobefairandunbiased.Thedrawingshouldtakeplaceinapublicforum,andtheprizemustbedisclosedtotherecipient’smanager.WrittenapprovalfromyourmanagerandtheEthicsOfficeisnecessaryiftheprizeexceedstheUS$500limit.

Local customs in some countries may call for the exchange of expensive gifts as part of the business relationship. Inthesesituations,giftsmaybeacceptedonlyonbehalfofCisco(notanindividual)withthewrittenapprovalofyourdepartmentvicepresidentandyourHumanResourcesmanager.AnygiftsreceivedshouldbeimmediatelygiventoHumanResourcesforappropriatedispositionordonatedtotheCiscoFoundationorothernonprofit,charitableorganization.Theforeigncompany’sgiftpolicyregulationsmustbeobserved.Inallcases,theexchangeofgiftsmustbeconductedsothatthereisnoappearanceofimpropriety.Giftsmaybegivenonlyinaccordancewithallapplicablelaws,includingtheU.S.FCPA(seetheCOBCsectionentitled“IFollowtheLaw”.)

Employee-to-employee gifts have specific guidelines. TherearespecificpoliciesthataddressgivinggiftsinternallytoCiscoemployees.PleaserefertotheGlobalExpensePolicyforguidance.


What if we want to provide a catered lunch during a meeting with a major Cisco customer?Itisacceptabletoprovidelunchifitisofferedinthespiritofourgift-givingpolicyandcomplieswiththemonetaryguidelinesforwhatisconsidered“acceptable.”Forgovernment-affiliatedcustomers,reviewthecustomer’srelevantgiftrulesfirst,beforeofferinganymeals,orcontactPublicSectorComplianceforguidance.

Whatif...

Expense report records must accurately reflect gifts, hospitality and entertainment that you provide to customers. Becauseoftaxandotherlegalreportingrules,itisessentialthatyouaccuratelyreportexpendituresforgifts,hospitalityorentertainmentthatyougiveinconnectionwithyourCiscoemployment.Reportsshouldaccuratelystatethepurposeoftheexpendituresandtheidentitiesoftheindividualsreceivingthegifts,hospitalityorentertainment.Reportsmustalsoidentifywhetherthegift,hospitalityorentertainmentwasgiventoapublicsectorofficialoremployee.

Corporate charitable donations to a non-profit and/or non-government entity mustcomplywithCisco’sCharitableDonationspolicy.CorporatecharitabledonationsofproductorcasharesubjecttospecificlegalrequirementsandCiscomustensureproperduediligenceanddocumentationforeverycorporatecharitabledonationmadeonbehalfofCisco.Pleaserefertothepolicyforspecificguidanceandinstructionsonmakingacorporatecharitabledonationtoanon-profitand/ornon-governmententity.


We have worked closely with a commercial customer on a large system implementation that is now complete. What if we want to recognize our customer’s employees by giving each member of its team a Cisco-branded laptop sleeve commemorating completion of the project? Would this be a violation of our gift policy?No.Youmayoffertheseitemsaslongasthemonetaryvaluedoesnotexceedthelimitsoutlinedinourpolicy.Thatsaid,youshouldproposetheideatooneofthecustomer’srepresentativesbeforehandtohelpensurethatthegiftisincompliancewiththatcompany’spolicy.Wedonotwanttoputourcustomersintheawkwardpositionofhavingtoreturnthegifts.Althoughyoudonotneedtoobtainwrittenapprovalforgiftsconsidered“acceptable,”itisalwaysagoodpracticetodiscusssuchofferingsinadvancewithyourmanagerortheEthicsOffice.

What if I have a friend who works for a major Cisco customer? Does Cisco policy prohibit me from buying a Christmas present for this person that exceeds the limits in our gift policy? Notnecessarily.Ciscopolicyappliestogiftsofferedinthecourseofdoingbusiness,nottheexchangeofgiftsbetweenfriendsandfamily.Ifthedollarvalueofthegiftissubstantial,however,contactyourmanagerortheEthicsOfficetoavoidtheperceptionofanattempttoinfluenceyourfriend.

What if we are hosting a meeting with both commercial customers and customers from the U.S. Navy in attendance? Can we offer them transportation from the airport to the hotel?Inthisinstance,youwouldneedtoknowandfollowCisco’sgiftpoliciesforthecommercialcustomersandtheU.S.federalgovernmentgiftpoliciesfortheU.S.governmentcustomers.Youmayprovidetransportationforthecommercialcustomersaslongas:(1)thevalueofthetransportationfallswithintheguidelinesforgiftsandhospitality,and(2)therecipients’policyallowsthemtoacceptthistypeofbusinesscourtesy.WithrespecttotheU.S.Navy,theU.S.federalgovernmenthasstrictrulesthatlimitorprohibitgiftgiving.Asageneralrule,wemaynotofferorprovidetransportationtotheU.S.Navy(orothermilitaryorU.S.federalemployees),unlesstherecipientspayCiscothefairmarketvalueofthetransportation.


What if a supplier knows that I am a big boxing fan and offers me two great tickets to a match? I know that Cisco policy would not allow me to accept the tickets as a gift because the dollar value exceeds our gift policy limit, but what if I buy them from him?Youmayaccepttheticketsifyoupayforthem,unlesstheticketsaretoa“sold-out”event.Underthosecircumstances,youwouldbeacceptingthegiftofanopportunitytobuyticketsthatarenotgenerallyavailableforpurchase,andthatwouldbeinappropriate.

What if I have been offered a discount on a product sold by a Cisco supplier? May I take advantage of it?YoumayacceptthediscountonlyifitisclearlyavailabletoallCiscoemployeesandapprovedbythecompany.Adiscountofferedtoyoupersonallywouldbeinappropriate.

What if I receive a gift that I know is inappropriate? What should I do?ReturnittothedonorwithapoliteexplanationthatCiscopolicyprohibitsyoufromkeepingit.Insomecircumstances,suchasagiftfromanofficialofanothercountry,otheralternativesmaybeconsidered,suchasdisplayingthegiftinapublicareaordonatingittoacharitableorganization.CheckwithyourmanagerortheEthicsOfficeforguidance.

What if I speak to a user group or at a professional meeting? May I accept reimbursement of travel expenses? Ciscopolicyrequiresthatallsuppliersandvendorsbetreatedfairlyandimpartially.Therefore,donotacceptanythingfromasupplierorvendorthatcouldsuggesteventheappearanceoffavoritism.Normally,itisinappropriatetoacceptpaymentofexpensesbyacurrentorprospectivesupplierorvendortospeakatitsuserconferences.Ontheotherhand,youcanusuallyacceptreimbursementforexpensesfromassociationsandprofessionalgroupsbecausetheyarenotvendorsandwouldnotbeusingthespeakinginvitationasawaytogainfavorabletreatment.RefertotheGlobalTravelpolicyforspecificguidanceonthirdpartyoffersoftravelexpensereimbursement.


What if one of my customers is holding a raffle where the prize to be awarded is a trip valued at US$2,000? May I participate?Yes,youmayparticipate,aslongastheraffleprocessisfair,unbiased,andheldinapublicplace.Ifyouwintheprize,youmustdiscloseittoyourmanager,and,becausetheprizeisvaluedatmorethanUS$500,youmustobtainwrittenapprovalfromyourmanagerandtheEthicsOffice.

What if I want to offer a giveaway to the first 50 customers and resellers who participate in our online training that showcases new Cisco products and services? May I do that? Yes,butwithcaution.OfferingincentivesthatconformtoCisco’sGiftsandEntertainmentpoliciesaswellasthepoliciesofthosecompanyrepresentativeswhowillparticipateinthetrainingisacceptable.Pleasekeepinmindthatwedonotwanttoputourcustomersandresellersinapositionofviolatingtheirowngift-relatedpoliciesiftheyacceptthegiveawayofferedbyCisco.Alsobeawarethatinvitingpublicsectoremployeestoparticipateinsuchgiveawaysmayviolateour COBC, as well as the law.


IProtectWhatIsOursWearetheleaderinworld-changingtechnology.Protectingourfinancialbase,ourknowledgebase,ourinformationsystems,ourcompetitiveadvantage,andourbrandkeepsusattheforefront.

Cisco Says...Do not provide information regarding Cisco to outside parties without securing the required approvals and putting in place an appropriate written agreement. Whatmayappeartobeaninnocentrequestforinformationcouldresultinseriousharmtoourcompany.BealerttorequestsforinformationfromanyoneoutsideofCiscoregarding:

•Overallbusinesstrends •Businessinourgeographictheaters•Productbookingsorshipments •Customerinformation•Leadtimes •Pricing•Suppliers •Newproducts,solutions,businessstrategiesor •Lawsuitsorintellectualpropertydisputestechnology(intellectualassets)•Internalorganizationcharts

Ifyouarecontactedbyamemberofthefinancialcommunity,pleaserefertheindividualtoamemberoftheCiscoInvestorRelationsteam.Ifyouarecontactedbyamemberofthepress,pleaserefertheindividualtotheCiscoCorporatePublicRelationsgroup.Violationofthispolicyisseriousandmayresultindisciplinaryaction,includingimmediateterminationandpossibleprosecutionforviolationofsecuritieslaws.

Information we disclose about our company must be full, fair, accurate, and understandable. Asapubliccompany,itiscriticalthatourfilingswiththeSecuritiesandExchangeCommission


•Donotprovideconfidentialinformation regarding Cisco tooutsidepartieswithoutanappropriateNDAorotheragreement.

•IfyourjobrequiresyoutoprovideinformationforreportsaboutCisco,makesure that the information youprovideisaccurateandcomplete.


andothergovernmentalagenciesbeaccurateandtimely.DependingonyourpositionwithCisco,youmaybecalledupontoprovideinformationtoensurethatCisco’spublicreportsarecomplete,fair,andunderstandable.Ifyouarecalledupon,makesurethattheinformationisaccurate,complete,objective,relevant,timely,andunderstandabletoensurefull,fair,accurate,timely,andunderstandabledisclosureinreportsanddocumentsthatwefilewith,orsubmitto,governmentagenciesandinotherpubliccommunications.

Proprietary information is one of our most important assets. CiscoproprietaryinformationisinformationthatCiscoownsorhastherighttouse,anditrepresentstheproductofourhardwork.Itincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

•softwareprogramsandsubroutines •algorithms•sourceandobjectcode •flowcharts•tradesecrets •circuits•engineeringdrawings •maskworks•customerlists •worksofauthorship•customerinformation •formulas•copyrightedworks •mechanisms•ideas •research•techniques •manufacturing•know-how •assembly•inventions(whetherpatentableornot) •installation•anyotherinformationofanytype •marketingrelatingtodesigns •pricing•productspecifications •salariesandtermsofcompensationfor•newproductroadmaps companyemployees•configurations •costsorotherfinancialdataincludingunannounced•tooling pressreleases,informationregardingthe •schematics company’sbusinesstransactionsoroperations,and acquisitionsandmergerinformation


•Protectourintellectualpropertyandintellectualassets.

•Followthepoliciestoprotectourintellectualpropertyandintellectualassets,includingCisco’sproprietaryinformationandtheproprietaryinformationof others with whom we do business.


Each of us is responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of proprietary information.ThisresponsibilitynotonlyappliestosafeguardingCisco’sproprietaryinformation,butitalsoextendstotheproprietaryinformationofourcustomers,vendors,partnersandotherswithwhomwedobusiness:

•Confidentiality:Onlyauthorizedpersonsorprocessesareallowedtohaveaccesstotheproprietaryinformation.

•Integrity:Theaccuracyandreliabilityoftheproprietaryinformationismaintainedbypreventingtheunauthorizedmodificationoftheinformation,eitheraccidentallyorintentionally.

•Availability:Reliableandtimelyaccesstotheproprietaryinformationismaintainedforauthorizedindividualsandprocesses.

Ourabilitytocompetefairlyinthemarketplacedependsonprotectingtheconfidentiality,integrity,andavailabilityofproprietaryinformation.Ciscoemployeesarerequiredtosignanondisclosureagreementassoonastheyarehired(andmayneedtosignadditionalagreementsdependinguponthenatureofthejob).Inadditiontotheobligationsoutlinedintheagreement,allemployeesmustcomplywiththefollowingrequirements:

•Requestsforconfidential,proprietaryinformationandthedisclosureofconfidential,proprietaryinformationwiththirdpartiesrequireawrittenagreement.PleasevisitNon-DisclosureAgreement(NDA)Centralforfurtherinformation.

•ConfidentialorproprietaryinformationshouldbedisclosedonlytothoseCiscoemployeeswithalegitimatebusinesspurpose,whoneedtheinformationinordertodotheirjobs.

•Proprietaryinformationofacustomer,partner,supplier,vendor,orotherthirdpartyshouldnotbeusedorcopiedbyaCiscoemployeeunlessitisauthorizedinwritingbytheappropriateCiscorepresentativeandthethirdparty.

•Anyunsolicited,third-partyproprietaryinformationshouldberefusedor,ifinadvertentlyreceivedbyanemployee,returnedunopenedortransferredtoCiscoLegal.

•Employeesmustrefrainfromusing,orsharingwithCisco,proprietaryinformationbelongingtoformeremployers(unlesstheinformationhasbeenacquiredbyCisco).


Know the policies related to protecting our intellectual assets. InformationsecuritypoliciesareintegraltotheCOBC.Ciscohasdevelopedstringentpoliciestoprotectourelectronicintellectualassetsandtominimizetheriskofinformationlossorexposure.Weexpecteveryemployeetoabidebythesepoliciesastheyrelatetodataclassificationandprotection,passwordprotection,remoteaccessandtheappropriateuseofcomputingdevicesandnetworks.CiscohastherighttorequiresecuritycontrolsonallelectronicandcomputingdevicesusedtoconductCiscobusinessorinteractwithinternalnetworksandbusinesssystems,whetherownedorleasedbyCisco,theemployeeorathirdparty.Ciscoalsohastherighttoinspectatanytime,allmessages,files,data,software,orotherinformationstoredonthesedevicesortransmittedoveranyportionoftheCisconetwork.

Whatif…What if my former employer was one of Cisco’s competitors? Is it okay to talk with my Cisco work group about some of its sales strategies?No.Youhaveanobligationtoprotecttheproprietaryinformationofyourformeremployer,andthatobligationdoesnotendwhenyouleaveitsemploy.YoushoulddisclosethefactthatyouformerlyworkedforaCiscocompetitortoyourmanagerandbesuretoabidebyalltheobligationsofconfidentialityowedtoyourformeremployer.

I was waiting in the hall prior to a government proposal meeting. What if I overheard a conversation that a procurement officer had with one of our competitors where product specifications and costs were discussed? May I still participate in the bid process, and, if so, can I use the information to write a similar proposal and send it in with a lower bid?Theansweris“no”tobothquestions.Youmaynotcapitalizeonthisinformationinanyway.Youshouldpolitelyexcuseyourselffromthemeeting,contacttheEthicsOfficeorLegal,andavoiddisclosureoftheinformationtoanyoneconnectedwiththeprogramortheproposal.ItislikelythatyouwillhavetowithdrawfromtheCiscobidteamasameansofprotectingCisco’sabilitytoparticipatefairlyinthebidprocess.


What if I just realized that some inaccurate information was provided to a customer after price and terms were already agreed upon? Will I be following proper procedures if I notify the customer right away?Yes.Itwouldbeimportantforyoutocontactyourfinanceandlegalsalessupportteamandtoworkwiththemtohelpensuretimelydisclosureoftheerrortothecustomer.

What if I receive a letter in the mail from an unidentified source that contains a competitor’s pricing data? I can find no indication that it has been sent or received through authorized channels. What should I do?Donotreadthedocumentanddonotshareitwithcoworkers.ThelettershouldbeimmediatelysealedandtransferredtoCiscoLegal.

What if I am about to engage on a potential new technology development project which will involve exchange of confidential information with a third party? Do I need to put an NDA in place before beginning the conversation with the third party?Yes-anNDAoranotherappropriateagreement,suchasonegoverningownershiprightswithrespecttotechnologydevelopedintheproject,shouldbeputinplaceatthebeginningofanynewbusinessrelationship.CheckNDACentraltodetermineifCiscoalreadyhasanadequateNDAinplace.WeneedtoprotectCisco’sconfidentialinformationprovidedtothethirdpartyandweneedtoprotectthethirdparty’sinformationbyonlyusingitforthepurposesforwhichiswasprovided.ItisyourresponsibilitytoensureanNDAisputinplaceandthatwemanageaneffectiveexchangeofconfidentialinformation.


IFollowtheLawIlikethefactthatCiscoisagoodcorporatecitizen.Asaglobalcompany,westayontopoflawsandregulationsastheyapplytodoingbusinessaroundthe world.

Cisco Says...Antitrust and competition laws keep the marketplace where we operate thriving and competitive. Mostcountrieshavelawsprohibitingbusinesspracticesthatinterferewithcompetition.Ciscoabidesbytheseantitrustandcompetitionlawswhereverwedobusiness,andweavoidconductthatmightevensuggestormakeitappearthatweareviolatingtheselaws.

Each of us should be familiar with antitrust and competition laws. Theselawstouchuponandaffectalmosteveryaspectofouroperations,soitisimportantthatyouarefamiliarwiththemwhiledoingyourjob.Remember,violationscancarryseriouspenalties,notonlyforCiscoanditsexecutives,butalsoforyou.Ifyoueverhaveaquestionaboutaparticularactivityorpractice,contactCiscoLegalorEthicsOfficeforhelp.

Do not trade on “inside” information. Ifyouhavematerial,nonpublicinformationrelatingtoCiscoorourbusiness,itisourpolicythatneitheryounoranyotherpersonorentitymaybuyorsellCiscosecuritiesorengageinanyotheractiontotakeadvantageof,orpassontoothers,thatinformation.Thisalsoappliestotradinginthesecuritiesofanothercompany(forexample,Ciscocustomers,suppliers,vendors,subcontractors,andbusinesspartners),ifyouhavematerial,nonpublicinformationaboutthatcompanythatyouobtainedbyvirtueofyourpositionatCisco.EventheappearanceofanimpropertransactionmustbeavoidedtopreventpotentialprosecutionofCiscoortheindividual(s)involvedinthetrade.


•Knowandcomplywithantitrustandcompetitionlaws.

•TocomplywithCisco’spolicyoninsidertrading,donotbuyor sell Cisco securities when inpossessionofmaterial,nonpublicinformationaboutCisco.


Even a “tip” is unlawful. CiscoemployeesareprohibitednotonlyfrombuyingandsellingCiscosecuritieswhentheyareinpossessionofmaterial,nonpublicinformation,butalsofromtippingoffothers;thatis,passingalonginformationtofriendsorfamilyundercircumstancesthatsuggestthattheCiscoemployeewastryingtohelpsomeonemakeaprofitoravoidaloss.Besidesbeingconsideredaformofinsidertrading,tippingisalsoaseriousbreachofcorporateconfidentiality.Forthisreason,youshouldbeverycarefultoavoiddiscussionofsensitiveinformationanywherethatothersmayhearit,suchasinCiscocafes,onpublictransportation,orinelevators.

Cisco’s Global Anti-Corruption Policy. Cisco has a zero tolerance of bribery and corruption. Itisparamounttoourwayofdoingbusinesstoactwiththeutmostintegrity,honestyandtransparency.Briberyandcorruptionhurtpeopleandareharmfultosocietiesinwhichsuchactsoccur.Weaspiretoactresponsiblyinallofourbusinessdealingstoensurethatwecomplywithregionalandnationalanti-corruptionlaws.Wewillforgobusinessopportunitiesratherthanpaybribesandwewillsupportouremployeeswhenfacedwithlosingsalesowingtorefusaltopaybribes.

Wedonotpromise,offer,demand,giveoracceptanyadvantage(whichcanincludeanythingofvalue,notjustcash)asanimproperinducementforanactionthatisillegal,unethicalorabreachoftrust.Wealsorequirethatourbusinesspartnersadheretothesesameprinciples,outlinedinourpolicyforpartners.

Ciscoalsoseekstoselectandretainbusinesspartnerswhoshareitsvaluesfortransparencyandhonestyinallbusinessdealings,andotherwiseactconsistentlywiththeprinciplessetforthinCisco’spolicy,“CompliancewithGlobalAnti-CorruptionLawsByCisco’sPartners.”Ciscohasmadeanti-corruptione-learningtrainingavailableforitspartnersonline.

AllCiscosalesemployeeswhoworkwitheitherglobalornon-U.S.partnersandcustomers,orwhoengagewithnon-U.S.governmentofficialsandemployees,arerequiredannuallytotakeCisco’sonlinetraining,“DoingBusinesswithIntegrity:AnticorruptionLawsinaGlobalMarket”.CheckCisco’sGlobalAnti-CorruptionPoliciesorcontactPublicSectorComplianceformoreinformationandsupport.


•UnderstandtheprovisionsofCisco’sGlobalAnti-CorruptionPoliciesand,ifyourpositionrequires,attendonlineanti-corruptiontraining.

•UsetheonlineCiscoGuestTravelandEventTool(GTET)forCiscosponsorshipoftravelandotherrelatedexpensesassociatedwithattendanceatCisco-sponsoredbusinesseventsbyanygovernmentemployees(anylevel),includingemployeesofanygovernment-ownedorcontrolled entities.


Follow Cisco’s process for inviting any government employee to Cisco-sponsored business events. TheGuestTravel&EventTool(GTET)istheonlinetoolthatCiscoemployeesarerequiredtousetorequestreviewandapprovalofCiscosponsorshipoftravelorotherrelatedexpensesassociatedwiththeattendancebyanygovernmentemployee(atanylevel)toaCisco-sponsoredbusinesseventormeeting(suchasanExecutiveBriefingConference).AllsubmissionstotheGTETmustbecompleteandaccuratesothatCiscocanproperlydeterminewhethertopayforsuchcosts.AnyGTET-approvedcostsarepaidbyCiscodirectlytotheCisco-approvedthird-partyvendoroftravel-relatedservices.

Follow Cisco’s expense-reporting policies. Forothernon-GTET-relatedexpenses,CiscoemployeesarerequiredtocomplywithCisco’stravelandexpense-reportingpolicies,and,inparticular,tosubmitallexpensesiniExpenses,andtoaccuratelycategorizeexpenses.Failingtoreportatransactionorthemischaracterizationofatransactionorcreationoffalseorinaccuratedocumentationisstrictlyprohibited.

You may not use Cisco assets for political purposes. Noassets,includingtimeatwork,useofCiscopremisesorequipment,ordirectmonetarypayments,maybecontributedtoapoliticalcandidate,politicalactioncommittee,orballotmeasurewithoutthewrittenpermissionoftheSeniorVicePresidentofWorldwideGovernmentAffairs.Ofcourseyoumayparticipateinpoliticalactivitiesonanindividualbasis,withyourownmoneyandonyourowntime.Additionally,underUnitedStateselectionlaws,someemployeesmayberequiredtoobtainpre-approvalviaCisco’sU.S.PoliticalContributionToolbeforemakingcertainkindsofcampaigncontributions.SeeCisco’sU.S.PublicSectorEthicsCodeformoreinformation.

Manage company records responsibly to support business operations and regulatory/legal compliance requirements. Companyrecordsareimportantinformationassets.ElectronicrecordsshouldbemanagedinCompany-approvedrepositories.Theyshouldnotberetainedontheharddriveofyourlaptopordesktopsystem,orotherpersonaldevices.Paperandotherphysicalrecordsshouldbestored


•DonotuseCiscoassetsforpoliticalpurposes.

•FollowCisco’srecordsmanagementpolicytosupportbusinessoperations,regulatory and legal compliancerequirements.


inacompany-authorizedoffsitelocation,orsecuredinonsitefilecabinetsoraccess-controlledfilerooms.Theyshouldnotbekeptonbookshelvesoryourcubiclecountertop.Properstoragehelpspreventrecordsfrombeinglost,inadvertentlydestroyed,ormadeavailabletounauthorizedpersons,thuslimitingtheimpactofintellectualpropertyloss.

Be sure that you have authorization before you use third-party copyrighted material. ItisagainstCiscopolicy-and,infact,maybeunlawful-tocopy,reproduce,digitize,distribute,broadcast,use,ormodifythird-partycopyrightedmaterialinthedevelopmentoraspartofCiscoproducts,promotionalmaterials,writtencommunications,andblogsandothersocialmedia,unlessyoufirstobtainwrittenpermissionfromthecopyrightholder.Third-partycopyrightedmaterialcancoverwrittenworks,diagrams,drawings,images,video,music,software,andaudiorecordings,whetheritbetheentireworkorjustportionsofit.Additionally,third-partycopyrightprotectioncanextendtosuchmaterialswhetherornottheybearcopyrightnotices.Thisrequirementmayapplyregardlessofwhethertheendproductisforpersonaluse,Ciscointernaluse,orotheruse.ItisalsoagainstourpolicyforemployeestouseCiscofacilities,equipment,andnetworkstomake,obtainordistributeunauthorizedcopiesofthird-partycopyrightedmaterial(includingacquiringorsharingthirdpartymovies,TVprograms,softwareandmusicthroughtheinternetandpeer-to-peersites).ImproperuseofcopyrightedmaterialcansubjectbothCiscoandtheindividual(s)involvedtopossiblecivilandcriminalactions.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecontactLegal.

Many countries have implemented, or are planning to implement, privacy or personal data (any information that can be used to identify, contact, or locate an individual) protection laws that set requirements for the appropriate collection and handling of personal data. Werespectprivacyandarecommittedtoprotectingthereasonableprivacyexpectationsofeveryonewithwhomwedobusinesswith,includingourcustomers,consumers,visitorstoourwebsites,andemployees.Aspartofyourwork,youmayhaveaccesstopersonaldata,orthisdatamaybehostedwithathirdparty.Itisimportantthatyouaccess,use,orsharesuchdataonlyto


•Obtainauthorizationbeforeusingthird-partycopyrightedmaterial.

•FollowCiscopoliciesforexport,reexport,andtransferof controlled technology, operationaldata,products,and other technology.

•Complywithcustomslaws,regulations,andpoliciesforshipping.

•Complywithlocaldataprotectionlaws,regulations,andpoliciesforhandlingofpersonalinformation.


theextentnecessarytofulfillyourassignedjobresponsibilitiesandinaccordanceCiscoprivacyandinformationsecuritypoliciesaswellaslocallawsandregulations.

Webelievethatresponsiblesafeguardingofpersonaldata,especiallysensitivepersonalinformation,isacriticalcomponentinbuildingandmaintainingtrustintheCiscobrand.Therefore,weeachhavearesponsibilitytocollectonlypersonalinformationthatisrelevantandnecessary,andtosafeguard,andappropriatelyuse,thepersonaldatainourpossessionorunderourcontrol.Whenquestions,issues,orconcernsarise,consultthePrivacyTeam.

All employees are responsible for abiding by export laws. TheGlobalExportTrade(GET)groupdirectsandcounselsallpartiesinvolvedinCisco’sExports.Itsgoalistofacilitateandexpediteworldwidetradeinthemosteffectiveandefficientmannerbyproactivelyobservingallinternationalrulesandregulationsregardingexport.

EachCiscoemployeeisresponsibleforsafeguardingCisco’sdesign,development,andproductiontechnology(“controlledtechnology”)topreventunauthorizedaccessbynationalsofcountriesthataresubjecttoexportcontrols.Employeesmaynotelectronically,verbally,orphysicallytransfercontrolledtechnologytoindividualsinorfromthesecountriesunlesstheyobtainwrittenauthorizationfromCisco’sGETgroup.Nondisclosureagreementsdonotconstitute“writtenauthorization.”

Ciscoproducts,softwareandtechnologyaresubjecttotheexport,re-export,andtransferrestrictions.Ciscoproducts,softwareandtechnologymaybeexportedorre-exportedtomostcivilian/commercialenduserslocatedinallterritoriesexcepttheembargoeddestinationsandcountriesdesignatedassupportingterroristactivities.

ContacttheGETgroupifyouknoworhavereasontobelievethataparty(includingpartners,users,oremployees)hasorintendstoviolateU.S.orlocalcountrylawsorregulationsastheyrelatetoexport,re-export,ortransferissues.

We comply fully with customs laws, regulations, and policies. Accuratecustomsinformationonshippingdocumentsisrequiredforallinternationalshipments.Employeesmustnotinitiateshippingdocumentsoutsideoftheapproved,automatedshippingsystemsornonproductionshippingtool.


We exercise our legal rights when necessary. CiscoreservestherighttocontactlegalauthoritieswhenthereisareasonablebeliefthatacrimehasbeencommittedbyacurrentorformeremployeeconnectedtotheCiscoworkplace.

What if I become aware of Cisco’s quarterly earnings release results before they have been publicly announced? May I purchase company stock, knowing that information?No.Thisinformationwouldbeconsideredmaterial,nonpublicinformation,andthepurchaseofCiscostockwouldbeaviolationofCiscopolicyandapotentialviolationoffederalsecuritieslaws.Youmaypurchasecompanystockonlyaftersuchinformationismadeknowntothepublic.

My organization reviewed a pitch by one of our vendors about a new product that it plans to introduce on the market soon. We agreed that the product would not be useful for Cisco, but I think it will be a real breakthrough for other industries and will increase the vendor’s stock price. What if I want to buy stock in the vendor’s company? Does that violate Cisco’s policy on insider trading?Yes,itdoes.Youmaynotbuythisstockuntilinformationaboutthenewproductisknowntothepublic.ThefactthatthenewproductisnotsignificanttoCiscoisirrelevant;whatisrelevantisthatyouhaveinformationaboutthenewproduct(anditspotentialimpactontheearningsofthevendor)thatthegeneralpublicdoesnotyethave.

What if Cisco offers me a stock option that allows me to buy Cisco stock at a good price? Am I limited by the insider trading policy as to when I can exercise the option?Openmarkettrading(buysorsells),includingsharesacquireduponexerciseofstockoptions,maynotbemadewhileyoupossessmaterial,nonpublicinformation.However,ifyouwishtoexercisestockoptions,youmaydosowithacashpaymentwithouttheconcurrentsaleofthe

Whatif...


purchasedshares.Ifthestockoptionisbeingexercisedinconnectionwithasame-daysaleprogramorotherconcurrentsaleofCiscostock,theexerciseandsalemustoccurwhileyouarenotinpossessionofmaterial,nonpublicinformation.

What if I am forced to make a decision between obeying a local law or complying with the COBC?ThelawalwaystakesprecedenceovertheCOBC,butifindoubt,checkwiththeEthicsOfficeorLegalforhelp.


IAmAccurateandEthicalwithOurFinancesAsanemployeeofCisco,Ihaveanobligationtopromoteintegritythroughouttheorganization,withresponsibilitiestostakeholdersinsideandoutsideofCisco.Therearealsospecialethicalobligationsthatapplytoemployeeswithfinancialreportingresponsibilities.

Cisco Says...All Cisco employees must adhere to all internal financial and accounting policies. Thetimelyandaccuratehandlingandreportingoffinancialinformationisnotonlyrequiredbylaw,butitisalsoatthecoreofourcommitmenttoourstakeholderstodobusinesshonestlyandethically.

FinancialpolicieswhichmustbefollowedincludetheGlobalBookingsPolicywhichdefinescriteriathatmustbemetbeforesalestransactionscanberecordedasbooked.Exceptionstoanddeviationsfromrevenuerecognitioncontrolsmustbeapprovedbytheappropriategoverningbody.Violationsofthesecontrols,suchaswithunauthorizedsidecommitmentsor“soft”or“invalid”bookings,areaseriousmatter.

AllCiscoemployeesmustbeawareofthefinancialpolicieswithintheirjobresponsibilities.Seekhelpifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutafinancialpolicy.


•Allemployeesmustadheretofinancialpolicies

•TheCiscoCEO,CFOandFinanceDepartmentmustcomplywiththeCiscoFinancialOfficerCodeofEthics


Special Ethics Obligations for Employees with Financial Reporting Responsibilities

Our CEO, CFO and Finance Department employees have a special responsibility. TheseindividualsmustadheretothefollowingprinciplesandalsofosteraculturethroughoutthecompanyasawholethathelpstoensurethefairandtimelyreportingofCisco’sfinancialresultsandcondition.Becauseoftheirspecialrole,theCEO,CFOandallmembersoftheCiscoFinanceDepartmentinparticularareboundbythefollowingFinancialOfficerCodeofEthics,andeachagreesthatheorshewill,inhisorhercapacityasanemployeeofCisco:

•Actwithhonestyandintegrity,avoidingactualorapparentconflictsofinterestinpersonalandprofessionalrelationships.

•Provideinformationthatisaccurate,complete,objective,relevant,timely,andunderstandabletohelpensurefull,fair,accurate,timely,andunderstandabledisclosureinreportsanddocumentsthatCiscofileswith,orsubmitsto,governmentalagenciesandinotherpubliccommunications.

•Complywiththerulesandregulationsoffederal,state,provincial,andlocalgovernments,andofotherappropriateprivateandpublicregulatoryagencies

•Actingoodfaith,responsibly,andwithduecare,competence,anddiligence,withoutmisrepresentingmaterialfactsorallowinghisorherindependentjudgmenttobesubordinated

•Respecttheconfidentialityofinformationacquiredinthecourseofdoinghisorherwork,exceptwhenauthorizedorotherwiselegallyobligatedtodiscloseinformation;confidentialinformationacquiredinthecourseofhisorherworkwillnotbeusedforpersonaladvantage

•Shareknowledgeandmaintainskillsimportantandrelevanttostakeholders’needs

•Proactivelypromoteandbeanexampleofethicalbehaviorasaresponsiblepartneramongpeers,intheworkenvironmentandthecommunity

•Achieveresponsibleuseofandcontroloverallassetsandresourcesemployedbyorentrusted to him or her

•PromptlyreporttotheVicePresidentoftheGovernance,Risk,andControls(GRC)Groupand/orthechairmanoftheAuditCommitteeanyconductthattheybelievetobeaviolationoflaworbusinessethicsorofanyprovisionoftheCOBC,includingtransactionsorrelationshipsthat


•ReportviolationsoffinancialpoliciesandtheFinancialOfficerCodeofEthicspromptly.


Whatif...What if my manager is exerting pressure to “make the numbers work”?Yourresponsibilityistobehonestandaccurate.Ifyoufeelpressuredtodootherwise,speakwithsomeoneintheEthicsOfficeorconsultwithLegalorHumanResources.YoumayalsocontacttheAuditCommitteeoftheBoardofDirectors.Ifyoufeeluncomfortablegoingthroughinternalchannels,youcancalltheCiscoEthicsLineanytime,nightorday.

reasonablycouldbeexpectedtogiverisetosuchaconflict

Violations of the Financial Officer Code of Ethics are serious.Aviolation,includingafailuretoreportpotentialviolationsbyothers,willbeviewedasaseveredisciplinarymatterandmayresultinpersonnelaction,includingterminationofemployment.IfyoubelievethataviolationoftheFinancialOfficerCodeofEthicshasoccurred,pleasecontactCiscoLegal,theEthicsOffice,ortheAuditCommitteeoftheBoardofDirectors.Remember,itisagainstCiscopolicytoretaliateagainstanemployeeforgood-faithreportingofanypotentialoractualcodeviolations.


ResourcestoMaketheEthicsConnectionCiscohasmanyresourcesavailabletohelpyouinethicalsituations.Maketheethicsconnectionbyreferringtotheseresourcestoobtaindetailedinformationortoaskaquestionorreportaconcern.

Report Ethical Concerns

Cisco Ethics Office

[email protected]

Cisco EthicsLine

VisittheEthicsLinewebpageforcountry-specificdialinginformationandguidelinesonhowtospeakupaboutsuspectedviolationsoftheCOBC.

Cisco Policy Central

Ethics Resources for Managers

Cisco Human Resources

Global Public Sector Compliance Office

[email protected]

Cisco General Counsel

[email protected]

Cisco Investor Relations Team

Cisco Corporate Public Relations

Cisco Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

Email:[email protected]

RegularMail:CiscoSystems,AuditCommittee

105SerraWay,PMB#112

Milpitas,CA95035

Cisco Information Security and Corporate Security Programs Organization

[email protected]

WewelcomeinputonanyaspectoftheCodeofBusinessConduct.

Pleasesendemailcommentsto:[email protected]

WewelcomeinputonanyaspectoftheCodeofBusinessConduct.Pleasesendemailcommentsto:[email protected]

©2007,2009,2010,2011CiscoSystems,Inc.Allrightsreserved.Cisco,theCiscologo,CiscoSystems,andtheCiscoSystemslogoaretrademarksorregisteredtrademarksofCiscoSystems,Inc.and/oritsaffiliatesintheUnitedStatesandcertainothercountries.AllothertrademarksmentionedinthisdocumentorWebsitearethepropertyoftheirrespectiveowners.TheuseofthewordpartnerdoesnotimplyapartnershiprelationshipbetweenCiscoandanyothercompany.(0812R)

Cisco Code of Business Conduct Connecting with Our Values

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Transcript of Cisco Code of Business Conduct Connecting with Our Values