Internet and E-businesses are forcing organizations into an era of open and trusted communications. The demand for higher network performance is driving the migration of traditionally shared networks to switched networks. Cisco offers a variety of connectivity, expansion and upgrade modules and cards to accommodate the customer specific needs. Cisco's components are easily and inexpensively upgradeable as customer requirements change.The optional Alarm Interface Controller (AIC) card provides customer-defined alarm input/output (I/O) and supports local and express orderwire.