3Com Extends Wireless Strategy Into Wired Networks

Enterprise Networks & Servers, Sep 2004

3Com Corp. has announced a "blueprint" for its new wireless switch-based solutions that will be rolled out over the next few months in a series of new product announcements. 3Com's wireless switch blueprint is intended to map out the options available to its enterprise customers in building next-generation, converged wired and wireless networks.

3Com is also pursuing its partner strategy to facilitate faster time-to-market for certain components of the solutions and to have the ability to integrate wireless switch functionality into other 3Com products and new platforms over time.

"Enterprise wireless LAN systems need to integrate with the wired network in order to keep operational costs low," said Abner Germanow, enterprise networking research manager at IDC. "CIOs and IT managers need to consider how wireless LANs systems fit into the technical tasks of managing security protocols and device configuration as well as the business burdens of managing multiple vendors for all the various components of an enterprise network."

3Com's new wireless-switch-based blueprint is organized into three main areas: convergence, compatibility and comprehensiveness of products and services. Convergence consists of combining wired and wireless networking with voice and security. Compatibility is focused on interoperability with third parly wired and wireless products by leveraging 3Com customer's existing wireless access point investments, which enables a higher return on investment and product future-proofing. The comprehensiveness of products and services spans across a wide array, including centralized management, security and voice applications, virtual LAN and Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.

In order to accelerate "time to market" with the delivery of key components that constitute 3Com's wireless switch plans, 3Com is working with Trapeze Networks, an enterprise wireless LAN vendor. The next phase of 3Com's wireless strategy consists of collaborating with Trapeze to leverage its wireless hardware and software portfolio. The future phases of the relationship include plans to join forces with Trapeze on integrating wireless functionality into 3Com's wired products.

"Expanding 3Com's presence into new segments of the enterprise market through collaborative relationships is a fundamental part of our strategy," said Anik Bose, vice president of corporate business development, 3Com. "Our new relationship with Trapeze Networks employs this strategy to help bolster our already strong enterprise wireless product line. This relationship will enable us to extend the scalability and feature-leadership of our wireless solutions to all segments of the enterprise market."

3Com plans to deliver an enterprise wireless switch control 1er that will work in conjunction with 3Com's PoE product, the SupcrStack 3 Switch 4400PWR, as well as a scaled-down version for small enterprise and small-to medium-business customers.

3Com also intends to offer new professional services to support the wireless switch products. They will include planning, installation, integration and maintenance.