Cisco focuses on communication fields such as networks, switches and voice data networks.
IBM focuses on basic IT fields such as servers, enterprise software and databases.
As a long-term leader in the computer industry, IBM has made the most remarkable achievements in mainframe/minicomputer and ThinkPad. The personal computer (PC) standard it founded is still in use and development. IBM leads the industry in mainframes, supercomputers (mainly represented by Deep Blue, Blue Gene and Watson), UNIX and servers.
Cisco is the world's leading provider of network solutions. The main products are routers, switches and IOS software, as well as broadband cable products, boards and modules, content networks, network management, optical fiber platforms, network security products and VPN devices, network storage products, video systems, IP communication systems, teleconference systems, wireless products and servers.