3Com to take on branding partners

3Com has launched a branding programme in partnership with PC vendors, including Acer, Dell and Gateway 2000.

The scheme started in the US last week with five vendors and 14 resellers and integrators, and is expected to launch in Europe later this year. Agreements with Acer, Dell and Gateway, with which the networking manufacturer has existing OEM deals, are believed to be imminent. The three have been named as likely partners for Europe.

OEM partners will deliver PCs preconfigured with 3Com networking solutions and branded with the 3Com Network Ready logo. Rigorous tests will certify compatibility in all customer environments.

Trevor Camp, 3Com UK volume product marketing manager, said the agreement would initially only cover network cards. ?We don?t want to upset our channel, who may get jittery if they see hubs and routers going through new channels.?