CISCO Systems Inc announced a deal today with China's largest appliance manufacturer to share expertise in constructing home network technology.

The deal with Haier Group comes as technology and home electronics companies forge ties to profit from the growing integration of the Internet with home entertainment. Microsoft Corp announced a venture in June with Chinese television maker Changhong Electric Co to develop digital entertainment products.

Cisco, the world's biggest network equipment maker, and Haier will share expertise in management and constructing "information infrastructure and home networking systems," the companies said in a joint statement. They gave no details of how their cooperation would work or what products they might develop together.

Cisco will share experience in using network technologies to improve competitiveness, Thomas Lam, the president of Cisco China, said in the statement.

"At the same time, we will deepen our commitment to the market for home and individual users, to provide personalized and innovative networking experiences for consumers," Lam said.

Haier Group, based in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao, reported global revenues last year of 107.5 billion yuan (US$14.3 billion).