3Com Chooses Cirrus Logic's Embedded Ethernet Controller for NBX 100 'Voice Over IP' System.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 2000

Leading Provider of Voice/Data Convergence over E-Networks Cites

Cirrus Logic's Highly Integrated Chip as Key to NBX 100 Success

Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq:CRUS) today announced that 3Com(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) has selected Cirrus Logic's CrystalLan(TM) embedded Ethernet controller (CS8900A) for its award-winning Ethernet/IP-powered LAN telephony system (NBX(R) 100). 3Com's revolutionary NBX 100 provides Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) functionality for today's e-businesses.

As the first system to deliver both voice and data services over a single economical infrastructure -- an Ethernet LAN -- 3Com's NBX 100 eliminates the need to install duplicate networks for voice and Internet communications. The benefits of this VoIP approach for enterprises include substantially reduced network cabling, installation, operations, and management costs. According to industry research and analysis firm, Cahners In-Stat, the market for LAN telephony equipment will exceed $1.4 billion in 2004.

Initially designed into NBX 100 telephone handsets, Cirrus Logic's CS8900A -- the smallest, lowest-power complete Ethernet solution on the market today -- will now also provide embedded Ethernet control functions for the NBX 100 system chassis and device ports. Since its debut, the Cirrus Logic-enabled product also has won multiple industry awards as well as government recognition. In January, the NBX 100 became the first Ethernet LAN telephony system to qualify for federal funding through the E-rate program. Funded by an amendment to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the E-rate program provides for $2.25 billion annually for eligible K-12 schools and public libraries to purchase networking equipment, telecommunications services, internal connections, and Internet access at substantial discounts.

"The swift -- and dramatic -- market acceptance of the NBX 100 demonstrates two things: 3Com's undisputed leadership in the e-Networking arena, and Cirrus Logic's expertise in providing optimized solutions for embedded Ethernet in VoIP phones and other emerging Internet applications," said David French, president and CEO of Cirrus Logic. "Clearly, our relationship with 3Com is a winning combination. It will accelerate Cirrus Logic's penetration of the thriving Internet space, and it will help ensure 3Com's continued success in its target e-Networking market."

Helping 3Com achieve NBX 100 goals

According to Dan Massiello, vice president and general manager of 3Com's Voice Solutions division, the entire thrust of 3Com's e-Networking voice strategy provides a strong focus on the three most important aspects of e-Networking deployment: application support, user access, and high availability. "Against that backdrop, the NBX 100 itself has to be affordable, compact, and easy to operate and maintain," Massiello said. "The Cirrus Logic Ethernet solution's very high level of mixed-signal integration and very low power consumption in particular are helping us achieve those product goals."

As the smallest form factor Ethernet controller chip available, the Cirrus Logic device also helps shrink system size by requiring less than 1.5 square inches of valuable board space. By incorporating the required RAM buffers and 10Base-T transmit and receive filters on chip, for example, the CS8900A reduces system size and costs since it eliminates the need for most external components.

Equally important for NBX 100 users, the CS8900A's extremely low power requirement -- just 45 milliamperes -- enables it to run on small, inexpensive 3.3-volt power supplies. That saves dollars as well as space for businesses and branch offices where network equipment-room footage typically is at a premium.

3Com Corporation

With over 300 million customer connections worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more people and organizations to information and each other in more innovative, simple and reliable ways than any other networking company. 3Com delivers e-Networking solutions through information access products and network systems to enterprises, small businesses, consumers, carriers and network service providers. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.

Cirrus Logic Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog circuits and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio, and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

Note to editors: Cirrus Logic and Crystal are registered trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc. 3Com and NBX are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation.