3Com Extends Security and Convergence Support for Enterprise Businesses.MARLBOROUGH, Mass. -- New Stackable Switch Helps Small and Medium Enterprise Customers Migrate to Secure Converged IP Communications A general term for networks that use the IP protocol for voice (VoIP) and video traffic. See IP telephony. ; Eliminates More Cost and Complexity than Competitive Offers 3Com Corporation today introduced the industry's first stackable LAN (Local Area Network) A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. The "clients" are the user's workstations typically running Windows, although Mac and Linux clients are also used. (local area network) switch designed specifically to address small-to-medium enterprise customers' growing need for robust security and support of Voice over IP (VoIP) and other convergence applications. The new 3Com(R) Switch 4500 family combines standards-based security for user authentication See authentication. ; support for the new TippingPoint(TM) X505, the first integrated security platform built upon Intrusion Prevention See IPS and IDS. System (IPS) technology; and dynamic "plug-and-play" support for multiple vendors' VoIP services. "Stackable switches are back in vogue and have become part of the security fabric of networks, as well as enablers for IP communications," said Zeus Kerravala, senior analyst and vice president, Yankee Group (the Yankee Group, Boston, MA, www.yankeegroup.com) A major market research, analysis and consulting firm founded in 1970 by Howard Anderson. It provides general consulting and strategic planning in the computer and communications field. . "The ability of the Switch 4500 to recognize any VoIP service provides unique value to customers who prefer best-of-breed technology for converged solutions." Designed using open industry standards to avoid burdening customers with the restrictions of proprietary features, the 3Com Switch 4500 is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, managed 10/100 switch - available in 26-port and 50-port models. It includes extensive Layer 2 switching and dynamic Layer 3 routing functionality, which provides the "intelligence" necessary for today's demanding business networks. With models that include cost-effective Power over Ethernet Power over Ethernet or PoE technology describes a system to transmit electrical power, along with data, to remote devices over standard twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network. , the Switch 4500 is ideal for converged networks. Additionally, it is interoperable in multi-vendor networks, helping a business preserve its existing infrastructure investments. "We offer innovative solutions at superior business value to help enterprise customers migrate to secure converged networks supporting business-critical applications and services," said Scott Hilton, vice president of enterprise product line management, 3Com. "The Switch 4500 enhances 3Com's edge-to-core LAN switch A network device that cross-connects clients, servers and network devices. Also known as a "frame switch," stand-alone LAN switches are common in all Ethernet networks. A four-port switch is also typically built into a wired or wireless router for homes and small business (see wireless portfolio that also includes 3Com's premium stackable switch, the Switch 5500, as well as the modular Switch 7700 and the Terabit-capacity Switch 8800 for large networks spanning thousands of users." The new switch family has intelligent quality of service (QoS) features to automatically prioritize voice traffic, along with Power over Ethernet models ideal for running effective VoIP solutions. Auto-VLAN assignment for voice calls further improves voice quality and security, optimizing secure converged IP communications over Ethernet-based networks. Not only are 3Com IP phones pre-programmed into the 3Com switch for dynamic configuration and efficient management, but other vendors' IP phones are pre-programmed into the Switch 4500 as well. In addition, Switch 4500 PWR PWR pressurized-water reactor Noun 1. PWR - a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator; the steam produced can drive a steam turbine pressurized water reactor models can power standards-based IP phones and wireless access points from 3Com or other vendors, eliminating the need for costly re-wiring or "power bricks." While providing scalable connectivity and the enterprise-class management needed to run a network, the switch also supports 802.1X authentication, securing the network from unauthorized intruders and tracking general user access history. The switch also supports device authentication through RADA (RADIUS Authentication of Device Access) for authentication of devices that don't support 802.1X. Small-to-medium enterprise networks combining the Switch 4500 with the TippingPoint X505 will benefit from fast, proactive isolation or "quarantining" of infected computers, along with intrusion prevention, stateful inspection A firewall technology that ensures that all inbound packets are the result of an outbound request. Also called "stateful packet inspection" (SPI), it was designed to prevent harmful or unrequested packets from entering the computer. firewall, IPSec VPN (Virtual Private Network) A private network that is configured within a public network (a carrier's network or the Internet) in order to take advantage of the economies of scale and management facilities of large networks. , bandwidth management Controlling the traffic flow in a network. See bandwidth manager. and Web content filtering of the sophisticated TippingPoint X505 solution. Pricing and Availability The Switch 4500 is now available worldwide. The following are the different models available in the new switch family. The Switch 4500 26-port is priced at $695 (US list). The Switch 4500 50-port is priced at $1,295 (US list). The Switch 4500 PWR 26-port is priced at $2,295 (US list). The Switch 4500 PWR 50-port is priced at $4,295 (US list). About 3Com Corporation 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on : COMS COMS 3Com Corporation (stock symbol) COMS Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist COMS Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems COMS City of Manchester Stadium (UK) ) is a leading provider of secure, converged voice and data networking solutions for enterprises of all sizes. 3Com offers a broad line of innovative products backed by world class sales, service and support, which excel at delivering business value for its customers. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox. Copyright (C) 2005. 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders. |
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