3Com is to enter the storage area networking (SAN) market through a series of partnerships, it has emerged. The company will be working with Data General's Clariion division, MTI Technology and Legato Systems on a series of SAN products, including fibre channel NICs, hubs and switches. According to 3Com officials quoted by US trade paper PC Week's Web site, the company will also develop a SAN -oriented version of its Transcend network management software. That software is scheduled to appear late 1999 as the second phase of 3Com's four-stage SAN strategy. The first will see the arrival early next year of StorageConnect-branded host adaptors and hubs. Phase three will focus on delivering LAN, WAN and SAN integration. Finally, 3Com will bring policy management to SANs. ® Click for more stories