3Com And Datapac Deliver Major Network Rollout To C & C Group In EUR200,000 Deal Across 12 Offices.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2003

3Com Corporation and Datapac have begun a major network rollout in a deal worth over EUR200,000 with C & C (Cantrell & Cochrane) across 12 offices nationwide. The C & C Group plc is one of the largest manufacturers, marketers and distributors of branded beverages in Ireland and Northern Ireland and savoury snacks in Ireland. Over 1,000 users in C & C will benefit from a more modernised infrastructure with faster access to information, regardless of their location in Ireland, using its new high-speed 3Com(R) Gigabit Ethernet network. 3Com Ireland won the contract, although competing tenders were also considered from Avaya (C&W), Cisco and Nortel (IBM). The migration from shared Token Ring to a switched Ethernet network will take place over 18 months. The network is being installed by 3Com channel partner and network specialist, Datapac.

Pat Rowan, IT director, C & C explains, "The new infrastructure will speed traffic along 6 to 8 times faster than the previous network and so will result in increased productivity and performance. The new network will assist in resolving bandwidth issues and eliminate local network jams. It will be far easier to access whatever data is required, whenever it's needed, right across the network. We have a good working relationship with Datapac and 3Com and look forward to completing the project over the next 18 months."

3Com's country manager for Ireland, Ray O'Connor, adds, "Token Ring has been fading out because Ethernet is a simpler technology with a higher bandwidth and is less expensive to deliver. The addition of switching in the new infrastructure means that data traffic can be effectively filtered and transmitted on a one-to-many basis without the network being flooded."

John Casey, sales account manager, Datapac comments, "The challenge for everyone today is to find a solution that gives people the access to information they need. As C&C's IT supplier and a 3Com channel partner this is yet another example of how partnerships working well together within the industry lead to practical and cost effective solutions. With this new network, C & C will gain effective access to data giving them the competitive edge necessary to make the company more successful and productive."

Pat Rowan, IT director, C & C adds, "So, when it came to upgrading to a fully switched network, the 3Com Gigabit Ethernet switches seemed a natural choice. At the bid for the contract, we were approached by a number of competitive suppliers of which 3Com made the most compelling case. We have found 3Com products to be well-priced, reliable and easy to install."

The current Token Ring network runs at 16 megabits per second (bps) with a throughput of approx 12mbps. The new 3Com Ethernet switched network will run at 100mbps with a backbone speed of 1000mbps. Client speed should increase to 100mbps.

The implementation is based on 3Com SuperStack(R) 4060s at the core and 3Com SuperStack(R) 3 Switch 4400SEs at the edge of the network. Designed for the demanding requirements at the core backbone of enterprise networks, the 3Com(R) SuperStack(R) 4060 delivers this capability of high network-level availability without compromising performance, functionality or flexibility. The 3Com SuperStack(R) 3 Switch 4400SE 24-port 10/100 switch delivers wire speed performance for enterprise solutions. Flexible, manageable and stackable, it provides the opportunity for future network expansion.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com is a tier-one provider of innovative, practical and high-value networking products for enterprises of all sizes and public sector organizations. 3Com is also a leader in providing Internet protocol (IP) service platforms and access infrastructure for network service providers. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

About Datapac

Datapac is one of Ireland's leading independent computer services providers operating three distinct businesses, the computer systems business, the computer consumables business and the software development business. Each business unit is focused on an individual portfolio of products and services. Datapac has a highly trained and dedicated workforce of over 160 people and offices in Dublin (Rathmines and Robinhood), Wexford, Belfast and Cork.

www.datapac.com

3Com, SuperStack and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

About C&C Group plc

The Group is one of the largest manufacturers, marketers and distributors of branded beverages in Ireland and Northern Ireland and savoury snacks in Ireland. The Group owns several of Ireland's most recognised beverage and savoury snacks brands, including Bulmers cider, Ballygowan water, Club Orange and Tayto crisps. It also distributes several leading international brands owned by third parties, including 7UP and Pepsi, and a wide-ranging portfolio of wines and spirits in Ireland. Internationally, the Group exports Magners cider to Northern Ireland and the United States, manufactures and distributes alcoholic beverages in Italy and exports spirits and liqueurs to a wide range of overseas markets. Through its key brands, the Group holds leading positions in several diversified growth categories within the beverage and savoury snacks sectors in Ireland and internationally.