3Com Toughens Enterprise Security by Offering More Control At Network Edge and More Practical Approach to Security.

Business/Technology Editors

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2003

New Security Enhancements Provide Trouble-Free VPN Access,

Network-Edge Port-Level Protection and Improved Management;

Complements Embedded Firewall Solutions

3Com Corp. (Nasdaq: COMS) today announced the availability of its most comprehensive suite of security solutions through robust enhancements to the 3Com(R) SuperStack(R) 3 Firewall, 3Com SuperStack 3 4400 Switch family and 3Com Network Supervisor software. These feature upgrades are designed to meet today's evolving security challenges by offering multiple layers of protection at distributed points of an enterprise network, from the core to the perimeter to authorized users. Combined with its unique, centrally managed embedded firewall solutions for notebooks and desktop computers, 3Com offers IT management the broadest and most practical range of network security solutions available.

"Security should be woven into the very fabric of a business," said Patrick Guay, vice president and general manager, 3Com LAN Infrastructure Division. "At the same time, businesses want standards-based, customized security solutions that meet specific needs with minimum hassle. 3Com's latest security enhancements make deploying, controlling and managing tamper-resistant enterprise networks as simple as possible without compromising flexibility and versatility. Our development strategy is based on a practical approach to address customers' security needs that span the total network. Customers can deploy 3Com security solutions where and how they need to in order to meet their business needs."

"Meeting the constantly evolving security challenges businesses face requires flexible and ubiquitous intrusion prevention capabilities," said John Pescatore, vice president for Internet Security at Gartner Inc. "Embedding firewalls and security at multiple layers of a network is an important step towards providing security in depth."

3Com SuperStack 3 Firewall

The SuperStack 3 Firewall is an ICSA-certified, high-performance, highly secure firewall that offers maximum protection at an affordable price. Preferred by enterprises looking for simple but secure security management, the firewall's advanced, high-speed virtual private network (VPN) capabilities allow encrypted communications of up to 1,000 remote workers. Key among 40 enhancements and new features:

Support for standard Microsoft VPN clients - The SuperStack 3 Firewall now eliminates the need for costly, third-party VPN software by offering interoperability with Microsoft VPN clients on Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. IT departments once forced to pay an estimated $120 per VPN license on third-party software and then install the licenses on each notebook and desktop computer now have instant VPN capabilities for remote staff with less management hassle.

Support for WAN bandwidth prioritization - IT staff can determine - with flexibility - when and which kind of traffic moves unimpeded through the firewall out across the WAN. Prioritization can be determined through parameters such as time of day, allowing for faster overnight storage backup, or by application, to give precedence to networked telephony traffic.

Dual Security Zones - Traditionally a feature of more expensive security devices, the SuperStack 3 Firewall can be configured to create two secure but separate networks through a single firewall. This allows IT administrators to segregate sensitive information. For example, a hospital administration network could be protected from the "medical" network on a single firewall, yet all users would enjoy access to the Internet and protection from external hackers.

Other features include:

-- Remote, web-based firewall configuration without a VPN tunnel using SSL encryption

-- An internal authentication database, allowing up to 100 users to be "pre-authorized" for access, commonly used in education environments for teachers and administrators

3Com SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 Security Enhancements

The enterprise-class SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 family delivers high-performance 10/100 Ethernet switching and enhanced features that include advanced traffic filtering, Quality of Service functionality and full telephony support. The latest software release for the SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 family (version 3.0) adds Network Login 802.1X support(a), further enhancing network security in the wiring closet and making it possible to authenticate users on the network. As well as providing all the 802.1X authentication and accounting functionality, 3Com takes the 802.1X solution one stage further by integrating support into 3Com Network Supervisor Advanced Package. Once users are authenticated, 3Com Network Supervisor Advanced Package can track and identify each user, including which switch they are connected to, allowing network administrators to efficiently track down user-based problems and potential hackers.

The combination of 3Com Network Supervisor Advanced Package, 802.1X authentication and the advanced layer 4 capabilities of the SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 makes it possible to secure the wiring closets throughout the organization simply and efficiently.

3Com Network Supervisor Advanced Package

3Com Network Supervisor is a powerful yet easy-to-use management application that graphically discovers, maps, and displays network links and IP devices so IT managers can easily monitor stress levels, set thresholds and alerts, view network events, generate reports in user-defined formats, and launch device configuration tools. The Advanced Package is an add-on to Network Supervisor, helping manage larger, more complex network. Its new features include:

-- Enhanced Security - The 3Com Network Supervisor Advanced

Package now supports 802.1X network login, identifies RADIUS

servers and highlights authentication issues. Clients now

appear and disappear in real time on network maps as they log

on and off.

-- VLAN support with network views by VLAN

-- Ability to schedule key tasks such as network discovery,

device configuration backup and software agent updates for

more flexible, productive network administration

Pricing and Availability

These features are available immediately to both new and existing customers of the SuperStack 3 Firewall, SuperStack 3 Switch 4400, and Network Supervisor Advanced Package.

New customers will need to purchase the SuperStack 3 Firewall (version 6.3, model 3CR16110-95, $3999) SuperStack 3 Switch 4400* (version 3.0, models 3C17204 - 48 port, $3295, 3C17203 - 24 port, $1595, 3C17206 - 24 port SE version, $1295) and Network Supervisor Advanced Package (version 2.0, model 3C15201A, $995). For more information please visit www.3com.com/security.

For existing customers who want to obtain software upgrades, a service contract must be purchased. 3Com has a range of support contracts available, including a new low-cost Software Upgrade Service. For a complete maintenance service package with hardware replacement and technical support, 3Com recommends Express(SM) or Guardian(SM) Service (which includes software upgrades). Contact your 3Com reseller for information about the maintenance, installation, and implementation services available in your area.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com is a tier-one provider of innovative, practical and high-value networking products for enterprise customers. 3Com is also a leader in Internet protocol (IP) service platforms and access infrastructure for the network service provider market. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

(a) Network Login 802.1X support is not available on the SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 SE. Customers with the Switch 4400 SE can enable Network Login 802.1X and other advanced features by purchasing the Switch 4400 SE Enhanced Software Upgrade 3C17207 $495.

SuperStack, 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and Express and Guardian are service marks of 3Com Corporation. All other names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.