Whiteley confirmed that those comparisons are accurate, based on the pricing information that Forrester has seen. However, HP's switching unit is still "tiny" in comparison with Cisco's, he said, adding that ProCurve doesn't offer users a well-rounded set of networking products for enterprise customers. HP lacks a full range of routers, IP telephony products, wireless products and load-balancing tools, Whiteley said.

Customers might consider HP switches as a low-cost alternative to Cisco, he said.

HP said six 4200 models will ship in March, with prices starting at $1,499. The company plans to ship two versions of both the 5400 and 3500 in April, with starting prices of $2,299 and $3,999, respectively. Two more 5400s are due in the summer, as is the 6200, which will start at $7,499.

The 10 Gigabit Ethernet module for the ProCurve 8100 switches is due next month, with a starting price of $7,999.