Compaq, Dell, IBM, Intel and Microsoft, promoters of a third-generation interconnect architecture, and the PCI-SIG, a non-profit special interest group, today announced a working relationship to define a new serial I/O interconnect architecture code-named "Arapahoe." The Arapahoe architecture will allow high-speed connection of components inside a system and offer increased bandwidth for emerging applications. The Arapahoe promoters chose the PCI-SIG as the preferred industry body to promote and support an open, cross-industry interconnect architecture. The Arapahoe promoters and the PCI-SIG have entered into an agreement to manage the Arapahoe architecture based on the PCI-SIG's proven ability to promote interconnect standard requirements such as PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect). Although PCI will continue to be used in product designs, the PCI-SIG recognizes that the Arapahoe architecture offers an opportunity to develop a new interconnect to address bandwidth demands of increasingly powerful applications such as desktop, mobile, servers and embedded communications. Arapahoe is the general-purpose interconnect of the future for these demanding applications.