Acer pushes into networks with Cisco deal

Taiwanese PC builder Acer, is to branch out into networking following a deal signed yesterday with Cisco. The deal will initially focus on voice and data comms systems using Cisco's data, voice video integration (DVVI) protocol. According to reports on Taiwanese wires, video phones will be among the first products developed under the partnership. While pushing Acer into new, higher margin sectors, the market for video phones is unlikely to bring big rewards. Cisco has said it will modify a number of its existing products to incorporate Acer kit, which could open the door for Acer to OEM Cisco kit. At a press conference yesterday, Richard Freemantle, vice president of Cisco Systems Asia Pacific, said: "There will be modifications within our core set of products to accommodate the Acer products. Going on from that, the sky is the limit." ®