3Com's Internet Appliance Division Teams With QNX; QNX-R- Technology to be Integrated Into Upcoming Internet Appliance Line

Business Wire, May 15, 2000

Business & Technology Editors

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2000

3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) today announced it is working with QNX Software Systems to develop a platform for 3Com's upcoming Internet Appliance line.

By integrating QNX's technology into the new Internet Appliance line, 3Com will provide consumers with world-class reliability and simplicity in gaining access to important information anytime, anywhere. The new product line under development is designed to dramatically simplify the family Internet experience.

"QNX is renowned for its ability to provide reliable service to mission-critical applications for industries, such as health care," said Don Fotsch, vice president and general manager, 3Com Internet Appliance Division. "At 3Com, our goal is to make friendly, radically simple products for consumers. By combining QNX reliability with 3Com simplicity, we will meet our objective of creating a convenient, enjoyable, time-saving Internet appliance for the family."

"3Com has the technology, know-how, and, most of all, market experience to deliver what consumers are waiting for -- a truly simple Internet experience," said Dan Dodge, CTO at QNX. "By leveraging QNX's mature portfolio of Internet and multimedia technologies, 3Com can offer its customers a potent combination of speed, usability and, of course, reliability."

3Com's Internet Appliance Division combines the marketing power and channel strength of 3Com's consumer connectivity leadership with the fast-paced, instant decision-making ability of a startup. 3Com's consumer networks business encompasses leading home networking kits, cable and DSL modems and PC webcams all branded 3Com(R) HomeConnect(TM).

The goal of the 3Com Internet Appliance team is to provide the best Internet experience by doing a handful of things extremely well. With a foundation in extensive primary customer research, the division is centered on creating radically simple solutions for the digital home.

About 3Com's Digital Home

3Com's vision of a digital home is one that connects family members to each other and to important information -- both within and outside the home. Based on real-life consumer needs for Internet connectivity, the digital home parlays 3Com's acknowledged expertise in networking computers and enriches consumers' lifestyles with simple, reliable and innovative products. Encompassing a wide variety of available HomeConnect(TM) brand products, 3Com is the only company that provides every connectivity element required by digital home members -- such as cable and DSL modems, home networking products and PC WebCams.

About 3Com

With more than 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 web-enabled solutions to consumers, small- to medium-sized business sites and network service providers. For more information, visit 3Com's web site at www.3com.com/pressbox.> About QNX Software Systems

Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is the industry leader in realtime, microkernel OS technology. The company has established a strong customer base in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical instrumentation, process control, transportation, point-of-sale, and telephony. QNX products are distributed in over 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com

3Com is a registered trademark and HomeConnect is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. QNX is a registered trademark of QNX Software Systems Ltd.