Two New 3Com Megahertz PC Cards Combine Market-Leading Networking and Modem Technology for Notebook Users
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — January 12, 1998 — New easy to configure and use combination LAN + modem PC Cards feature 3Com Ethernet and Fast Ethernet technology combined with x2(TM) technology and a guaranteed flash upgrade to the 56Kbps standard
3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS) today announced two new Ethernet and Fast Ethernet LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Cards (PCMCIA) with x2(TM) technology(a) which will ship this month.
Thew combination cards include a 10Mbps LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Card and a 10/100 LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Card, both with a guaranteed free software upgrade to the ITU-determined standard for 56Kbps after it is adopted.(b) The two new 3Com(R) Megahertz(R) combination PC Cards are easy to configure and use with a single installation process for both modem and networking functions. Once installed, mobile computer users can reliably connect to the Local Area Network while in the office, and connect remotely to the Internet, corporate intranets and office networks while on the road.
"Adoption of multi-function PC Cards is an inevitable industry trend," said Rich Redelfs,or director of marketing for 3Com's mobile communications division. "Mobile users are increasingly adopting notebooks as their primary computers, making both LAN and modem connectivity essential. Combination PC Cards reduce installation time, compatibility issues, and cost, while leaving the second PC Card slot open for future expansion. And now that an ITU 56Kbps standard is in the wings, the adoption of 56Kbps combination cards should accelerate."
The Hassle-free Advantage for the Mobile User
3Com's new combination cards utilize just one of your notebook's PC Card slots, freeing up the second PC Card slot for another function — a memory card, a SCSI interface or other peripheral device that requires a PC Card slot. Buying a new 3Com Megahertz LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Card instead of separate modem and LAN PC Cards means a cost savings of up to 20 percent. And by purchasing modem and networking functions from a single vendor in a single card, IS managers don't have to worry about conflicts that can occur between separate LAN and modem cards.
Reliable Network Connections
The 3Com Megahertz 10Mbps LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Card supports the installed base of notebook users connecting to 10Mbps networks, utilizing the world's most popular 10Mbps LAN solution featuring Parallel Tasking(R) technology. This combination card also features 3Com's exclusive XJACK(R) connector, a convenient alternative to cable connectors, that allows 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 3Com Megahertz 10/100 LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Card connects to both 10Mbps LANs and 100Mbps LANs, right out of the box. This card provides a "future-proof" solution for organizations that may not currently have a Fast Ethernet infrastructure, but may be planning to migrate to Fast Ethernet in the future. With Nway 10/100 auto-negotiation, the 3Com card automatically senses the speed of the network and delivers the fastest available throughput. When connected to a 100Mbps LAN with this 16-bit card, users will benefit from increased data throughput.
With 3Com's patented Parallel Tasking technology, the PC Cards deliver the fastest Ethernet and Fast Ethernet throughput. Both models also offer the reassurance of 3Com's patented Digital Line Guard, which protects the modem and computer circuitry from damage if connected to a digital phone line found in some hotels and offices. 3Com's newly introduced combination cards enable users to turn their notebook computer into a remote office, equipped with a speakerphone, an answering machine, local caller ID service (where available), a fax machine, and a modem which delivers information downloads at up to 56Kbps.
Both new cards come equipped with Direct-Connect Cellular which auto-senses a cellular connection. With the purchase of a separate cellular cable, users can connect their modem to select Motorola, Nokia, and Ericcson mobile phones to transmit and receive data. Pricing and Availability
The two new 3Com Megahertz products are slated to begin shipping this month. The 10Mbps LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Card, model number 3CXEM556, has a suggested list price of US$ 329 for the TP version and US$ 379 for the TP/Coax model. The 3Com Megahertz 10/100 LAN + 56Kbps modem PC Card, model number 3CCFEM556, has a suggested list price of US$ 419. Customers can call 1-800-NET-3COM for sales information. 3Com's PC Cards are available through the company's worldwide network of resellers and distributors. 3Com supports these cards with a money-back compatibility guarantee and an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty.
Market-Leading Mobile Solutions 3Com Mobile Communications Division is the world's leading manufacturer of data communications solutions for mobile computer users. The company provides a full line of PC Card (PCMCIA) products including modems, cellular-capable modems, combination Ethernet-Modems, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and CardBus PC Cards. Independent market data shows 3Com leading the mobile computing industry in the modem and Ethernet-Modem combination PCMCIA categories with a respective 39 percent and 40 percent of worldwide PC Card shipments. (source: Dataquest, In-Stat)
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 enterprises, network service providers and carriers, small businesses 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, Parallel Tasking, U.S. Robotics, and XJACK are registered trademarks and x2 is a trademark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
(a) All x2 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. Uploads from end users to service providers travel at speeds up to 28.8 Kbps. An x2 modem, an analog phone line compatible with x2 technology and an Internet provider or a corporate host site with x2 technology are required for these high speed downloads. See www.3Com.com/x2 for details.
(b) Guaranteed upgrade to ITU-T 56K standard valid for all currently available Megahertz(R) 3CXEM556 and 3CCFEM556 combination LAN + modem PC Cards. This offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only through 6/30/98.
CONTACT:
3Com Public Relations
Thea Hayden, 408/326-3021
thea_hayden@3com.com