With the only exception being the mentioned Shimano compatible Sram shifters no brands or speeds (7,8,9,10) will interchange or work with each other. Everything is specific to it's own kind.
That's the easy answer. Now, there are some devices, special cassettes and such that are made to make different brand systems work together but what if anything of these will work depends on the exact setup you're trying to put together.
Last edited by SoonerBent; 10-05-07 at 08:36 AM.