The network OEM formerly known as Cisco is now a Software as a Service (SaaS) provider lusting after your SMB customers?

Say what???

Yes, it's true they go by the same name -- and, yes it's true they still want to sell you equipment (BFRs) to power your carrier class network -- but with their recent acqustion of WebEx, they've also openly declared a strategy to deliver application services to a wide range of consumers and small businesses.

Don'e believe me?  Check out this quote from Charles Giancarlo, Cisco's Chief Development Officer, "Cisco believes the network is the platform for all forms of communications and collaboration, and WebEx's technology and services portfolio complement Cisco's leadership in the Unified Communications and collaboration market, while providing Cisco with a new and unique business model to expand its presence in the fast-growing SMB market."

The result is that Cisco is not only competing with Microsoft OfficeLive and Google Apps to control and own the SMB market for SaaS -- but they're also competing with their telco customers such as BT, Telus, Verizon, and AT&T who are also heavily motivated to directly own a portion of the SaaS market for SMBs.

According to this article published today by CMP, Cisco is set to steal a signifcant portion of the SMB market right from under the noses of Microsoft and Google -- and also from under the noses of their carrier customers.

If you're an incumbent broadband service provider looking to remain relevant in this hyper competitive world -- then Cicso latest plans are yet another reason why you must aggressively evolve your broadband network.