So, being a R11 candidate (Retirement 2011) I have some insight on Cisco. I have also continued working in the field if deploying Cisco Video services, but at another company. Cisco never had and never will have a video vision, other than blind.
They are chasing a wildest dream of dominating technologies they do not understand. Since 2011 Cisco has purchased 2 video tech firms for 12billion $$. Only one has contributed to a profit, and technology advancements.
The other, Cisco, was snookered and has never produced a profit on that purchase. Why, the 2nd firm, professing they had the technology and the experience to deploy a secure video structure, did not own the technology rights to that piece of SW. What does this mean?
Cisco is misguided by it's leadership, that refuses to acknowledge that is does not have a vision, is causing many loyal and hard working dedicated professionals to have to deal with financial hardships. The previous CEO was blind and making to much coolaid in thinking he understood the market, and that Cisco could be the top leader in 30 adjacencies ( businesses).
That coolaid is still being passed around , with many drunk on the sugar, that continues to create an unstable company. I feel sorry for those still drinking the coolaid, and even more empathy for those that recognize the cooliad days are over. Good Luck to all my Cisco friends.