Cisco is a US-based IT behemoth that develops and distributes both software and hardware components for telecommunications devices and network equipment. Founded by computer scientists Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner from Stanford University in 1984, Cisco has since transformed into a global IT and telecommunications powerhouse with its headquarters in California.
The Cisco logo is an iconic representation of one of the most influential technology companies in the world. Its evolution reflects the growth of Cisco from a small startup to a global leader in networking and communications technology. This article explores the history of the Cisco logo through its various iterations over the decades.
The Genesis of the Cisco Logo (1984 – 1990)
The first version of the Cisco logo was introduced in 1984, which featured a stylised red illustration of the Golden Gate Bridge. This design was created by the founders of the company, who were inspired by the bridge during their drive to register their startup. The logo did not include any text and symbolised the nascent stage of the company and its focus on connectivity, much like the bridge it represented.
(1990 – 1996)
In 1990, Cisco introduced a significant redesign of its logo. The bridge was depicted in white against a rectangular sea-blue background, with “Cisco Systems” written in capitals and red colour placed beneath it. This change aimed to enhance brand recognition as Cisco began to grow in prominence within the tech industry. The new design maintained a connection to its San Francisco roots while projecting a more professional image.
(1996 – 2006)
By 1996, Cisco’s logo underwent another transformation. The blue background became darker, and the white bridge was refined to appear more solid and distinct. The brand name was moved above the rectangle, with “C” and “S” rendered in a bigger size compared to the rest of the capitalised letters. This was done to make the logo more visually impactful. This version represented Cisco’s confidence and professionalism as it positioned itself as a leader in internet infrastructure.
(2006 – 2013)
In 2006, Cisco simplified its logo further as part of a broader rebranding effort. The name was shortened to just “Cisco” in red capitals and by using a bold, modern sans-serif typeface to reflect the growing recognition and market presence of the company. The bridge was represented by nine bold, dark blue strokes on a transparent background to emphasise connectivity and technology rather than just the physical landmark. This design marked a shift towards a more modern and abstract representation of the brand.
(2013-Present)
The latest iteration of the Cisco logo emerged in 2013, which featured a lighter blue colour palette for both the symbol and wordmark against a white background. It replaced the previous red accents. This change was part of an initiative to create a more streamlined and contemporary look that resonated with digital audiences. The design retained its core elements and reflected the commitment of Cisco to innovation and sustainability.
The Elements of the Cisco Logo
Symbol
The most prominent design element of the logo is the iconic bridge, which, despite undergoing several changes over time, still symbolises the Golden Gate Bridge. This bridge represents the founders’ heritage and vision of connecting San Francisco to the rest of the world.
Font
The name “Cisco” has been derived from San Francisco and is written in a custom rounded and modern sans-serif typeface. It reflects the founders’ patriotism and their strong desire to celebrate San Francisco and Silicon Valley as global hubs of technology.
Colour
The logo also features a three-colour scheme: sea blue, white, and red. The sea blue, used as the background of the second logo and the wordmark in the current version, symbolises trustworthiness, protection, tranquillity, and prosperity. On the other hand, white represents loyalty, and red conveys responsibility, passion, and readiness.
The History of Cisco
The IT company was founded by Sandy Lerner and Leonard Bosack, a couple who were both scientists. Sandy led the computer hardware department at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, while Leonard was responsible for the computer science department at the same institution. Together, they co-developed local area network (LAN) technology and independently established Cisco.
In 1986, however, they were forced to leave the university after its administration decided to pursue criminal charges against them for allegedly misappropriating programs, equipment, and other intellectual property—claims that were unfounded. According to the charges, both Lerner and Bosack had used university resources to create their IT products. However, a year after their departure, Stanford granted them the software for a multi-protocol router and two computer boards. In addition to the two founders, the early team also included programmer Greg Satz, sales manager Richard Troiano, and CEO Bill Graves.
Interesting Facts About Cisco
- The name Cisco has been derived from San Francisco, the birthplace of the company.
- Cisco was founded by two computer scientists, Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, working at Stanford University, in 1984.
- The founders started experimenting by connecting disparate networks across the Stanford University campus.
- The first product made by Cisco was a multi-protocol router called the AGS, or the Advanced Gateway Server.
- Cisco played a key role in shaping the contours of the early internet.
- Cisco has acquired more than 170 companies since 1993. These include WebEx, Linksys, and Meraki, among others.
- The Cisco logo symbolically represents the Golden Gate Bridge, especially the suspension cables. The taller lines in the logo represent the towers of the bridge.
- The total number of channel partners worldwide for Cisco comes to 70,000.
- Cisco spends around $6.3 billion annually on research and development.
- Cisco partnered with Microsoft to accelerate the delivery of services for cloud providers. It did so by announcing the Cisco Cloud Architecture for Microsoft.
- Cisco drives sustainability initiatives such as Cisco Networking Academy that support education.
- Cisco operates in more than 100 countries and has an extensive network of offices.
- Cisco offers certifications that are highly rated in the IT industry. These include Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).
- Cisco helps shape the future of networking technology, be it cloud computing, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, or software-defined networking (SDN).
- Cisco products cater to a wide range of industries, such as education, finance, or manufacturing.
Finally
The Cisco logo evolution is a testament to the company’s growth and adaptability in an ever-changing technological landscape. Each redesign has not only reflected contemporary design trends but also communicated Cisco’s core values of connectivity, innovation, and professionalism. With Cisco continuing to evolve and expand its reach globally, its logo is likely to adapt further while remaining rooted in its rich heritage.