3Com Merges Security, Convergence and Networking with Launch of New Enterprise Solutions; Additions Deliver Security, Intelligence and Performance from Edge-to-Core of the Network.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. -- Leverage TippingPoint and Huawei-3Com to Round-Out Enterprise Portfolio

3Com Corporation today announced a significant expansion of its network portfolio, delivering advanced security, convergence and performance features from the edge to the core of the network. With today's launch of four new enterprise-class product families, 3Com now offers enterprise customers an unparalleled level of automated security, convergence and performance features designed to address the regulatory, application and access control requirements of today's modern organizations.

"Our converged voice and data network requires highly available switching, security and intelligence to keep the network safe and running at optimal levels," said Mark Berkheimer, director of Information Technology for Harrisburg International Airport. "3Com has done an excellent job pulling the critical elements together to deliver security, convergence and performance from a single provider."

The new additions to the 3Com portfolio integrate best-in-class security from its TippingPoint division, and switches built with the express purpose of enabling converged networks by the Huawei-3Com joint venture. They include:

--The new 3Com(R) Switch 5500 family - new Layer 2/3/4 edge switches available in 12 models with both 10/100 and Gigabit variants;

--The expanded 3Com Switch 7700 family - delivering advanced high density Power over Ethernet service in two new modular chassis;

--The new 3Com TippingPoint(TM) Quarantine Protection - leveraging 3Com switches to extend security control over network endpoints, without having to deploy client software or make changes to endpoint devices; and

--The 3Com Enterprise Management System (EMS) - enabling large-scale network change control and configuration management.

As companies continue to merge their data, voice and video networks into one converged network, there is a need to incorporate intelligent, enterprise-class, edge-to-core switches and routers into the corporate infrastructure. Unlike other solutions currently on the market, 3Com leverages the TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention System's (IPS) ability to perform "full packet inspection" at line rate. This capability, when coupled with the new 3Com 5500 edge and 7700 family of switches and 3Com's network management systems, delivers intelligent, secure, application-aware networking solutions. This is done without compromising network performance. The Switch 5500 family, the enhancements to the Switch 7700 family and the previously released Switch 8800, gives 3Com one of the industry's most powerful portfolios of edge-to-core, intelligent networking solutions.

The addition of Quarantine Protection demonstrates the first in a series of product and technology integration between 3Com switches and the TippingPoint IPS. This feature is designed to prevent the propagation of threats within the network by isolating infected endpoint devices. 3Com's EMS ties the applications and the network together for customers, delivering network configuration functionality, management and visibility for 3Com, as well as non-3Com, network equipment.

"To realize the promise of convergence, enterprises need networks capable of doing deep packet inspection that sources their infrastructure and applications," said Hilton Nicholson, senior vice president, Product Operations for 3Com. "With our next-generation product portfolio, 3Com enables today's enterprise network managers to automate responses to security threats, deliver quality Voice over IP and deploy infrastructure that 'future-proofs' their network. We are delivering an enhanced way to ensure business continuity and corporate control, and enabling cost reductions by maximizing an organization's entire network investment."

"New applications and services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) are running over the same data network that is currently plagued with security threats. These new services and applications require Quality of Service (QoS) and security for successful adoption," said Jon Oltsik, Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. "3Com is adapting its solutions for the network of the future, automating security so that it works with the infrastructure to create an intelligent network, and developing infrastructure solutions ideal for the performance demands of VoIP and high-speed networks."

3Com Switch 5500

3Com raises the level of performance with the Switch 5500 family, available in seven 10/100 and five different Gigabit models. The Switch 5500G Gigabit models deliver robust Layer 2/3/4 switching, the highest density and performance of any stackable switch available today, and the unique flexibility to upgrade the power supply to support Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) services for IP phones or wireless access points. It also incorporates advanced features for VoIP. Additionally, with 3Com's patented XRN(R) technology, eight switches can be managed as a single unit, with fully distributed switching and resilient connections, creating a 'virtual chassis.' Security capabilities include flexible, time-based Access Control Lists and Media Access Control (MAC)-based RADIUS authentication, which helps enable the TippingPoint Quarantine functionality.

"The 3Com Switch 5500 is a scalable, enterprise-class product that brings a rich, new feature set and high availability to the network edge," added Arman Eghbali, general manager of Monterey Information Technologies, Monterey, Calif., a 3Com Gold Partner. "It incorporates our pay as you grow approach, allowing customers to flexibly configure the system to satisfy bandwidth requirements, prioritize voice and time-sensitive applications and economize using Power over Ethernet. Users can even add Layer 3 routing functionality. We believe the 3Com Switch 5500 is what the marketplace needs and see it as a major opportunity for us to grow."

3Com Switch 7700 Family Extensions

Two new chassis, the 3Com Switch 7754 and 7757 extend the functionality of the Switch 7700 family to the edge of the network. Supporting 4-slots and 7-slots respectively, the enhanced 7700 models are designed for enterprises that need high density modular 10/100/1000 Mbps switching for workgroup connectivity. Additionally they deliver Power over Ethernet, automatic security and quality engineering for VoIP, with flexibility and future-proof investment protection.

The 3Com 5500, 7700 and 8800 switch families use the common 3Com Operating System for feature transparency, security and control. With the new offerings, customers can now choose between the flexibility of a stackable and the density of a modular platform for their network edge applications.

3Com TippingPoint Quarantine Protection

3Com TippingPoint Quarantine works seamlessly with 3Com switches to enforce endpoint security and corporate policy. It is network-based, requiring no PC agent or desktop software. Quarantine confines infected or non-compliant PC's for remediation. Once quarantined, the contaminated device is protected from infecting other internal systems. Both quarantine policy configuration and actions for enforcement are extremely flexible. Quarantine policies can be set based on thresholds for specific IPS filters, and customized for different sets of endpoint devices. Quarantine actions include displaying a self-guided remediation Web page for the end user, blocking a port, or redirecting the infected host to a contained quarantine VLAN.

3Com Enterprise Management Suite

3Com Enterprise Management Suite delivers network configuration management in an enterprise network of 3Com and other vendor equipment. 3Com adds multi-user, multi-domain capabilities, advanced change control options with full audit trails, support for Windows, Unix and Linux and rich integration options with other application management or system management environments. These features enable rapid deployment of network infrastructures, enterprise-wide configuration management as a discipline in network operations and system change monitoring.

Pricing and Availability

The Switch 5500 family 10/100 models and 3Com EMS are available today. Additional Switch 5500 models and Switch 7700 family additions are expected to have limited availability in the summer, with full availability in September. TippingPoint Quarantine Protection is expected to be available in the fall. List pricing for these products are:

--The 10/100 model of the Switch 5500 ranges from $2,495 to $4,495 for non-PoE, and $3,795 to $6,495 for PoE versions;

--The Gigabit models of the Switch 5500 range from $5,995 to $10,995 for non PoE, and $7,495 to $13,495 for PoE;

--The Switch 7700 extensions range in list price from $1,795 to $4,995 for the new chassis, new fabric, or the 48-port gigabit module; and

--3Com EMS ranges from $9,995 to $44,995, depending on the number of devices being managed.

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 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.

The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance, including the introduction of new enterprise-class product families, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties associated with new product introductions and other risks identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.