SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug.7 -- Cisco Systems Inc. has signed an agreement with Qwest Communications International Inc. to help Qwest expand its long-haul, core and metro area networks. Qwest will deploy Cisco's IP+Optical solutions including the ONS 15454 metro optical transport platform, 12416 Internet routers and 10008 Internet routers. "Cisco's ability to deliver high performing and reliable products in both the long-haul and metro networks will play a major part in Qwest's build-out plans," said James Becker, executive vice president of Qwest worldwide networks. "Qwest is aggressively pursuing metro network build-out and service deployment. Technology partners such as Cisco are important to achieving our goals."