Ascot Racecourse Limited together with Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced Cisco as Ascot’s official Networking Partner, with Founding Partner status.

The terms of the agreement are £1.8m over four years - Cisco will partner with Ascot until and including the 2010 Royal Meeting and will receive Founding Partner privileges throughout the year.

The Founding Partners scheme has been introduced as an opportunity for major organisations with compatible and complementary international profiles to gain a close association with Ascot.  Allied Irish Bank (GB) was announced as a Founding Partner in December.

On race days, partner privileges will include advertising in official literature and on Ascot TV and branding - including display of the “ascot. poweredbyCisco” mark.

Throughout the year, Ascot and Cisco will work together to implement joint promotions. Cisco will also benefit from a permanent customer briefing centre and conferencing rights at the racecourse, with associated branding opportunities.

Ascot Racecourse has been closed since September 2004 to undergo its spectacular redevelopment, the most extensive of its type ever seen in Europe. On May 27th the racecourse will reopen, incorporating a Cisco intelligent network infrastructure, implemented in partnership with Redstone Converged Solutions.

The new technology at Ascot will enhance the customer experience and improve efficiencies for various parties including media and staff.  At the heart of the Ascot technology solution is the Cisco IP network, which integrates voice, data and video communications through a wireless network, all of which will be crucial as Ascot seeks to establish itself as one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment venues.

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