3Com Corp and cable modem firm Com21 Inc will develop data-over- cable systems using open standards. 3Com will also pay an undisclosed cash sum for between 5% and 10% of Com21, and will receive a board seat. Com21 is owned by a group of venture capital companies and by founder and president Paul Baran. 3Com will license Com21’s broadband cable modem technology to develop products for use over both existing coaxial cable television and hybrid fiber optic and coaxial networks.
