3Com's Internet Appliance Division Licenses
Palm Technology; Upcoming Product Line to
Incorporate Palm Functionality, Including
HotSync Technology
Business Wire - May 30, 2000 10:15
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 2000--3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) and
Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) today announced a licensing agreement to use Palm OS(R)
technologies in 3Com's upcoming Internet appliance line.
3Com plans to integrate popular features of the Palm OS software, including the HotSync(R) data
synchronization technology, into 3Com's first Internet appliance which will debut later this year.
These new breakthrough products are designed to dramatically simplify the family Internet
experience in the home.
"We're dedicated to creating new categories of Internet appliances that will intensely focus on
delivering convenience and enjoyment in new ways, empowered by the Internet," said Don Fotsch,
vice president and general manager, 3Com Internet Appliance Division. "We chose to utilize Palm
OS technologies for our Internet appliances to leverage and expand the Palm Economy."
"Palm OS software licensees and developers continue to utilize the Palm OS platform as a
foundation to showcase innovation and ingenuity," says Mark Bercow, vice president, Strategic
Alliances and Platform Development, Palm, Inc. "Pioneering companies like 3Com are harnessing
Palm's commitment to quality and simplicity, expanding the platform into new categories by
bringing their intense focus on radical simplicity to these exciting new home Internet appliances."
Both companies see this licensing agreement as the first step toward closer collaboration to define
and accelerate the delivery of the future "Internet Experience."
3Com's Internet Appliance Division combines the marketing power and channel strength of 3Com's
consumer connectivity leadership with the fast-paced, instant decision-making ability of a startup.
The 3Com Internet appliance team philosophy stems from the "Zen of Palm" -- provide the best
Internet experience by doing a few specific tasks extremely well. With a foundation in extensive
primary customer research, the division is centered on the creation of radically simple appliance
solutions for the digital home.
3Com's vision of a digital home is one that connects family members to each other and to
important information -- both within and outside the home. Based on real-life consumer needs for
Internet connectivity, the digital home parlays 3Com's acknowledged expertise in networking
computers and enriches consumers' lifestyles with simple, reliable and innovative products.
Encompassing a wide variety of available, HomeConnect(TM) brand products, 3Com is the only
company that provides every connectivity element required by digital home members -- such as
cable and DSL modems, home networking products and PC WebCams. |
