3com, which quit selling enterprise switches in the late '90s, has decided this downturn is the prime time to take on Cisco in the market, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Cisco holds 70 percent of the market by revenue. According to Network World, 3com angered its largest customers when it exited the market. While it has been successful in China, through its H3C subsidiary, it holds next to nothing in market share in the United States.

eWeek quotes Forrester analyst Chris Silva saying:

Given the economy and given the cost-control measures in place [at enterprises], it’s a great time to come in as the low-cost alternative to the Ciscos and Junipers, who also is making a play in the enterprise.