-3COM: Harmonic Systems deploys 3Com'S network tech to improve retail enterprise WAN performance
Presswire - February 04, 1998 16:15
COMS V%M2 P%M2PR
M2 PRESSWIRE-4 February 1998-3COM: Harmonic Systems deploys 3Com'S next-generation network technology to improve retail enterprise WAN performance (C)1994-98 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
-- New single architecture obsoletes need for stand-alone Cisco router
3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS), a leader in providing network solutions to retailers, today announced a strategic alliance with Harmonic Systems Inc., to integrate a complete end-to-end solution based on integrating 3Com's Total Control remote access concentrator, x2 technology modems and ISDN access technologies into Harmonic's retail network architecture.
Harmonic, a leading provider of private internets and retail marketing services, will utilize 3Com's end-to-end WAN (wide area network) routing and dial-up access technologies in a next-generation solution to connect all the stores of a retailer to an Enterprise Gateway Processor (EGP) hub residing in a corporate data center. The EGP provides routing to both internal host and server-based applications as well as a variety of third party information service providers for credit authorization, check verification, claims adjudication and other similar third party services.
Harmonic will integrate 3Com's next-generation Total Control remote access concentrator, serving as the EGP in the data center, with 3Com's x2 and ISDN access technologies embedded in Harmonic's in-store Retail Integration Module (RIM). The solution will enable chain retailers to implement a higher performance private wide-area data network, supporting a variety of online real-time applications that improve customer service while reducing operating expenses.
Combining WAN Functions into a Single Architecture
"We selected 3Com's Total Control remote access concentrator as the principal network component for our next-generation EGP because of its ability to integrate routing, dial-up, and communications server functionality into a single, highly scalable design center," said Barrs Lewis, CEO, Harmonic Systems Inc. "Formerly, the solution utilized three separate network components, including a stand-alone Cisco router which provided frame relay WAN support to the credit authorizer. By integrating all of these functions into a Total Control remote access concentrator, we further reduce system complexity and cost while improving WAN performance."
The award-winning Total Control remote access concentrator, widely used by Internet service providers, including America Online and PSInet, as well as major retail chains such as Wal-Mart and McDonald's, combines several WAN functions into a single integrated architecture and delivers the highest modem port density in the industry.
"Harmonic's solution provides the infrastructure support for even the largest retail chains that operate thousands of stores," said Jeff Siegel, 3Com's retail industry group manager. "Now, by improving the Total Control remote access concentrators scalability on both the high-end and low-end, we have broadened the spectrum of retailers who can benefit from Harmonic's solution."
x2 Technology Improves Customer Service
Harmonic's dial-up router (RIM) utilizes 3Com's industry-leading x2 56k* modem technology for fast dial-up connectivity and to provide high throughput for batch file transfers and online customer service applications. Retailers will be able to obtain fast credit authorization over an analog circuit, and will have an extraordinary degree of flexibility to accommodate future changes in telecommunications technology. For example, Harmonic's RIM supports 3Com ISDN modem technology for retailers that prefer a digital connection.
By utilizing x2 technology on both the host-end in the Total Control remote access concentrator and the store-end within the RIM, retailers can achieve higher real connect speeds than previously possible. Retailers can migrate to ISDN using a modular 3Com ISDN adapter or frame relay without obsoleting legacy applications within the store.
Today, more than 700,000 retail stores, including most of the top 100 largest U.S. retailers, use 3Com products in their network infrastructure, and 3Com's WAN solutions for supporting POS transactions is pervasive throughout the electronic payment industry. According to 3Com research, 80 percent, or $640 billion, of all credit card transactions in the U.S. each year are processed over 3Com enabled wide area networks operated by AT&T, CompuServe, VisaNet and others.
Harmonic Systems has built private internets since 1993, deploying 3Com's AccessBuilder 8000 remote access server for clients including The Gap, Musicland, Diamond Shamrock, Gymboree, Pier 1 Imports and 20 other retail chains. Over 16,000 retail sites are in production or scheduled for roll-out using the end-to-end private internet solution enabled by 3Com technology and provided by Harmonic. The 3Com solution has allowed Harmonic Systems to deliver an innovative solution, which provides faster credit authorization speeds and supports a variety of networked enterprise applications that improve customer loyalty.
Harmonic has installed more TCP/IP enterprise-based data networks for national retailers than any other industry solutions provider. This includes TCP/IP connectivity for direct host online authorization links to VISA, MasterCard, American Express and a variety of private label, check, debit and medical claims adjudication processors.
About Harmonic Systems Inc.
Harmonic Systems has its corporate office in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Harmonic provides private internets that employ end-to-end TCP/IP protocols over a variety of private telecommunications facilities. Harmonic was first formed to commercialize patented modem technology owned by Exxon Communications Services Corporation that enabled very fast on-line authorization services over dial networks. Today, Harmonic continues to provide the fastest on-line authorization services available over private dial networks while it has expanded to support a variety of other telecommunications services to the point-of-sale. Satellite (VSAT) accounts for over thirty percent of its on-line network services. Harmonic also supports frame relay, ISDN and leased line service to the point-of-sale. For further information, visit Harmonics World Wide Web site at harmonic.com.
About 3Com
Retail organizations throughout the world use 3Com enabled networks for their point-of-sale and back-office in-store networks as well as for building retail enterprise intranets which connect stores, distribution centers, and regional and corporate offices. 3Com is a founder of the Retail Network Innovation Awards; a program designed to recognize retailer innovation in the use of networked applications. Additional information on 3Com's innovative solutions for retailers is available at 3com.com.
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 3com.com
*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.
AccessBuilder is a registered trademark, and TotalControl and x2 are trademarks of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. Private internets is a trademark of Harmonic Systems. All other product and company names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
*M2 COMMUNICATIONS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN M2 PRESSWIRE. DATA SUPPLIED BY NAMED PARTY/PARTIES.*
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