3Com Helps IT Managers Increase Centralized Control of Smaller Branch Office Networks.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. -- New Enterprise-Class Automated Infrastructure Solution Supports IP Telephony, Wireless LANs and Power over Ethernet in Branch Offices to Provide Hassle-Free Convergence

3Com Corporation today extended its new convergence-enabled infrastructure solutions to branch offices of larger enterprise companies with the introduction of its new 3Com(R) OfficeConnect(R) Managed Switch 9 family. The new enterprise-class switches enable enterprise customers to easily integrate small offices into their global networks without expensive overhead.

In addition to providing increased, centralized control, IT managers can use the new OfficeConnect Managed Switch 9 with standards-based IP phone systems, such as 3Com's V3000, and with wireless LAN access points, such as ones from 3Com's broad portfolio of Power over Ethernet-ready Wireless LAN Access Points, to create a converged network for running business applications.

"As we branch out our communication efforts in the Mid-West, we consider the network as a prime part of our company's operations. When we turned to 3Com, we needed solutions that would maximize our investments in telephony, wireless and infrastructure," said Tom Moore, vice president of operations, SPD-1 Logistics. "Needing to head off the emergence of congestion on the network, we evaluated the new 3Com OfficeConnect Managed Switch 9 and were pleased how easy it is to use. Not only does it alleviate the congestion on our Fast Ethernet network by allowing us to use Gigabit fiber back to our main computer room, we use the switch to power our 3Com IP phones and 3Com wireless access points. The remote management capability of the Switch 9 is certainly an added benefit, as each location can be managed centrally from our headquarters."

Prior to the launch of the 3Com OfficeConnect Managed Switch 9, enterprises often refrained from deploying converged solutions to remote offices due to the complexity and high cost associated with deploying to a branch office. Today, enterprises can rely on 3Com to enable enterprise remote offices to enjoy the benefits of convergence while maintaining control and visibility at a central level.

"With this new offering we give enterprise customers the capabilities to extend business services and converged applications to all locations, enhancing employee productivity, offering higher protection of business assets, and improving cost management," said Stanley Stevens, senior product marketing manager, 3Com. "Enabling business managers and IT managers to optimize the operations of branch offices, 3Com's standards-based solutions provide a high level of automation to help customers overcome the complexity of converging different communication technologies, especially in a multi-vendor environment."

This new 3Com solution provides the following three aspects of improving centralized control:

--Remote management

--Visibility from corporate headquarters

--Secure user access

Remote Management

The OfficeConnect Managed Switch 9 family started shipping in volume today and will be joined later this year with 3Com's network management solutions to deliver operational and business assurance of converged applications. These solutions create a well-balanced, versatile approach to building converged networks. For example, the new managed OfficeConnect product can be coupled with the 3Com network management products specifically to provide provisioning and monitoring from a centralized IT management standpoint. This proactively ensures high levels of application performance and creates a new level of visibility of the distributed network.

Visibility from Corporate Headquarters

Customers gain visibility into the cabling of remote offices, allowing them, for instance, to see whether or not an IP phone is plugged into the network properly. Additionally, if the quality of an IP phone call is degrading at a remote site, the 3Com Network Management Solution automatically notifies headquarters of performance loss, speeding up the response for an immediate solution. This solution helps ensure employee productivity.

Secure Access

In addition to PoE, automated configuration and automatic prioritization of IP telephony traffic, customers also obtain the benefits of secure network access control, based on 802.1x and RADIUS authentication capabilities. Overall, converged networks with tightly secured access give enterprise managers more control of applications and services. 3Com's extensive developments in the area of automation give customers greater measures of control for traffic prioritization, management and flexible port options.

Pricing and Availability

The OfficeConnect Managed Switch 9 family consists of two models. The OfficeConnect Managed Switch 9 is available now and lists for $495 (US). The OfficeConnect Managed Switch 9FX is also currently available and lists for $695 (US). More information can be found on the 3Com LAN Switch (Stackable/Edge) product information page located on www.3con.com/products. 3Com sells and markets networking hardware and other 3Com-branded products through a network of authorized systems integrators and channel partners worldwide.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) 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(TM) 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, the 3Com logo and OfficeConnect are registered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.