3Com Ships Standards-based V.90 56K PC Cards for Mobile Market
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — April 29, 1998 — 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) today announced the immediate availability of the first 3Com Megahertz(R) 56K(1) Modem PC Cards that are compliant with the ITU standard V.90.
The first product to include V.90 is the 3Com Megahertz 56K Global Modem PC Card (model number 3CCM156B) with 3Com's exclusive WorldPort(tm) country configuration software, which allows for easy connections to phone systems in over 250 countries and regions worldwide.
Additional products that comply with the V.90 standard, including cellular-capable modem PC Cards and combination LAN + 56K modem PC Cards, are poised to ship during the next quarter.
Dual Compatibility and Free Software Upgrades
All 3Com Megahertz Modem PC Cards with V.90 are fully backward compatible with x2 technology — ensuring that mobile users connect to their ISP or remote access server at the fastest available speed.
"Corporate customers require standards based communications products, which is especially critical for the mobile user who needs to connect from a variety of locations," said Lisa Pelgrim, senior analyst at Dataquest. "By providing V.90 PC Cards, 3Com will help enable corporate and mobile users to migrate to 56K."
"Universal compatibility is essential to 3Com's mobile customers that require reliable connections anytime, anywhere," said Rich Redelfs, vice president of marketing for 3Com's mobile communications division. "3Com is delivering a very reliable, high performance 56K connection for mobile users."
Owners of all Megahertz modem PC Cards with x2 technology are guaranteed free software upgrades for a smooth transition to the new V.90 standard(2). Owners may check for upgrade information on 3Com's 56K web site at www.3Com.com/56k.
Product Pricing and Availability
The 3Com Megahertz 56K V.90 Global Modem PC Card, which works in over 250 countries and regions worldwide, is now shipping in North America at a list price of US $ 269. 3Com Megahertz 10 Mbps LAN + 56K Modem PC Card and 10/100 Mbps LAN + 56K Modem PC Card are expected to ship in North America in May. A detailed list of upgrades and product availability dates is posted on the web site at www.3com.com/56k.
3Com supports all its PC Cards with a compatibility guarantee and an industry-leading lifetime limited warranty.
The V.90 Standard
3Com's V.90 products provide its customers with a universally interoperable solution with backward compatibility supporting x2 technology and the V.90 standard. The 56K standard specification was determined at the February meetings of the ITU in Geneva, Switzerland.
At that time, it was given its official V-series number – V.90. The technical aspects of a determined standard were thereby frozen, although there may be subsequent editorial changes. At its September 1998 meeting, the ITU will complete the formalities at which time the determined 56K recommendation becomes a "decision," also referred to as ratification.
One of the chief benefits of V.90 technology is its universal compatibility. This enables modem owners to connect to any 56K ISP or remote access server, regardless of which modem manufacturer's equipment is being used. To that end, 3Com unveiled its Interoperability Testing Program in February 1998. The program was designed to accelerate universal compatibility across the modem industry.
On Feb. 17, 1998, 3Com and Rockwell Semiconductor Systems announced the successful completion of interoperability testing of their respective implementations of the V.90 standard. Interoperability between 3Com and Rockwell technologies allows for compatibility across the 56K industry and is expected to spur market growth.
About 3Com
3Com Corporation enables individuals and organizations worldwide to communicate and share information and resources at anytime from anywhere. As one of the world's preeminent suppliers of data, voice and video communications technology, 3Com has delivered networking solutions to more than 100 million customers worldwide. The company provides large enterprises, small and medium enterprises, carriers and network service providers, and consumers 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
3Com and Megahertz are registered trademarks and x2 and WorldPort are trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
(1) 56Kbps technology refers to server download speeds only and requires compatible modems at server sites. All V.90 products are capable of 56 Kbps 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 and other factors. Uploads travel at speeds up to 31.2 Kbps. Requires analog phone line compatible with 56K technology. See www.3com.com/56k for details.
(2) 33.6 modem owners can upgrade to V.90 for $ 60. Free upgrades to V.90 technology apply only to x2-native modems, and modems that were previously upgraded from 33.6 technology to x2 technology.
For more information on 3Com's Megahertz 56K standard-compliant modems and upgrades call 1-800-NET-3COM.
CONTACT:
3Com Public Relations
Thea Hayden, 408/326-3021
thea_hayden@3com.com