The 10 Gigabit Ethernet Alliance was organized to facilitate and accelerate the introduction of 10 Gigabit Ethernet into the networking market. It was founded by networking companies, including 3Com, Cisco Systems, Extreme Networks, Intel, Nortel Networks, Sun Microsystems, and World Wide Packets. Additionally, the Alliance supports the activities of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet committee, fosters the development of the 802.3ae (10 Gigabit Ethernet) specification, and promotes interoperability among 10 Gigabit Ethernet products.