3Com Combines Fastest Modem with Industry’s Leading Network Interface Card Technology
June 12, 1995–3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) today announced it will equip mobile computing users with the most powerful PC Card (formerly PCMCIA) by combining the fastest modem standard with industry proven network interface card technology.
Incorporating 28.8 Kbps (V.34) and high performance Ethernet Parallel Tasking, the new EtherLink III Lan+Modem PC Card allows modem communication to be completed in half the time of competitive products, translating into increased productivity and lower line charges. Bringing local area network (LAN) and modem technologies into one card also allows for better utilization of notebook computer slots and guaranteed compatibility between the two functions.
"PC Card competition is heating up, and buyers are now faced with choosing between a modem or networking vendor for their combo card purchases," said Rich Redelfs, director of marketing for 3Com's Remote and Mobile Products. "Modem failure affects one user, but network interface card failure can affect the entire network. 3Com's reputation for fast, reliable LAN connections, along with an installed base of 20 million adapters worldwide, puts us in a strong position."
3Com's EtherLink III LAN+Modem PC Card is the first to be compliant with the PCMCIA's recently adopted PC Card Standard. The standard's enhancements address previous compatibility issues and offer new combo card features, including simultaneous use of both LAN and modem functions.
3Com has engineered the EtherLink III LAN+Modem PC Card to work with all leading notebook and portable computers, pre- and post-PC Card Standard, with or without Card Services support. The new combo card includes all the features of 3Com's best selling EtherLink III LAN Card such as automatic installation, low power consumption and hot swap capabilities.
The product comes bundled with the popular WinFax(TM) LITE fax software and WinComm(TM) LITE terminal emulation software from Delrina Corporation.
Pricing and Availability
3Com's EtherLink III LAN+Modem PC Card will be available in mid-July at a list price of $ 569 per adapter in a five-adapter pack via the company's distribution channels. This pricing is competitive with current combo cards which only offer 14.4 Kbps modem speed. As with all 3Com adapters, the EtherLink III LAN+Modem PC Card provides outstanding reliability and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Founded in 1979, 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) pioneered the data networking industry. Today, 3Com offers customers a broad range of ISO 9000-compliant global data networking solutions that include routers, hubs, switches and adapters for Ethernet, Token Ring and high-speed networks. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., 3Com has worldwide research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and support capabilities. The company's home page can be accessed at http://www.3Com.com.
Note to Editors: 3Com, EtherLink and Parallel Tasking are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Market perspective can be obtained from Maribel Lopez Howard at International Data Corporation, 508/935-4175.
CONTACT:
3Com Public Relations
Jennifer Wade, 408/764-5137
Internet: Jennifer_Wade@3mail.3Com.com
Valerie Bellofatto, 408/764-6194
Internet: Valerie_Bellofatto@3mail.3Com.com