Cisco Systems Inc., the world’s biggest maker of computer-networking equipment, introduced technology to help retailers and energy companies communicate wirelessly.

The new In-Store Mobility system allows retailers to deliver information about product locations and discounts to wireless phones.The company released a product called the First Mile Wireless technology. It lets oil and gas companies send information from drilling sites to corporate headquarters using mobile devices.

Cisco, which leads the market for network switches, routers and Internet-based phone systems, is expanding its services for mobile phones and e-mail devices as more people work away from the office. The new products, some of which came from acquisitions, have helped the company offset slowing sales of network hardware to large businesses.

Cisco’s 15 acquisitions since the end of 2005 included SyPixx Networks Inc., a maker of video-surveillance systems that tie into corporate computer networks, and Orative Corp., whose software links phone networks to wireless handsets.

`Better Experience’

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc., a Pittsburgh-based chain with locations in 34 states, is using Cisco’s in-store product to let employees “resolve requests without ever leaving the customer,”.

Another customer is Barnes & Noble Inc., the world’s largest book retailer. It’s allowing employees and shoppers to retrieve information about books on wireless devices.

The First Mile product, meanwhile, is being adopted by Schlumberger Ltd., the world’s largest provider of oil-field services, Cohen said. Cisco’s technology lets employees at corporate offices observe activities at drilling sites and improve security.

Source: Bloomberg