Internet Access: Micron Electronics and 3Com Corporation Announce First All-In-One Networking and Internet Solution for Small Businesses as Part of Micron's MConnect Initiative - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, May 3, 1999

Micron Electronics, Inc. and 3Com Corporation Wednesday announced the details of a strategic agreement to provide small business customers with an all-in-one, pre-configured and tested networking solution.

Designed for small businesses and home businesses, the solution enables users to easily connect office PCs and to access the Internet quickly. The solution includes Micron Millennia PCs with pre-installed 3Com network interface cards, 3Com's awarding-winning OfficeConnect 56K(Note A) LAN Modem and OfficeConnect Dual Speed Hub 8, and cabling.

Micron has developed this easy-to-use, Internet-ready networking solution for small, growing businesses with 2-10 computers. The all-in-one solution virtually eliminates confusion for customers who may not have much technical expertise or networking knowledge, and is ideal for those who require a proven, no-hassle, cost-effective product.

Micron also announced a special free offer with the networking solution. The company will include, at no charge, the 3Com OfficeConnect 56K LAN Modem and cabling with the lease of three to six Micron Millennia PCs. For business customers who lease seven or more Micron Millennia PCs, Micron will provide both the OfficeConnect LAN Modem and OfficeConnect Dual Speed Hub 8 and cabling at no charge.

Micron and 3Com will be offering the small business networking solution as a key component of Micron's recently announced MConnect technology initiative, a multi-faceted program designed to offer value-packed PC-based technology services and solutions to small businesses and consumers. In its first phase, Micron's MConnect program provides one year of prepaid unlimited Internet access through EarthLink(Note B), customized consumer and small business start pages through Yahoo!, and 3Com's small business networking solution. These solutions are being offered together or separately on select configurations of Micron's Millennia product line. (See separate press release, "Micron Electronics Announces Agreements with EarthLink, Yahoo!, and 3Com Corporation to Deliver PC-based Technology and Services Through Its New MConnect Program," dated April 6, 1999.)

"Small businesses have unique needs and concerns when it comes to setting up an office network and accessing the Internet," said Michael Gale, Vice President of the Web business at Micron Electronics. "This high quality solution is designed to meet those needs while eliminating the hassle and confusion for our customers. The Millennia PC, combined with 3Com's OfficeConnect networking products, is a sure-win for a small business customer looking for a fast and easy way to get networked and onto the Internet."

"3Com and Micron are extending their strengths in the small business market by focusing on customer needs and then delivering complete network solutions to meet those demands," said Karen Oddey, Vice President of Marketing for 3Com. "Small businesses want to take advantage of networking and the Internet because they see the advantages and value it adds to their businesses, however they want solutions that are easy and help with determining what products are best for their needs. By broadening the meaning of `delivering a solution', we're offering small business customers a single source for office computing and networking solutions. We've made it very simple."

Small Business Networking Solution Along with the Millennia desktop computer, the solution includes 3Com's OfficeConnect 56K LAN Modem, one OfficeConnect Dual Speed Hub 8, and all necessary cables. This combination of products provides reliable office networking and access to the Internet for up to 10 computers over standard analog telephone lines.

The award-winning 3Com OfficeConnect LAN Modem combines the dial-up capabilities of a modem with an Ethernet hub, eliminating the COM port bottleneck and allowing simultaneous local networking for up to 25 PCs when configured with three OfficeConnect Dual Speed Hub 8 products. The LAN Modem is easy to setup and use and gives users unparalleled speed. All the necessary cables, also part of the all-in-one solution from Micron, will be shipped to customers with every order placed, based on the customer's specific requirements.

Millennia Desktop Computers The Millennia line of desktop computers is aimed at small business and power users who tend to frequent the Internet and use applications that are rich in graphics, sound and video. Millennia desktop computers are available with a range of processors, including the Intel Celeron 466 MHz processor, and other high-performance components that rank it at or near the top of performance charts for PCs.

In addition to the hardware and software solution, Micron provides a dedicated telephone sales and technical support team to address customers' needs. Micron offers a variety of service options to meet every customer's need, from the standard one-year onsite warranty to dedicated systems management and consulting services.