3Com and CompUSA Adopt Web-Based Supply Chain Process; Information Project Created by RosettaNet Consortium Streamlines Business-to-Business Communications.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2000

Product time-to-market will be reduced and operational efficiencies enhanced when 3Com Corp. (Nasdaq:COMS) implements a RosettaNet project developed with CompUSA (NYSE:CPU).

3Com and CompUSA announced today they have implemented a web-based standard to streamline business-to-business operations and are fully compliant with RosettaNet's EConcert Readiness Day.

RosettaNet is a consortium of board member companies dedicated to developing Partner Interface Processes, or PIPs, to support electronic business-to-business relationships. Today is EConcert Readiness Day, the date by which RosettaNet's members are ready to implement a PIP. 3Com and CompUSA piloted a new product introduction standard that accelerates information exchange between the manufacturer and the reseller via the Internet. This and the other PIPs can be used by all RosettaNet members throughout their supply chains.

The operational efficiencies that fluid communication will bring to RosettaNet member businesses will drive the future standard of the supply chain economy, and is expected to prompt the industry to adopt real-time supply chain procedures to compete.

&uot;Companies that are going to thrive in the new e-economy will have to aggressively embrace electronic and Internet-based business procedures. 3Com plans to be among the leading architects of those procedures,&uot; said William Coker, manager for 3Com's e-commerce business-to-business operations.

The new web-based product introduction process between 3Com and CompUSA will enable information to be conveyed fluidly from one supply chain link to the next. The new system can reduce the critical communication process from days to minutes and increase the time employees can spend with customers.

&uot;We're in a fashion industry where there are several product turns a year,&uot; said Ed Jurica, vice president of information service for CompUSA. &uot;Customers expect sophisticated advice on complex products. RosettaNet can make it easier and faster for us to meet that demand.&uot;

&uot;Fluid web communication will streamline our process so resellers and customers get their products faster,&uot; Coker said. &uot;The product introduction PIP coordinates access to information within the supply chain, pushing products through the pipeline with the critical information resellers need for their customers.&uot;

When fully implemented, the RosettaNet product introduction PIP can carry standard product information, including product specifications and pricing, to each link in the chain. The new process dramatically reduces the need to re-enter or add information into a company's internal system before it hits the store shelf. Resellers could know immediately which product suits a customer's need.

3Com's active participation in the RosettaNet consortium is part of the company's multifaceted global e-business program, designed with the goal of streamlining its operations and building its supply relationships to reduce costs, bring products to market faster and increase customer satisfaction.

About 3Com Corporation

With over 300 million customer connections worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more people and organizations to information and each other in more innovative, simple and reliable ways than any other networking company. 3Com delivers e-Networking solutions through information access products and network systems to enterprises, small businesses, consumers, carriers and network service providers. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.

About CompUSA

CompUSA Inc. (www.compusa.com) is one of the nation's leading retailers and resellers of personal computers and related products and services. CompUSA Inc. currently operates 217 CompUSA Computer Superstores in 84 major metropolitan markets across the United States that serve retail, corporate, government and education customers and include technical service departments. Many of the stores include classroom training facilities. CompUSA also offers its own build-to-order personal computer series, the CompUSA PC.

About RosettaNet

RosettaNet is an independent, self-funded, non-profit consortium dedicated to the development and deployment of standard electronic business interfaces to align the processes between supply chain partners on a global basis. Launched in June 1998, RosettaNet is currently in the pilot phase of its implementation cycle.

More than 60 companies representing $600 billion in annual revenues currently provide the mandate for RosettaNet's standards development strategy. A complete list of member companies and more information on RosettaNet can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.rosettanet.org.

Note to Editors: 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.