SAN JOSE, CA–(Marketwire – July 13, 2010) –  Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced today that Station Casinos Inc., a large casino and resort operator in Las Vegas, has implemented one of the gaming industry’s most sophisticated data center infrastructures using the Cisco Unified Computing System™. The network-based infrastructure serves as a platform for virtualizing a number of operations and gaming applications, from mobile Internet Protocol phone and safety systems to account-based sports betting.

Unlike the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, Station Casinos’ 18 properties extend throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area and cater to local residents and out-of-town guests seeking great entertainment and guest services. Station Casinos’ focus on virtualization is a fundamental part of its business strategy to differentiate its properties from those of other gaming operators. That strategy ultimately relies on using groundbreaking technology to enhance the experience of being a guest at a Station Casinos’ property. 

KEY FACTS / HIGHLIGHTS

• The 18–property gaming company pioneered and developed the “locals’” gaming market in Las Vegas and caters primarily to those who live and work in the area.
• Station Casinos has more than 12,000 employees across the country.
• After conducting a competitive “bake-off,” Station Casinos selected Cisco Unified Computing System for its simplicity and unique cost advantages.
• The Cisco Unified Computing System supports Station Casinos’ ability to run gaming systems across its network, providing the flexibility to shift technology resources across the network. This flexibility enables Station Casinos to:
  • Remain agile by dynamically assigning resources based on customer demand.
  • Adapt the infrastructure to accommodate peak demands.
  • Help drive revenues by focusing on personalized service.
• The company’s data center supports the world’s largest deployment of the Cisco® IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS) in a non-emergency organization. Cisco IPICS combines a number of wired, wireless, security, collaboration, and video products. 
• Station Casinos is using the Cisco Unified Computing System to support Cisco Unified Communications applications like Cisco CallManager, an IP telephony system that handles phone calls across all 18 properties.
• Station Casinos’ network infrastructure includes Cisco Catalyst® switches, Cisco Integrated Services Routers, and 802.11 wireless access points.
• As the company continues to expand, it plans to converge additional applications and services onto the Cisco Unified Computing System. 

SUPPORTING QUOTES

“In gaming, technology should enhance our interaction with customers, not limit it. It’s important to utilize technology that improves customer experience without losing the human touch that is so essential to success in this industry. As a result, virtualization is a critical part of our customer service strategy, and Cisco Unified Computing System is the ideal platform for bringing it to life.”

— Bryan Miles, director of networking and telecommunications, Station Casinos

“The Cisco Unified Computing System is designed to simplify the transition to virtualized data centers — a move that can streamline operations and increase business agility, no matter what industry you’re in. In today’s business environment, strategic architectural decisions are crucial, and the Cisco Unified Computing System is a pivotal platform that’s helping our customers create new business models and opportunities to differentiate themselves from competitors. Station Casinos is a prime example of how vision and business strategy, when paired with the Cisco Unified Computing System and virtualization, create new business models that can be trend-setting for an industry.” 

— Soni Jiandani, vice president, Server Access and Virtualization Technology Group, Cisco

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• View Cisco Unified Computing Web site
• Read Cisco Data Center Networks blog
• View Cisco Services
• Read “A Bet That’s Beating the Odds” on Cisco blog The Platform
• Read “Station Casinos Prepares for the Future and Network Gaming” in the Cisco Newsroom
• Video: Station Casinos Bets on Cisco Data Center Technology
• http://www.youtube.com/v/WXGbZ8lz1hE&hl=en&fs=1
• Video: Customer Interview with Bryan Miles of Station Casinos at Cisco Live
• http://www.youtube.com/v/2-p7tQr9fDY&hl=en_US&fs=1

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