Cisco Systems has hired Barclays to find a buyer for its Linksys Wi-Fi router subsidiary, people familiar with the situation told Bloomberg. They said Cisco aimed to sell Linksys as part of plans to withdraw from consumer products while expanding in software and technology services for corporate customers. TV makers could be attracted to Linksys's recognised brand and technology, according to the sources, which expect the unit to sell for much less than the USD 500 milllion Cisco spent for it in 2003, because of its maturity and low margins. Cisco's other home products subsidiaries include STB maker Scientific Atlanta and pay-TV software company NDS, which it bought for USD 5 billion in July. Cisco would not comment on the matter.
