Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems, and Electronic Data Systems (EDS) have formed an electronic-business alliance, which EDS' Electronic Business unit will lead.
The alliance intends to position itself as a single stop for establishing Web-based businesses in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer arenas.
The three companies will combine EDS' consulting and systems-integration capabilities with Cisco's Internet networking technology and HP's security servers and software.
EDS will also deploy a global solutions centre with HP and Cisco to offer testing and integration of electronic-business offerings.
The alliance will target companies in industries such as sports and entertainment, retail/financial, telecommunications, procurement, and distribution.
None of the companies would comment on the financial aspect of the agreement.