3Com Unveils Two New 56K PC Card Modems Optimized for Windows
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — August 19, 1998 — 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) today announced the immediate availability of two new PC card modems optimized for notebook PCs running Microsoft Windows operating systems.
The new 3Com Megahertz(R) brand Winmodem(R) PC card delivers reliability and high performance combined with an industry leading lifetime warranty and the convenience of 3Com's patented XJACK(R) connector to corporate customers that have standardized on Windows 95, 98 or NT. The second new product, the 3Com U.S. Robotics(R) brand Winmodem PC card will be sold at retail and offers the fastest V.90 56K throughput to consumers and small business users who are running Windows 95 or 98.
Winmodem products are a new category of modems that harness the power of Pentium-class processors to compress data. By maximizing performance in the Windows operating environment, 3Com Winmodem PC cards out-perform the competition, with throughput up to 90 percent higher than other PC Card modems.(a)
With worldwide PC card modem market share four times larger than the nearest competitor (In-Stat, Q1, 1998), 3Com is the world's leading supplier of mobile data communications solutions and information access products. 3Com's mobile communications division provides a full line of PC Card products including modems, cellular-capable modems, combination cards, Ethernet and Fast Ethernet PC cards.
"Most corporate customers have standardized on Windows 95, and many will be transitioning to Windows NT. The 3Com Megahertz card is designed specifically for those corporate customers that want an extremely fast and reliable modem and plan to maintain the Windows operating environment on all notebooks," said Rich Redelfs, vice president of marketing for 3Com's mobile communications division.
"The U.S. Robotics(R) card is directed at the growing segment of small business and consumer notebook purchasers who are looking for a brand like the U.S. Robotics brand that they know and trust."
Dependable Modem Performance with Exclusive Line Probing Technology(b)
The two new V.90 56K WinModem PC Cards, like all new V.90 modems and LAN + modem PC Cards from 3Com, use exclusive Line Probing technology, a feature engineered by 3Com that dynamically avoids line impairments and ensures high performance on a wide variety of phone lines.
All 3Com V.90 modems use an advanced line probing sequence that intelligently determines current line conditions and dynamically optimizes the connection to avoid the toughest line impairments. Exclusive Line Probing technology takes advantage of 3Com's years of experience working with telephone companies and networks around the world to achieve faster, more reliable connections.
3Com Megahertz 56K V.90 Winmodem PC Card
3Com's new Winmodem architecture is designed specifically for the corporate IS managers who demand reliable performance for their mobile workers. The 3Com Megahertz 56K V.90 Winmodem PC card features outstanding 56K performance with Windows 95, 98, and NT, including NT 4.0. Easy installation, guaranteed compatibility and reliable performance limit support calls to IS managers from workers on the road and reduce total cost of ownership.
The 3Com Megahertz PC card also features 3Com's exclusive XJACK connector, a convenient alternative to cable connectors that allows a direct connection to any standard RJ11 telephone cord. Users don't have to worry about carrying or losing any extra modem cables in order to connect remotely. A cabled version is also available. The XJACK connector, available on 3Com modem and LAN PC cards, is the world's most popular PC card connection with over five million sold.
The 3Com Megahertz 56K V.90 Winmodem PC card, model number 3CXM356 (XJACK version) and 3CCM356 (cabled version), is now shipping in North America with an industry leading limited lifetime warranty and an expected list price of US$ 219.
3Com U.S. Robotics 56K V.90 Winmodem PC Card
The 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K V.90 Winmodem PC card offers the quality and familiarity of the 3Com and U.S. Robotics names to the growing segment of consumer and small business notebook computer users. The U.S. Robotics PC card is designed to optimize data throughput in Windows 95 and Windows 98. This PC Card is software upgradeable, which means that users can perform basic enhancements or update the modem's functionality using simple software downloads.
Available immediately, the 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K V.90 Winmodem PC Card, model number 3014A, will sell at major retailers in North America in single unit retail packs with a list price of US$ 169.
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 200 million customers worldwide. The company provides large enterprises, small and medium enterprises, carriers and network service providers, and consumers with 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.
Note to Editors: 3Com, Megahertz, Winmodem, U.S. Robotics, and XJACK are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
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.
(a) Henderson Labs conducted independent competitive testing in Windows 95 operating system.
(b) 3Com patents pending.
CONTACT:
3Com Public Relations
Mark Bingham, 408/326-3439
Mark_Bingham@3Com.com