Firms Promise Phone Calls Via Computer

Santa Clara-based 3Com Corp. said it is working with Germany’s Siemens on new technology that will enable employees to use their company’s computer networks to make telephone calls. 3Com said it has agreed to a three-point alliance with Siemens, including cooperation aimed at producing company computer networks that can handle both voice and data, agreements on the reselling of 3Com equipment and joint development of software. The alliance should enable the companies to introduce a network product that simultaneously handles voice and data communications within 12 to 18 months and could be worth as much as $500 million in increased sales to 3Com. 3Com shares rose $2.56 to close at $52.63 in Nasdaq trading; Siemens American depositary receipts rose 25 cents to $62.50.