When you mention the HP brand in conversation, the last thing it generally conjures up is a vision of a networking company. Let`s be honest, HP is generally considered to be a desktop, notebook, server and storage company, with a strong focus on the enterprise market.

WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN? As it turns out, however, the company is not only a strong player in networking, but was ranked as the second largest vendor in the managed networking space by both Del`oro Group and IDC in 2005. Who would have thunk?

IDC and Del`oro`s latest reports means HP successfully managed to beat two solely networking focused companies, namely 3Com and Enterasys to this spot in the rankings.