EMC to resell Cisco storage gear

CHICAGO: Data storage maker EMC Corp. will resell storage networking equipment made by Cisco Systems Inc. In this regard, both companies said they signed a letter of intent to expand an existing four-year relationship. EMC will resell and support Cisco's storage area network switches as part of its infrastructure products, and also develop software applications hosted on Cisco's equipment.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the companies said EMC would begin shipping the Cisco switches this quarter. The deal is nonexclusive to both sides. Cisco has signed similar reseller deals with HP, IBM and Hitachi Data Systems, a unit of Japan's Hitachi Ltd.

In August 2002, Cisco announced its intention to acquire privately held Andiamo, which makes the Cisco switches. The acquisition is expected to close before July 2004 and sales of the switches will partly determine the deal's final value.

© Reuters