Cisco and EMC join forces to compete with IBM and HP

Cisco Systems and EMC are reportedly forming a joint venture currently codenamed ‘Alpine’ to sell storage, computer and networking equipment. The companies hope the venture will put them in a better position to compete with rival firms IBM and HP, both of which offer a greater choice of data centre products than Cisco or EMC.

Cisco will bring networking gear and server computers, while EMC will contribute strategic equipment and virtualisation technology. Speculation is mounting that the companies will confirm the venture ahead of Cisco's Q1 2010 earnings call.