The networking industry was left shaken last week when a Cisco executive described as a "gifted techie" was shot dead in Detroit.
Ben Goldman had acted as product marketing director for Cisco, the leading manufacturer of networking products such as switches and routers.
The 46-year-old had worked for the company for 16 years before he was killed during a one-day business trip to the city.
Police are investigating the killing, which occurred on the notorious 8 Mile Road.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, around 400 people attended a memorial service for Mr Goldman in California this week.
"This week, the networking industry learned about the tragic loss of Cisco's Ben Goldman," said Gartner analyst Mark Fabbi in comments quoted by Network World.
He added: "Those of us that knew Ben are shocked and saddened by a turn of events that is difficult to make sense of."
The sad news comes as it was announced that Cisco plans to acquire the email and calendaring software provider PostPath.
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Last Updated: 29/08/2008 17:36
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