3Com Delivers Industry's First Mini PCI Connectivity
Solution for Notebook Computers
Hitachi, Ltd. Selects 3Com Mini PCI for Internal LAN Connectivity,
Device Obtains First PC 98 Certification From Microsoft
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 1999--
In response to industry demands for smaller, more flexible and
cost-efficient ways to incorporate internal communications into
increasingly smaller mobile systems, 3Com Corporation
(Nasdaq:COMS) today announced it has become the first to deliver
a Mini PCI connectivity solution.
Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) has chosen 3Com to equip its recently
announced sub-notebook PC with internal LAN functionality.
Additionally, the 3Com(R) Mini PCI component installed in the
Hitachi system became the first to obtain Microsoft PC 98
certification. The PC 98 certification process includes a rigorous set
of tests to ensure products are stable, easy-to-use, and compatible
with Microsoft Windows NT(R), Microsoft Windows(R) 95,
Microsoft Windows(R) 98, and other products that bear the PC 98
logo.
"The trend toward highly customizable, yet affordable mobile
computing solutions, especially in the corporate environment, is
propelling the adoption of Mini PCI by hardware manufacturers on
the cutting edge," said Kip Meacham, OEM product manager for
3Com's Mobile Communications Division.
"3Com is excited to become the first to deliver on the promise of
Mini PCI as the smaller, smarter communication devices for
Hitachi's next-generation notebooks. Hitachi's recent PC 98
certification is 'icing on the cake,' as Mini PCI continues to garner
industry support."
The Mini PCI card -- an extremely small design that is functionally
equivalent to a standard PCI expansion card -- is becoming a
widely-accepted form factor for adding integrated modem and LAN
connectivity in notebook PCs and other small communication
platforms. The small Mini PCI form factor can be "snapped" into a
variety of locations on the system board, rather than occupying
valuable space on the outer edge.
This not only gives hardware manufacturers greater flexibility in
system design, but allows communications components to be
serviced locally, instead of sending the entire notebook for repair.
While smaller size, greater placement flexibility and reduced costs
were the fundamental drivers for Mini PCI, additional benefits of
the pending Mini PCI specification include:
-- A standard Mini PCI form factor will simplify the manufacturing
process and improve reliability over proprietary communications
peripherals.
-- The removable, "snap-in" design of Mini PCI cards will not only
improve serviceability, but will reduce time-to-market for
manufacturers who separate peripheral development from system
development. This will also allow vendors to deliver
built-to-order and configure-to-order systems that best meet
customers' needs.
-- The open architecture of integrated communication peripherals
will create competition in the marketplace and drive down prices
by giving manufacturers multiple sourcing options.
In August 1998, the Mini PCI Roundtable -- a group of leading
mobile vendors led by 3Com and Compaq -- submitted the Mini
PCI specification to the PCI Special Interest Group (SIG). The
proposed specification represents over 12 months research and
review by the participating companies, and is expected to be
formally announced in the summer of 1999.
About 3Com Corporation
With more than 200 million customers worldwide, 3Com
Corporation connects more people in more ways to information than
any other networking company. 3Com delivers innovative
information access products and network system solutions to large,
medium and small enterprises; carriers and network service
providers; PC OEMs; and consumers. 3Com - More
connected(TM). For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide
Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at
www.3com.com/pressbox.
Note to Editors: 3Com is a registered trademark and More
connected. is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company
and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies
with which they are associated.
CONTACT: 3Com Public Relations
Molly Mulloy, 408/326-3021
Molly_Mulloy@3com.com
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