3Com Unveils Next Generation of Internet Protocol Business Phone; Voice Quality and Convenience Features Can Help Boost User Productivity.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

VoiceCon 2004

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 2004

3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) is using this week's VoiceCon 2004 as a showcase for its new 3Com(R) 3102 Business Phone, the first member of a family of Internet protocol (IP) desktop phones designed to meet the needs of enterprises of any size and support 3Com's own call control protocols and industry-standard session initiation protocol (SIP).

The 3Com 3102 Business Phone is a next generation design focused on telephone voice quality by featuring enhanced acoustic design and by leveraging the emerging wideband audio standard, which significantly enhances speech transmission compared to conventional public switch telephone network (PSTN). The 3102 phone also includes convenience and productivity features that make it an advanced business tool.

"With 3Com's exceptional voice quality, I am able to communicate with distinction and clarity," said Gary Schneidman, CFO and controller of Interstate Lumber & Mill Corporation. "The 3Com 3102 Business Phone is so easy to use, and with its 'plug and play' installation, I was up and running in no time."

The 3Com 3102 Business Phone has been designed to support the emerging wideband audio standards developed to enhance the quality of voice conversations. A typical PSTN phone line reproduces speech at 3.3 kHz, a legacy of Alexander Graham Bell, whereas the 3102 phone can relay IP conversations at a frequency of 7 kHz or higher, enabling clearer and more productive phone calls.

Combined with the carrier-class 3Com VCX(TM) V7000 IP Telephony Solution, 3Com SuperStack(R) 3 NBX(R) Networked Telephony Solution, 3Com NBX 100 Communications System, the 3Com 3102 Business Phone is SIP compliant, protecting enterprises' investments in IP telephony. SIP enables multi-vendor interoperability and is also backward-compatible allowing older SIP-based equipment to support new SIP applications.

"The 3Com 3102 Business Phone is the first in a new family of IP phones targeted to meet the needs of a global audience," said David Chu, 3Com executive director of product line management. "When designing this phone, we took into account input from customer focus groups, research and design reviews, and experienced IP phone users to bring to market a device that has features and flexibility that increases productivity and reduces cost of ownership."

Key Features and Benefits

The 3Com 3102 Business Phone offers users an easy-to-use device that is more compact and has a contemporary, sleek design. Its key features include:

-- Enhanced Speakerphone and acoustic design, a high-quality,

full-duplex speakerphone and unidirectional microphone have

been meticulously incorporated into the phone's external

housing design to maximize speaker volume and reduce

background noise;

-- The Buttons on the phone have an improved tactile feel

including a concaved dial pad. Eighteen light-emitting diodes

(LEDs) make it easier for customers to choose the features

they need and place them where they want on the phone;

-- IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet is supported via the RJ-45

Ethernet connector,

-- Built-in handset jack with RJ-9 modular connector designed to

support headsets without amplifier from leading vendors such

as GN Netcom and Plantronics; and

-- Localized faceplates are available to provide customized phone

faceplates for the most commonly used features on the phone.

Users worldwide will have a tool that reflects the language

they use for business. This snap-in faceplate is available in

German, Spanish, Italian and French languages.

Pricing and Availability

The 3Com 3102 Business Phone will be available in late March in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and has a list price of $310 U.S. The 3Com IP phone can be purchased through 3Com enterprise voice solutions global account managers and more than 500 resellers and distributors worldwide.

About 3Com

3Com is a leading provider of innovative, practical and high-value voice and data networking products, services and solutions for enterprises of all sizes and public sector organizations. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com, NBX, SuperStack and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and VCX is a trademark of 3Com Corporation.