3Com, marchFIRST Deliver Custom-built Call Centers That Incorporate Web, Voice, Email and Fax.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2000

Contact Advantage(tm), a Multi-Media Customer Interaction Center

Solution Combines World Class Hardware, Software and Services

3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) and marchFIRST, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCH) today introduced Contact Advantage(tm) an integrated turnkey call center system designed for small- to medium-sized businesses. The system addresses the need for high-functionality, low cost of ownership and rapid installation for organizations with one to one hundred seats.

The Contact Advantage system combines proven 3Com(R) technologies such as the NBX(R) LAN telephony system, call center software from leading application vendors such as Apropos Technology (NASDAQ: APRS), and implementation and support services from both marchFIRST and 3Com.

The Contact Advantage solution is the first in a series that 3Com and marchFIRST are jointly developing as part of a $100 million strategic alliance the two companies signed in December 1999. marchFIRST and 3Com are combining strengths to help companies use emerging technologies to win in their market.

"In today's business environment, customer service is a key competitive differentiator," said Bruce Claflin, president of 3Com Corporation. "Working together with marchFIRST we have developed an optimized contact center solution that can be quickly tailored to the needs of small- and mid-sized call centers. This will dramatically speed up deployment while at the same time significantly reducing the cost of building a world class service infrastructure."

Customer Benefits

The Contact Advantage solution offers customers a number of benefits. The turnkey systems can be more rapidly deployed than those built from scratch, and can be easily upgraded as business needs change. The solutions enable seamless interactions across multiple communication channels, allowing organizations to provide service in ways that best suit their customers. In addition, 3Com is providing a single point of contact for support of the solution, thereby simplifying issue resolution.

"Konica has the good fortune to be the first company to implement the Contact Advantage solution," said DeWayne Cusick, Director of National Systems Solutions Group at Konica. "We explored all of the options in the market and investigated developing our own system. Contact Advantage has provided the best of both worlds in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are delighted to be working with 3Com and marchFIRST."

Three Versions

The Contact Advantage solution will be available in three versions which, together form the nerve center of an organization's customer service function:

-- IP Contact: The IP Contact version enables integrated voice and data
communications, allowing customers to unify voice, email and fax interactions
from a single desktop computer. With the Apropos Technology software that
enables business-driven prioritization and escalation for each event companies
can proactively and uniquely manage their service interactions.

-- Web Contact: Organizations can easily migrate to full Internet-based
customer care by upgrading to the Web Contact version. Adding functionality
such as Web Chat and Click-to-Talk, this version enables the full spectrum of
Internet-based customer interactions.

-- Ultimate Contact: By fully integrating Customer Relationship Management
(CRM) software, the Ultimate Contact version enables businesses to
automatically manage all customer interactions regardless of channel. Ultimate
Contact also allows companies to create a complete network of both office-based
and remote service agents.

"Seamless customer interaction is the new standard for doing business; customers expect consistently accurate, responsive service no matter how they interact with a company," said Robert Bernard, marchFIRST Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Backed by the expertise of two world-class organizations, the Contact Advantage solution empowers companies to offer their customers a consistent, distinctive brand experience through each interaction. It's a cost-effective, turnkey solution for sustaining customer loyalty."

The Contact Advantage solution will support up to 100 seats per contact center. Pricing is based upon the number of centers, the number of seats and the level of customization required.

"The Contact Advantage solution will be welcomed by small- and medium-size businesses," said Tere Bracco, Principal Analyst, Current Analysis. "Up until now this market has had no viable options for delivering superior customer service in a cost-effective manner. They have had to settle for either low function or high cost. Contact Advantage solves this problem, while also offering simple implementation and customization services."

IP Contact is immediately available through 3Com's reseller network. Web Contact and Ultimate Contact will be delivered later in the year.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com simplifies how people connect to information and services through easy-to-use, connectivity products and solutions for consumers and commercial organizations. The company also provides access infrastructures and IP services platforms for network service providers. For further information, visit at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.

About marchFIRST

marchFIRST is a leading global professional services firm that creates winners in the new digital economy by helping companies build visionary brands, business models, systems and processes. This multidisciplinary approach empowers companies to transform their business, drive innovation and become market. Headquartered in Chicago, the Company has approximately 9,400 employees in 14 countries worldwide. Its Web site is www.marchFIRST.com.

3Com, NBX and Contact Advantage are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. marchFIRST is a registered trademark of marchFIRST, Inc.

Note to editors: marchFIRST is one word, with lowercase march and uppercase FIRST.