To: Jeff Jordan who wrote (570 ) 11/19/1997 10:56:00 AM From: Glenn D. Rudolph Read Replies (1) | Respond to
3Com Solves International Data Communications Challenges
Business Wire - November 19, 1997 09:02
%3COM COMS %CALIFORNIA %COMPUTERS %ELECTRONICS %COMED %TELECOMMUNICATIONS V%BW P%BW
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 1997--
Mobile users can now reliably access information around the world with new x2(TM) PC Card modem designed for use in more than 250 countries
Global networking leader 3Com Corporation, (Nasdaq: COMS) today announced it has solved the technical connectivity problems mobile computer users face when traveling internationally with the availability of a new x2 PC Card modem designed for use in more than 250 countries.
By seeking and gaining the necessary approvals of individual telecommunications commissions 3Com is able to offer laptop users the first x2 PC Card that is reliable to use when traveling abroad.
"More and more corporate IS managers support global organizations and require technology that can be deployed worldwide," said Rich Redelfs, senior director of marketing for 3Com Mobile Communications Division. "We've gone to great effort to make sure the new 3Com Megahertz(r) 56Kbps* International PC Card meets their need for reliable, hassle-free access to business-critical information, no matter where they are."
Why International Approval is Important
As more markets become global, business and sales executives find themselves visiting offices worldwide.
Differences in telephone networks around the world make it necessary for any device that plugs into the telephone system to be homologated approved for use by the telecommunications commission in each individual country. For example, a PC Card modem that is approved for use in North America may not be approved for use in Germany or France. Using an unapproved PC Card may damage the modem or the phone system equipment. The new 3Com Megahertz PC Card, model CC1560i, is homologated for use in most countries around the world allowing users hassle-free access to information without fear of causing damage to their PC Card modem or the phone system equipment.
Hassle-free High Speed Connections Worldwide
In addition to its extensive homologation, the CC1560i also features 3Com's x2 technology, the world's most widely deployed 56 Kbps technology. To date, more than 1000 Internet Service Providers offer x2 support in more than 30 countries around the world. Today's mobile workers who access information while traveling internationally save time by downloading their information from the Internet or corporate network significantly faster than a 28.8 Kbps modem. When purchased in North America, the CC1560i comes with a guaranteed free upgrade to the 56Kbps ITU standard after it is adopted.**
The new 3Com Megahertz 56Kbps International PC Card, model CC1560i, also comes with 3Com's exclusive WorldPort(r) software, a utility program that allows for easy country-by-country selection and setup. Users simply select the country flag or name from a list and the modem is reset for that specific location. The CC1560i has built-in pre-programmed initialization strings for proper operation in more than 250 countries around the world.
The North American version of the CC1560i includes adapters for use in the UK, Germany and France. Additional country adapters are available for purchase and information is packaged with the CC1560i.
Pricing and Availability
The 3Com Megahertz 56Kbps International PC Card, model CC1560i, is available for sale immediately in North America with a list price of US$269, and will be available for sale in select markets worldwide in January 1998. For enterprise customers with a large mobile work force, the CC1560i is also available in a convenient 100 pack at a significant cost savings. All 3Com Megahertz PC Card modems come with a five-year limited warranty and unlimited access to technical support (801/320-7777). For sales information, customers can contact 3Com at (800) LAPTOPS (800/527-8677), or send e-mail to salesinfo@mhz.com.
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. With global reach and local touch, 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. 3Com has worldwide revenues of more than $6.0 billion and employs approximately 13,200 people in 45 countries. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at 3com.com .
3Com, Megahertz and WorldPort are registered trademarks and x2 is a trademark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries.
*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 with x2 service are required for these high speed downloads. See www.3com.com for details.
**Guaranteed upgrade to ITU-T 56K standard valid for all currently available Megahertz(r) CC1560i PC Card modems. This offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only through 6/30/98.
CONTACT: 3Com Corp., Santa Clara
Thea Hayden, 408/326-3021
thea_hayden@3com.com
