3Com is to open a development centre near the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington, so that the two companies can work on products and technologies for networks that converge voice, data and video.
The two companies announced the alliance yesterday in a joint statement that said their efforts are intended to allow the use of converged networks on client and server computers, as well as on other devices used for business and by consumers.
The Microsoft Windows operating system will become more integrated with 3Com's product line as a result of the collaboration, the companies said. Interoperability testing will occur at the development centre.
The companies individually plan to offer networking products for businesses ranging from small organisations to enterprises and for consumers and network providers.