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Cisco Saves The World -- On TV: Page 3 of 6

Buchanan: Chloe, we're in active code. We don't have time for your personality disorder. [Note: Lines like this are why I still love the show despite its numerous missteps.] You understand me? Chloe! Yes or no?

Chloe: Yes, sir.

During this conversation the words "Cisco Security Response System" appear on Chloe's computer screen, and the Cisco logo looms on large wall monitors in CTU's headquarters. After the exchange demonstrates the impregnability of the system, as far as I could tell the whole computer attack plot line is dropped as quickly as it was mentioned, mattering not a whit to the overall plot of the show.

Discussion of this remarkably blatant incident is rife on the blogosphere, and I can see why.

I was so stunned I contacted Cisco about it. A Cisco representative acknowledged it as "a cool placement," but said the VP of corporate marketing chose "not to disclose lots of details around our product placements for competitive reasons." He also declined to mention that Cisco posted the clip on its site; I found that URL via the blogosphere.