3Com Simplifies End-To-End Network Management With Transcend Network Control Services for Windows NT.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 1999--

New Release Extends Policy Management to Packet-Based Networks

and Delivers Comprehensive Web Tools for Day One Management

Continuing to expand its offerings for end-to-end network management of medium and large enterprises, 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) today announced Transcend(R) Network Control Services V1.1 for Windows NT, a tightly integrated suite of management applications for 3Com's networking systems. With its `plug-and-play' Web-based architecture, Transcend Network Control Services V1.1 for Windows NT greatly simplifies network management and delivers significant policy-based management capabilities for both cell- and packet-based networks.

"Our mission is to deliver radically simplified and automated management solutions to help users build and maintain networks," said Kathy Rocha, vice president and general manager of 3Com's Network Management Division. "Transcend Network Control Services adds support for important components of 3Com's Policy Powered Networking solution as well as the essential capability to manage devices from the moment they are installed." Meeting the Critical Need for High Availability 

Transcend Network Control Services V1.1 for Windows NT supports automated policy management for 3Com(R) switched networks. With its automatic configuration tools and LAN security policy enforcement capabilities, Transcend Network Control Services allows the network to meet critical business requirements for high availability application access, and offers protection from intruders through user authentication. In addition, it maximizes secure mobile connectivity and reduces administration costs for adds, moves and changes.

Transcend Network Control Services V1.1 allows users to configure and manage multi-domain VLANs based on LANE and 802.1Q standards. The application's unique approach of overlaying logical constructs onto a physical topology map greatly simplifies the management of VLAN policies and backbone utilization across the entire enterprise.

Transcend Network Control Services V1.1 for Windows NT is wireless networks-enabled through its support of the 3Com AirConnect(TM) wireless LAN solutions. By offering a single, unified solution for both wired and wireless networks, Transcend Network Control Services allows users to manage their wireless networks just like they manage their wired networks.

Transcend Network Control Services automatically identifies network devices with embedded Web based management capabilities, allowing administrators to start managing new 3Com devices as soon as they are deployed in the network. Its Web-based architecture gives administrators the freedom to manage and troubleshoot their network from a remote Web browser, rather than being tied to a dedicated management station.

Transcend Network Control Services V1.1 for Windows NT runs on top of HP OpenView Network Node Manager V6.0, but can also be installed in a standalone mode without the need for an open management platform. This capability of platformless operation results in cost savings for customers who don't use open management platforms, and greater flexibility for users who wish to install the product alongside their managed platform of choice.

Managed devices supported by Transcend Network Control Services V1.1 for Windows NT include the CoreBuilder(R) 3500 switch, CoreBuilder 9000 switch, and the SuperStack(R) II 1100, 3300, 3800, 3900, 9000 and 9300 systems, as well as NETBuilder II(R) routers and PathBuilder(TM) switches.

Price and Availability

Transcend Network Control Services V1.1 for Windows NT is priced at $9,995 and is available immediately. For more information, visit 3Com's network management solutions center at http://www.3com.com/solutions/enterprise/netmanage.html.

About 3Com

With approximately 300 million customers worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more people to information in more ways than any other networking company. 3Com delivers innovative information access products and network system solutions to enterprises, small businesses, carriers and network service providers, PC OEMs and consumers. 3Com -- More connected.(TM) For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com, CoreBuilder, NETBuilder II, SuperStack, and Transcend are registered trademarks and AirConnect, PathBuilder and More connected are trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other company or product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.