Similar to an arrangement it made with IBM [IBM] last fall, Boeing [BA] June 8 said it signed a non-exclusive, 10-year strategic alliance with Internet networking technology provider Cisco Corp. [CSCO] to develop and deploy joint solutions for network-centric defense and security operations.

Both firms said they plan to invest resources in defining, creating, integrating and deploying industry leading network centric solutions that help military and government agencies deal with complex and time-sensitive missions.

Boeing said the alliance complements one it agreed to with IBM last September, which initially was aimed at eight programs. While Cisco’s focus is on networking technologies, IBM’s is on software applications for leveraging those networks.

“In order for our customers to meet their enduring needs of speed, mobility, situational awareness, and integrated command and control we must partner with the industry’s best,” Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing’s defense business, said in a statement. “Cisco is a proven provider of transformational technology and an industry leader at delivering intelligent network services. We are accelerating our collaboration with Cisco as we jointly design network-centric products and services for our mutual customers that will fulfill the capabilities our customers are demanding.”

The arrangement calls for Boeing to serve as the lead systems integrator with Cisco providing commercial off the shelf technologies and services, including networking systems, integrated solutions, support services and consulting and engineering services.

The two companies have been working together for the past 15 years, most recently on the Transformational Satellite Communications System.

Boeing, Cisco and IBM are also part of the Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium announced last September aimed at creating technology standards to ensure future interoperability between various military sensors and communications and information systems.