3Com and Polycom Team Up to Deliver IP-Based Conference Phone for Networked Telephony Solutions; Voice over IP Conference Phone Rounds Out Offer for End-Users.

Business/Technology Editors

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2002

3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) and Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), a worldwide leader in the convergence of interactive voice, video and data communications, today announced an agreement to deliver the SoundStation(R) IP 3000 - 3Com(R) NBX(R) phone, a new IP-based conference phone that integrates fully with the 3Com NBX platform. Combining the rich sound quality of Polycom's SoundStation IP 3000 conference phone and the industry-leading 3Com NBX IP-based business telephone system will give customers an exceptional conference phone for headquarters and branch locations.

This offer is the first result of Polycom's participation in the 3Com Solution Providers Program, which is designed to expand the array of software, hardware and services that can be integrated with converged voice and data networks.

The SoundStation(R) IP 3000 - 3Com NBX conference phone responds to the fast-growing demand for IP PBX systems by bringing the advantages of voice over IP technology to conference rooms. The IP speakerphone acts as a network device that can plug into any Ethernet network jack. It provides the same full-duplex audio of traditional Polycom conference phones, while giving users access to feature-rich displays and other functions they expect from IP handsets. An easy-to-use interface gives access to 3Com's IP telephony feature set directly from the conference room, including full access to voice mail, call transfer, internal name directories, as well as the ability to add new participants. In addition, the SoundStation(R) IP 3000 - 3Com NBX conference phone supports remote offices and telecommuters, facilitating effective communications without incurring travel expenses.

"Our relationship with Polycom reflects 3Com's focus on working with best-in-class solution providers to broaden customer choices," said Dan Massiello, vice president and general manager, Communications Solutions Division, 3Com. "Conferencing, in any economic climate, is a cost effective way for businesses to communicate with staff, customers and suppliers. Now, 3Com customers have access to an industry-leading IP conference phone that works with 3Com's NBX platform, creating a fully integrated enterprise communications system."

"The SoundStation IP 3000 - 3Com NBX conference phone delivers our renowned Clarity by Polycom(TM) voice quality and is tightly integrated with the 3Com NBX system to provide customers with a product that is simple to install and that offers easy access to the platform's features and functionality," said Sunil Bhalla, senior vice president and general manager of voice communications, Polycom. "Our extensive integration work ensures that the conference phone is an optimal interface for the 3Com NBX platform."

Single Infrastructure, Investment Assurance

The standards-based NBX platform provides a single infrastructure for voice and data communications that allows customers to extend the capabilities and functionality of the SoundStation(R) IP 3000 - 3Com NBX conference phone to a company's headquarters, branch offices and telecommuters. As such, customers can leverage key features and applications of the NBX system. For example, the NBX virtual tie line application allows customers to hold conference calls across a wide area network (WAN) bypassing long-distance charges. The conference phone also provides a high level of integration that is unmatched by traditional PBX systems. Ongoing field upgrades ensure that the IP conference phone is fully equipped with the latest features and functionality, providing long-term investment protection.

"We chose the SoundStation IP 3000 - 3Com NBX conference phone because it gave us an IP conference phone solution that met the communications needs of our multiple offices distributed throughout the county," said Bill Miller, manager, desktop services, County of Nevada, California. "The SoundStation IP 3000 - 3Com NBX conference phone gives us features and functions that aren't available with traditional PBX solutions, such as access to voice mail and internal name directories. In addition, the phone rounds our IP telephony solution, while enabling us to leverage our existing investment in the NBX platform."

Pricing and Availability

Expected to be available worldwide March 2002, the SoundStation IP 3000 - 3Com NBX conference phone can be purchased through resellers authorized by 3Com and Polycom. The cost of the phone is $999 USD and the cost of the 3Com NBX license is $100 USD.

About Polycom, Inc.

Polycom, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality, easy-to-use and affordable voice and video communication endpoints, video management software, multi-network gateways, and multi-point conferencing and network access solutions. Its fully integrated end-to-end solution, The Polycom Office(TM), is supported by the Polycom Accelerated Communications Architecture, and enables business users to immediately realize the benefits of integrated video, voice and data over rapidly growing converged networks. For additional information, call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or [phone], or visit the Polycom web site at www.polycom.com.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com is the global leader in functionally rich, easy-to-use networking products that connect businesses to their employees, customers and suppliers anytime, anywhere. 3Com is also a leader in Internet protocol (IP) service platforms and access infrastructure for the network service provider market. In 1979, the company was founded by one of the inventors of Ethernet technology on which virtually all local area networks are based. Since then, 3Com has sold more than 340,000,000 Ethernet connections. 3Com has headquarters in Santa Clara, California and offices around the world. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com and NBX are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Polycom, the Polycom logo and SoundStation are registered trademarks and The Polycom Office is a trademark of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including potential fluctuations in results and future growth rates, the market acceptance of the company's products, possible delays in the development and shipment of new products, and risks associated with changes in general economic conditions. Further risks are detailed from time to time in Polycom's SEC reports, including the Form 10-K, for 2000, and subsequent Form 10-Q filings.