3Com Announces New OEM Ready U.S. Robotics 56K Modems

Business Wire, August 26, 1998

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 1998--

PCI-Based 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K OEM Modems Offer Both 3Com 56K

Technology and V.90; Fully ACPI Compatible and Supports Intel's

Instantly Available PC Initiative

Continuing to provide the PC OEM market with the latest Internet access technology, 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) today announced a new line of 3Com U.S. Robotics(R) 56K(a) modems specifically designed and manufactured for PC OEMs.

3Com U.S. Robotics modem boards account for 36 percent of the OEM market(b), the largest share from any single manufacturer. These new PCI (peripheral component interconnect) based modem cards deliver a single DSP (digital signal processing) architecture, ACPI support, universal compatibility in 56K technology, complete Windows(R) compatibility, and the latest 3Com U.S. Robotics modem enhancements for PC OEMs.

3Com U.S. Robotics 56K OEM Modems: Single DSP Architecture, ACPI Compliance

3Com U.S. Robotics 56K OEM modems represent the state of the art for internal data, fax, and/or voice PCI modem cards. The new single DSP platform increases productivity and reduces overall cost of the modem for customers. Based on the award winning 3Com data pump, the new line of 56K OEM modems will add even more value to personal computer manufacturers transitioning to the next generation PC.

"Our new OEM 56K modems will offer leading PC manufacturers a unique business opportunity as they transition to next generation product," said Greg Nemec, director of OEM product management for 3Com's Personal Communications Division.

"The new U.S. Robotics 56K modem line enables them to provide customers with complete, integrated connectivity solutions customized to their needs. At the same time, PC OEM's can leverage 3Com's strong brand recognition and guaranteed compatibility, extending their business reach and ensuring their customers unsurpassed performance."

3Com has additionally been working with Intel to ensure that its new modems are ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) compliant and ready for market upon the first release of an Instantly Available PC system. Instantly Available PCs will power down to a very deep sleep state, consuming as little power as a night light, but retains the capability to respond to various external functions such as a phone call, fax machine, or data call.

An Instantly Available PC supporting a 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K OEM modem will increase productivity and cost savings with the capability to receive constant communications with low power consumption. Because of these new technologies, end users will soon be able to experience a PC that will be working for them around the clock. One scenario is the ability of the PC to wake up a couple of hours before you, download the latest news via your 56K modem, and display it for you at the breakfast table.

"Intel is excited about 3Com's participle, Office Features, Flash ROM, Windows Certification

Supporting both international and the new ITU load at high speeds from any service provider osages all at once.

This includes setting up multiple mailboxes, Caller ID, automatic redial, fax on demand and distinctive ring allowing users to assign separate phone numbers for incoming faxes, data, and voice calls all on one phone line. The modem can additionally signal a pager when a fax or phone messages arrive.

For continued investment protection, 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K OEM modems are Flash ROM upgradable to bring code updates and new features immediately to the end-user. Easy plug and play installation with Windows operating systems, the 56K OEM modems are compatible with all major data, fax and voice software for Windows. The new modems detect and install automatically to PCs running Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0. DOS box support is also available allowing users to run DOS based applications in Windows environments as well.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation enables individuals and organizations worldwide to stay more connected by communicating and sharing information and resources anytime, anywhere. As one of the world's preeminent suppliers of data, voice and video communications technology, 3Com has delivered networking solutions to nearly 200 million customers worldwide.

The company provides large enterprise, small and medium enterprise, carriers and network service providers, and consumers with comprehensive, innovative information access products and system solutions for building intelligent, reliable and high performance local and wide area networks. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at http://www.3com.com or the press site at http://www.3com.com/pressbox.> Note to Editors: 3Com and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other product and company names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

(a) 56Kbps technology refers to server download speeds only and requires compatible modems at server sites. All V.90 products are capable of 56kbps downloads; however, due to FCC rules which restrict power output of service providers' modems, current download speeds are limited to 53 Kbps. Actual speeds may vary depending on line conditions. Uploads travel at speeds up to 31.2 Kbps. Requires analog phone line compatible with 56K technology. See www.3com.com/56k for details.