3COM Delivers On Strategy To Integrate Network Management Applications; Company Delivers On Promise To Provide Single Application to Manage Industry's Broadest Networking Systems Product Range

Business Wire, Feb 11, 1996

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 1996--Global data networking leader, 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) has successfully delivered the first phase of a three-phased strategy to integrate its ONdemand NCS network management application (for ONcore(R) and ONline(TM) systems gained in the acquisition of Chipcom Corporation) with its Transcend(TM) network management application.

Transcend currently manages 3Com adapters, stackable systems, remote access devices and LAN and ATM switches. With complete integration planned for September 1996, Transcend network management will provide users with end-to-end management of all 3Com products -- including ONcore and Online systems -- which represents the industry's broadest product line.

Each phase of the integration strategy features a higher level of integration, providing a clear migration path for Transcend and ONdemand users. The integration strategy includes:

-- Phase one (shipping today) provides a full enterprise solution for managing networks comprised of 3Com products, including ONcore systems. Customers with requirements for both Transcend and ONdemand functionality can purchase a combined package of Transcend Enterprise Manager for UNIX and ONdemand NCS for UNIX for a special price of $9,995 (U.S. list), $4,495 less than the cost of purchasing the applications separately.

-- Phase two increases the level of integration between the two application suites. ONdemand will be launched from within Transcend and both suites will have a common install, common graphical user interface and on-line manual. Transcend with integrated ONdemand will be available in March for UNIX and in May for Microsoft Windows.

-- Phase three, scheduled for September 1996 for UNIX and year-end for Windows, will feature complete, seamless integration of both application suites under the Transcend platform. This phase will offer the addition of a series of value-added applications that will provide enhanced management to all 3Com products, including ONcore and ONline.

The integration strategy, which benefits both new and existing Transcend and ONdemand customers, broadens 3Com's network monitoring and analysis solution that was announced in November 1995. Network monitoring and analysis is a value-added network management application for Transcend that enables users to efficiently and proactively monitor all elements of their networks as a single system. The implementation includes embedded 3Com RMON SmartAgent(R) software and best-in-class front end analysis application.

About Transcend

3Com provides customers with the feature-rich Transcend Enterprise Management application for managing all elements of the network with a common look and feel. Adapter, stackable and chassis hub, router, workgroup switch, and chassis backbone switch management applications all reside on the leading industry standard software platforms, including Microsoft Windows, HP OpenView for UNIX, IBM NetView AIX, and Sun Microsystems SunNet Manager.

3Com Corporation has helped more than 25 million people gain access to critical information through high speed networks. Designed to serve large enterprises, small offices and homes, 3Com products provide a scalable architecture to meet the immediate and long-term connectivity needs of today's user. With research and development on three continents, 3Com is one of the data networking industry's largest and fastest growing companies. The company's innovative marketing, sales and support simplify communication, optimize network reliability and protect customer investments. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at http://www.3Com.com. -0-

Note to Editors: 3Com, SmartAgent and ONcore are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Transcend and ONline are trademarks of 3Com Corporation.

CONTACT: 3Com Public Relations

Dan Foley, 508/264-1768

Dan_Foley@3mail.3Com.com