HP bought 3Com

Why?

Couple reasons: Ethernet switching, routing solutions, and networking security capabilities to augment HP’s ProCurve networking line.  In other words, HP plans to begin taking share in Cisco’s long-unchallenged domain. 

Additionally, this move strengthens HP’s position in China, which is one of the fastest growing markets in the world.  It’s nearly a match made in heaven: 3Com has a great presence in China, but not in the rest of the world, HP has a great presence in the rest of the world, but not China.