What makes them a force? In an online press conference, a Cisco executive announced that the company is "thinking about" adding a service that would allow users to create Office-like documents that could be shared online. The new service would be part of Cisco's WebEx suite, according to Doug Dennerline, senior vice president and manager of Cisco's Web services.

The market currently has some players that are already in this market with Microsoft leading the charge and Google trying to give them a run. Microsoft will soon be launching its Office Web applications which allow users to access its office applications online. Google has its own apps that are available online. It is one thing to sell to individuals, but the challenge for these services will be selling to enterprise users.

What makes Cisco think that it can compete in this arena? Cisco already sells to enterprise users which gives them an advantage. If we look at IBM which has become the poster child turn-key IT solution provider then it is clear that companies see an advantage in providing additional solutions to their existing client base.

It is clear that the industry is heading in this direction so why not jump in. So how will this happen for Cisco? The new Cisco service would allow users to create and share documents via its WebEx meeting and collaboration platform.

Cisco is not done there according to CEO John Chambers who noted during the Cisco Live event that the company plans to reach into other areas including video and power distribution in the next year. The wheel is getting squeaky, but will it be greased?

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