3COM Extends the reach of the network with ISDN; Networking leader delivers the speed and power of ISDN networking to allow customers "to do remotely, what was once done only locally".

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 1995--Global data networking leader, 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) continues to extend the reach of the network by providing high-performance ISDN technology that enables a broad base of users to quickly access information from a variety of on-line services, surf the `net, telework and connect to the corporate LAN.

With the market's only complete end-to-end ISDN solution, 3Com delivers the speed and power of ISDN technology to all stages of data flow and simplifies the complexity of remote networking.

"There is a great similarity between the development of today's emerging ISDN networks and Ethernet LANs, and as the recognized LAN leader, 3Com is uniquely positioned as the lead vendor to evolve the ISDN market," said Janice Roberts, vice president of marketing, 3Com.

When Ethernet LANs were first deployed, there was a great deal of complexity and high costs. 3Com led the market in reducing the confusion, lowering the costs, and providing reliable, high-speed performance that extended network access to more users and workgroups in local environments. 3Com first achieved this position with its market-leading adapters and then with other products, including switches and stackable hubs (all market leading products based on IDC reports).

"In addition to our LAN expertise, 3Com is also offering customers worldwide the industry's only comprehensive end-to-end ISDN solution and a strong commitment to support the ISDN network," said Roberts.

Market's Only End-to-End ISDN Solution

With a complete line of ISDN products designed for all market segments -- service provider, enterprise, small office/small business, home business and consumer -- 3Com is the only vendor to offer all the components of a total end-to-end ISDN solution. Other vendors have product for only one or two of the markets.

3Com best-of-class products (See press release "3Com Announces New ISDN Products to Deliver Industry's First Complete End-to-End ISDN Systems" Sept. 27, 1995) include the new ISDN module for the 3Com AccessBuilder remote server, 3Com Impact ISDN ISA adapter, ISDN module for the 3Com Aperture II primary rate interface and ISDN terminal adapter, and the 3Com Arpeggio family of bridges/routers. These new products join the existing NETBuilder Remote Office and 3Com Impact external digital modem to complete 3Com's open systems and standards ISDN solution. The 3Com ISDN solution includes end-to-end network management with 3Com's Transcend, an open management solution that runs on all major software platforms.

"Since the value is in the actual ISDN system, it's key for customers to be able to build their ISDN network with offerings from one vendor," said Roberts.

3Com's Added Dimension -- "A Customer Care Program"

To assist users in building and operating their ISDN networks, 3Com has taken an innovative step and designed a complete "customer care program." The program offers users a full range of customer service support, which includes: -0-

-- Technical Support

3Com has instituted a dedicated ISDN customer support team in it headquarters to offer 24 hour, 365 days a year, telephone technical support with guaranteed response times. Users can also obtain support information via public bulletin boards and the World Wide Web (3Com's home page). 3Com further ensures reliability by testing products in its interoperability labs in Europe and the Americas.

-- On-site Service

3Com provides two, four, and eight hour on-site service response throughout the world. Additionally, users can obtain dedicated, on-site engineering resources either from 3Com or a select third party organization.

-- Instant Hardware Replacement

Aggressive product warranties provide users with overnight hardware replacement services.

-- Professional Services 

Network integration, turnkey end-to-end solutions, network design, consulting and remote network monitoring are a sample of the professional services 3Com is offering users to assist in building and maintaining ISDN networks.

"Service for ISDN networks is crucial to rapid deployment of the technology," said Roberts. "With its comprehensive service program, 3Com is demonstrating our understanding of customer needs."

3Com Corporation has helped more than 24 million people gain access to critical information through high-speed networks. Designed to serve large enterprises, service providers, small offices and homes, 3Com products provide a scalable architecture to meet the immediate and long-term connectivity needs of today's users. With research and development on three continents, 3Com is one of the data networking industry's largest and fastest growing companies. The company's innovative manufacturing, marketing, sales and support simplify communication, optimize network reliability and protect customer investments. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at: http://www.3Com.com. -0-

Note to Editors: 3Com, AccessBuilder and NETBuilder are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Impact is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. Aperture is a trademark of 3Com Primary Access. Arpeggio is a registered trademark of 3Com Sonix Limited in the United Kingdom. All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: 3Com Corporate Communications 

Valerie Bellofatto, 408/764-6194

Jennifer Wade, 408/764-5137