Cisco routers can do more than just route...

Cisco has announced the winners of its programming contest for its Linux-based Integrated Services router, which was started last year and had to be extended due to strong interest. The prizes of $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 were awarded to three teams from Spain, India and Germany.

The first prize went to an application that allows a Cisco router to control an office Building Automation Service from lighting and air condition systems to smoke detectors. The Indian team implemented a system for distributing ads, for example, across the displays at the branches of a company. Third place was awarded to a program that uses existing IP phones for acoustic after-hours office surveillance and can raise an alarm in case of unusual noises.

Cisco probably achieved its goal with the Cisco AXP Contest: The applications prove that Cisco's Application Extension Platform (AXP) is a suitable basis for custom developments that gain additional uses out of Cisco routers.

(crve)