3COM's U.S. Robotics Brand Targets Families with Back-to-School Ad from the Leap Partnership.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 1997--

New Spot Shows How to Unlock the Power of the Internet with U.S.

Robotics brand 56K Modems

3COM Corporation's U.S. Robotics brand (Nasdaq: COMS) this week launches a new spot that talks about unlocking the true power of the Internet in an ongoing effort to promote its high speed 56Kbps capable modems with x2 technology.(a) Agency of record The Leap Partnership, Chicago (Nasdaq: LEAP) created and produced the new spot featuring the world's number one selling 56K modem.

The spot, which started running Monday at a time when America's kids are returning to school, highlights how much better the Internet experience can be for users who are using the latest modem technology from 3Com.

"We know that speed is important to our consumers as they become more involved in online products, but the real benefit of speed is the ability to enhance the online experience and that's the ultimate goal for the U.S. Robotics brand," noted Jerry Johnston, 3Com VP Corporate Marketing. "Consumers have come to trust that the U.S. Robotics brand stands for the fastest and most reliable modems available--that is what has made us the number one selling 56K modem in the world."

In "Generation Gap," two young boys talk about the cool sites their parents have helped them find on the Internet. One discovered streaming video and the other has accessed an online radio station. The third boy is conspicuously silent because he's embarrassed...he admits his parents still have a 28.8 Kbps modem.

"U.S. Robotics is the undisputed leader in offering high speed 56K modem technology to consumers and we've worked hard in this new advertising to help parents understand why U.S. Robotics brand modems will change the way the family can use the Internet," said Tom Sharbaugh, President, The Leap Partnership. "This new technology is what has allowed consumers to take advantage of the full power of the Internet both for entertainment and education."

The company has shattered the speed barrier and was first to market with its 56Kbps capable modem. x2 technology dramatically improves the Internet experience by allowing users to download text and graphics significantly faster than V.34 or 28.8 modems do over regular phone lines.

3Com Corporation enables individuals and organizations worldwide to communicate and share information and resources at anytime from anywhere. As one of the world's preeminent suppliers of data, voice and video communications technology, 3Com has delivered networking solutions to more than 100 million customers worldwide. With global reach and local touch, the company gives enterprises, network service providers and carriers, small businesses and consumers comprehensive, innovative information access products and system solutions for building intelligent, reliable and high performance local and wide area networks. 3Com has worldwide revenues of more than $5.6 billion and employs approximately 13,500 people in 45 countries. For further information, visit 3Com's new World Wide Web site at http://www.3com.com.

The Leap Partnership, a subsidiary of The Leap Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEAP) is a new generation, full-service advertising agency with a better process for creating work. Leap's clients include 3Com Corp., Daewoo Motor America, Digital City, One-On-One Sports, Ameritech, Playboy Enterprises, Armour Golf and the University of Notre Dame. More information on The Leap Partnership can be found at http://www.leapnet.com.

3Com and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks, and x2 is a trademark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. -0- (a) All x2 products are capable of 56 Kbps downloads; however, due to FCC rules which restrict power output of service providers modems, current download speeds are limited to 53 Kbps. Actual speeds may vary depending on line conditions. Uploads from end users to service providers travel at speeds up to 28.8 Kbps. An x2 modem, an analog phone line compatible with x2 technology and an Internet provider with x2 service are required for these high speed downloads. See www.usr.com/x2 for details.

CONTACT: Leap Partnership Contact:

Beth Pastor

312-494-3850

e-mail: [e-mail]