3Com Announces Network Engineer Credential Program; 3Com Master of Network Science: Worldwide Program Accredits Individuals in Five Specializations.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 1998--3Com Corp. (NASDAQ:COMS) today announced the 3Com Master of Network Science (3Com MNS) program accrediting individuals in five different areas of specific expertise: LAN, WAN, remote access, network management and a general knowledge of all networking solutions.

The program builds on the sharply rising worldwide adoption rate of 3Com(R) networking products in enterprises and will help create an international workforce of network technicians who have the necessary skills to design, install and service 3Com network equipment.

The 3Com MNS certification benefits four distinct groups: -0-

--   Individuals who earn a credential can demonstrate their network
     competency to employers and prospective employers.

--   Employers have a solid measure of expertise that the engineers
     they hire have a highly qualified competency.

--   Service organizations get another marketing tool. The number of
     3Com MNS-accredited engineers it employs will be a measure of the
     overall skill of the organization.

--   A networked enterprise receives the best possible service as a
     result of 3Com MNS accreditation.

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"As networks become more complex, the level of technical competency needed to maintain and grow those networks increases," said Alan J. Kessler, senior vice president of global customer service.

"3Com, the world leader in networking, is seizing the opportunity to further develop a market for 3Com network specialists. The 3Com MNS accreditation all but guarantees that an individual knows how to do the job they've been hired to do."

3Com Channel Partners Praise Master of Network Science Program

"The 3Com MNS accreditation announced by 3Com will allow network specialists to be recognized at a high level of competence as it recognizes their skill in networking technology," said Trevor Boal, professional services director for Anixter Asia Pacific.

"This, combined with the extensive assessment of both their theoretical and practical skills will ensure that the MNS accreditation will be a sought after program. I have no doubt it will be significant for both the networking marketplace and 3Com as an organization -- finally a true measurement of networking expertise for the individual which will benefit them, their employer and the industry."

"ALLTEL's most important resource is its network of technical specialists," said David R. Wilinsky, network sales manager, ALLTEL. "The 3Com Master of Network Science is an opportunity for our staff's professional development. For ALLTEL it gives us a way to better identify and hire experts in 3Com products."

Features of 3Com MNS Program

To earn a 3Com MNS Credential, a candidate must pass a two-tiered MNS examination for one or more of the five specializations. The first tier of the examination consists of multiple web-based tests. Those who pass these tests are eligible to take a hands-on, practical examination that measures competencies in design, installation, configuration and support. 3Com coursework is not a prerequisite for taking the test, but a thorough understanding of 3Com's products is essential.

The courses and web-based tests are offered worldwide. Initial 3Com testing centers for the hands-on examination will be located in the U.S., England, Germany and Singapore. More centers will be opened within a year.

People earning the 3Com MNS Credential receive tangible benefits in addition to their credential: -0-

--   Priority access to 3Com's senior technical support staff.

--   Free subscriptions to 3Com's quarterly technical manuals.

--   Membership in a secure, web-based forum of other 3Com Masters of
     Network Science and 3Com support engineers.

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Estimated costs for taking the examinations in the Americas are $50 to $100 for the web-based tests and $495 per day for the hands-on testing. For more information about the 3Com Master of Network Science program, please refer to http://www.3com.com/mns.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corp. 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. The company provides large enterprises, small and medium enterprises, carriers and network service providers, and consumers comprehensive, innovative information access products and system solutions for building intelligent, reliable and high performance local and wide area networks. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at http://www.3Com.com or the press site at http//www.3Com.com/pressbox. -0-

Note to Editors: 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation.

CONTACT: 3Com Corp.

Brian D. Johnson, 408/326-1962

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