Cisco Systems and China's ZTE have joined forces in a research-and-development drive in the telecom sector.

The two companies say they will be looking into possible opportunities to develop joint customer solutions and speed up the deployment of their respective IT products throughout Asia.

"ZTE's strength in both fixed line and wireless telecommunications combined with Cisco's strength in routing and data communications offers customers a unique and compelling solution," intoned Zhong Hong, head of ZTE's Data Division.

ZTE is China's leading manufacturer of telecom gear.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International