Creation of an integrated empire: Siemens hooks up with 3Com for deal No. 3

Siemens AG last week completed a triad of deals for integrated voice and data networks, the generally agreed-upon single architecture of the future.

The company will work with 3Com to create voice and data integrated solutions for enterprise customers. Last year, Siemens cut a deal with Newbridge Networks to do the same for carrier customers. And just a few weeks ago, its Siemens Stromberg-Carlson arm agreed to work with 3Com's U.S. Robotics division to integrate solutions for the remote access market.

The competition that Siemens confronts in the integrated market includes Northern Telecom, with Fore Systems and Cabletron deals; Alcatel Telecom, with its recently announced Cisco collaboration; and Lucent Technologies, with its Bay Networks ties and ongoing rumors of a buyout.

The Siemens/Newbridge alliance has spawned several integrated switches--the MainStreetXpress 36170 for backbones and 36130 multiplexer for the customer premises.

"The real question is 3Com. 3Com is digesting [U.S. Robotics] and having to come out with new products and collaboration and working together all at the same time," said Craig Johnson, principal analyst with Current Analysis. "That's difficult for any company to do."

Because two of the three deals are with 3Com, the implication is that Newbridge and 3Com could have some future relationship via Siemens. Officials from the companies would not comment, but analysts say it is likely in some ways.

Siemens is the big player in the mix, with Newbridge and 3Com as integral parts, said Traver Kennedy, director at Aberdeen Group.