3COM solution provides network monitoring and analysis across full spectrum of networking systems; Distributed, intelligent solution is first in a series of new Transcend applications that manage all network elements as a single network system.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 1995 - Global data networking leader, 3Com Corp. (NASDAQ:COMS) has unveiled a comprehensive, scalable network monitoring and analysis solution that for the first time enables users to ensure maximum network uptime and performance by allowing them to monitor all elements of their networks as a single networking system.

This new solution features leading-edge distributed intelligence across the full range of networking environments -- workgroups, data centers and wide area networks -- based on:

o 3Com's advanced SmartAgent software, integrated with:

o industry-standard remote monitoring (RMON today and

RMON 2 in 1996) agents, plus:

o a best-in-class front-end analysis application integrated

with 3Com's Transcend Enterprise Manager for UNIX and Windows.

This solution encompasses the entire line of 3Com products, including systems recently acquired from Chipcom Corp., which together comprise the broadest networking system available from a single vendor. It is the first in a new series of value-added network management applications and will fully support 3Com's soon-to-be-announced virtual networking strategy. That strategy will include details of managing virtual networks, including management of end-stations' participation in VLANS.

"This is the kind of added-value solution that we have been looking for," said Mohammed Fatmi, network manager of North Carolina State University. "We have hundreds of 3Com hubs and switches across our campus. With the expanded network monitoring and analysis, we can monitor the heartbeat of our evolving network at the increasingly sophisticated levels we require."

In addition to providing network monitoring and analysis across all network elements, the company also announced that it has significantly expanded its previous RMON-hub implementation to support full RMON, including packet capture and analysis, in its SuperStack LinkBuilder FMS II stackable and LinkBuilder MSH chassis hubs. Full RMON implementation in workgroup and chassis-based hubs, and strategically implemented RMON and/or RMON 2 in switches and routers, enables users to more easily and cost-effectively manage their networks as they scale them from shared media to switched technologies. 3Com now provides customers with the most scalable network monitoring and analysis implementation for networks of today and tomorrow.

[More detailed information on network monitoring and analysis implementations for specific 3Com networking systems is available from 3Com.]

Network Monitoring and Analysis Benefits To Users

Utilizing the leading-edge distributed intelligence of the 3Com SmartAgent technology already embedded in all classes of networking systems, users can manage both shared media and switched networks simply, cost-effectively and with the best results. 3Com's solution can automatically collect and selectively report information, set network parameter thresholds, send alarms and perform remedial repair on the network independent of the management console. This off-loads management tasks from the network -- minimizing the amount of traffic on the network, leveraging the full power of the network bandwidth and reducing network management staff work load.

"This value-added, enterprise-wide network management solution helps users guarantee network uptime and top performance and saves them money as they transition from today's shared media networks to the fully switched networks," said Bob Finochio, executive vice president and general manager of 3Com's Network Systems Operations. "With a single interface for network monitoring and analysis from the workgroup to the data center and the WAN, Transcend uniquely lets users manage their networks as a single network system, not just a collection of disparate devices. Applications such as these demonstrate the advantages and competitiveness of our growing, integrated product set."

3Com Corp. 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 present and future 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. 3Com's innovative manufacturing, marketing, sales and support simplify communication, optimize network reliability and protect customer investments. For further information, visit our World Wide Web site: http://www.3Com.com. -0-

3Com, SmartAgent, and LinkBuilder are registered trademarks of 3Com Corp., SuperStack, Transcend, MSH and FMS are trademarks of 3Com Corporation.

CONTACT: 3Com Public Relations 

Dan Foley

508/264-1768

or

David Hayward

508/264-1773