Cisco Systems will partner with Telstra and several other firms as part of a $US1 billion ($1.1 billion) plan to bolster cloud computing services.

The California-based equipment maker said the alliance would build "the world's largest global intercloud", or a network of clouds to support objects ranging from wearable devices to appliances to cars.

Cisco: The company is investing $US1 billion in the cloud. Credit:Reuters

In addition to Telstra, partners include Canadian business communications provider Allstream, European cloud company Canopy and global IT outsourcing company Wipro of India.

"Customers, providers and channel partners alike are turning to Cisco to create open and highly secure hybrid cloud environments, and they want to rapidly deploy valuable enterprise-class cloud experiences for key customers – all while mitigating the risk of capital investment," said Robert Lloyd, Cisco's head development and sales.