The strategy, called Open Service Networking (OSN), will allow service providers and integrators to create customized services for business users, said Andrew Bronson, product manager for OSN routers at 3Com.

Open Services Networking Modules will run a variety of standard Linux-based applications. The initial module for the 6000 family is being released Monday at a price of US$4,495, Bronson said. Future modules will fit into other routers, as well as 3Com switches.

"A significant focus of our technology strategy revolves around leveraging best-of-breed technology and open-source applications to differentiate our networking solutions," 3Com President Edgar Masri said in a statement.

A set of initial applications for the OSN include Converged Access Inc.'s data and voice optimization technologies, Vericept Corp.'s software for visibility into and control of a network to ensure regulatory compliance, VMware Inc.'s virtualization technology and Q1 Lab Inc.'s anomaly assessment tools. A bundle of four software monitoring programs is also included, Bronson said.

3Com also said it has created a technology partner program called 3Com Open Network to support third-party relationships with vendors and the open-source community to create applications for its OSN effort.