SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - April 21, 2010) -   Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced today that LJ Hooker, the most recognised real estate brand in Australia, has used Cisco WebEx Training Center to train more of its 6,500 staff on new systems and processes in less time than ever before. In addition, it has achieved significant savings on the travel costs associated with traditional on-site training at its network of 700 offices in Australia and New Zealand. 

In its 82-year history, LJ Hooker has always remained true to its founder's philosophy that "real estate is not about houses; it's about people." This is reflected in LJ Hooker's strong commitment to providing exceptional training and development to its people wherever they are located. In January 2010, LJ Hooker complemented its traditional on-site training sessions with a live and interactive online training solution from Cisco to:

• Rapidly Train Staff Without Straining Franchises. Recently, for a critical and time-sensitive rollout of database marketing software, franchise employees had to learn new ways to manage contacts and properties, print and design marketing collateral, prepare contracts, and fill out reporting and payroll forms. Offering only in-person trainings was not a viable option. By offering the training via Cisco WebEx Training Center, LJ Hooker trained more people than ever before, with up to 100 people attending each session, in less time and with a reduction in travel costs. LJ Hooker's trainers are currently holding 20 WebEx training sessions per week with the objective of having all 6,500 staff trained by June 2010.
• Keep Staff Current While Boosting Productivity. Although LJ Hooker does conduct some face-to-face classroom training at its head offices, these sessions can accommodate only a limited number of people and may extend over two days, which places considerable budgetary and time pressure on the franchises, particularly those located in regional and rural areas away from state capitals. With Cisco WebEx technology, franchise owners and agents can choose sessions relevant to their roles, thus making more efficient use of their time. This is particularly important considering that LJ Hooker is a service-driven business, which requires that staff spend the majority of their time in the areas they serve, close to their clients.
• Increase Interaction With a Media-Rich Online Training Experience. LJ Hooker trainers use Cisco WebEx features such as polling, testing and breakout sessions to enhance and test the retention of learners. To boost interaction, trainers call on session participants who "raise their hand" and provide the guidance they need face-to-face using audio and multipoint video. Learners and trainers also have the option to interact with each other publicly or privately via chat, which further simulates a "live" classroom.

Ryan Campbell, technology manager at LJ Hooker, said: "We have had a very positive response from attendees, with higher numbers than expected already attending the sessions. Attendees have commented on the ease of use and efficiency of the Cisco WebEx solution. After this initial training drive, LJ Hooker will continue to use Cisco WebEx Training Center as its primary training tool for its state-of-the-art proprietary software."

Peter Hughes, manager of collaboration at Cisco Australia and New Zealand, said: "By delivering compelling online training in a platform that's easy to use, LJ Hooker will be able to effectively achieve its training goals. Cisco WebEx Training Center enables franchises to get staff up to speed fast and effectively without sacrificing the benefits of face-to-face training."

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About LJ Hooker
Founded eighty-two years ago, LJ Hooker today dominates the real estate industry throughout Australasia. The core business is international real estate franchising with a network of over 700 franchise offices employing more than 6,500 people.

LJ Hooker is widely acknowledged for its leading role in real estate training and technology. Information about LJ Hooker can be found at ljhooker.com.

About Cisco Systems
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate, this year celebrates 25 years of technology innovation, operational excellence and corporate social responsibility. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com/au. For ongoing news from Australia and New Zealand, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com/anz.

Cisco, the Cisco logo, Cisco Systems and Cisco WebEx are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.

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