Intel, Compaq gun for 3Com

The high-powered pair will co-operate in developing and joint-licensing network interface cards, switches, hubs, xDSL and remote access servers. Special areas of targets include Gigabit Ethernet and port aggregation.

"With this agreement, we are delivering on our promise to provide standards-based, seamless, demystified solutions for next-generation, high-bandwidth networking," said Alan Lutz, senior vice president and group general manager of Compaq's communication products group. "We're certain that this joint effort will inexorably alter the landscape of the networking marketplace."

"Building on both companies' networking strength, the alliance combines Compaq's system and channel expertise with Intel's leadership in silicon and technology building blocks to deliver further advances for business computing," said Frank Gill, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Internet and communications group.

Intel and Compaq haven't always had a harmonious relationship; Compaq CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer lashed out at Intel's treatment of top-tier PC vendors in a widely publicised row in 1994.