3Com Connects Users to Best of the Web With New Internet Discovery Suite

Business Wire, Nov 13, 1998

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 1998--Whether you're a curious beginner looking to take advantage of top-rate Internet-optimized applications or a speed-hungry web surfer seeking a modem with a little more kick, 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) has the thing for you - the new 3Com U.S.Robotics (R) Internet Discovery Suite replete with Microsoft(R) software.

Complete with a 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K internal faxmodem and award-winning Microsoft titles, such as Encarta(R) Encyclopedia 99, Microsoft Money 99 and Age of Empires(R), the 3Com U.S. Robotics Internet Discovery Suite gives users the ultimate Internet experience right out of the box. With a no-hassle set-up, even first time users will be up and running in no time.

Priced affordably at $99, the 3Com U.S. Robotics Internet Discovery Suite is a solid value for users of all levels. Whether purchased for personal use or as a gift during the coming holidays, the Internet Discovery Suite is one of the easiest ways to get online and access the wealth of information and fun available on the web.

"3Com understands that connecting to the Internet can be challenging for a first-time user and that's why we joined with Microsoft to bring our customers this all-in-one package," said Don Fotsch, vice president of product management. "With the Internet Discovery Suite, users get everything they'll ever need to have a great Internet experience, a fast modem and award-winning Microsoft software, at a price that's unbeatable. You're not going to find a better offer."

"We are delighted to work with 3Com to make the Internet fast, easy and rewarding for all types of users," said John Jenkins, general manager, Microsoft Corporation. "Our mutual customers not only get great Internet access, they also benefit from the ease and power of leading Internet-enabled business, educational and entertainment software."

3Com U.S. Robotics 56K Faxmodem

The 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K(a) internal faxmodem contained in the Internet Discovery Suite gives users full V.90 standard compatibility. Web pages download faster, audio comes across at near-CD quality and e-mail, data files and software applications access in less time. Best of all, 3Com's 56K modems are changing the face of the Internet by allowing for more visually stimulating web pages through the use of animation and 3D images.

As with all 3Com modem products, users will receive the Connections(tm) CD-ROM, which offers valuable links to Internet Service Providers, a host of Internet tools and a variety of business, virus protection, home entertainment and web browser software. Included on this latest Connections version, which will be available with select 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K V.90 faxmodems, is 3Com's new Modem Manager, an application that allows users to monitor modem performance and trouble shoot from the desktop. With the software, users keep track of their time online, retrieve latest software updates and access easy point-and-click diagnostics, among other benefits.

Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 99

An award-winning multimedia encyclopedia, Encarta Encyclopedia combines current, comprehensive content with the most up-to-date multimedia technology to provide users with unique, engaging learning experiences. In this latest edition, Encarta has added many unique interactive features that take advantage of the wealth of information on the Internet. For example, the software sports web links that connect curious users to additional information on a variety of subjects. Plus, for those using the software online, Encarta will update nightly, creating a living encyclopedia.

Microsoft Money 99

The only thing better than Microsoft Money would be having your own personal accountant. Microsoft Money 99 Basic helps you easily perform your core financial tasks, everything from paying your bills, to creating a budget, to reducing debt in a smarter and faster way with Money's extensive help options.

Built-in online banking applications take advantage of 56K speeds and let you manage your finances without ever leaving the house. Furthermore, Money's innovative help feature makes keeping track of investments no more difficult than recording a check.

Age of Empires from Microsoft

Since everyone needs a break sometime, 3Com's Internet Discovery Suite also includes the Age of Empires, Microsoft's real-time strategy game. Spanning 10 thousand years, Age of Empires lets players become the guiding spirits in the evolution of small Ice Age tribe, playing either against themselves or a multitude of online competitors.

Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their tribes into great civilizations, and choose from one of several ways to win the game including world domination by conquering enemy civilizations, exploring the "known" world, and economic victory through the accumulation of wealth.

About 3Com

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 product 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.