3Com First to Deliver V.90 56K Corporate Modems; 3Com U.S. Robotics
Courier V.Everything Modem Gives Businesses New Competitive Edge
Business Wire - March 23, 1998 13:43
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 1998--Leading the
charge in providing V.90 standards-based 56Kbps(a) access solutions,
3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) today announced the availability of
a free Web-based V.90 upgrade program for existing 56K customers
and a new V.90 version of its award-winning 3Com U.S. Robotics
Courier V.Everything corporate modem.
The new 3Com U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything corporate modem
delivers 56Kbps-technology modem speed, enabling business users to
have the fastest analog connections available for remote and
Internet access. With standards-based V.90 56K capabilities, users
can now realize new business advantages with quick data transfers
and downloads from graphic-intensive Web sites.
Customers are assured a seamless upgrade with the V.Everything
modem's proven reliability and ability to effortlessly upgrade to
faster modem speeds or new software functionality via simple
software downloads.
"3Com is committed to providing our long-standing business customers
with the best connectivity solution the moment it's available,"
said Reginald Best, vice president and general manager, Remote
Access Products Division, 3Com Corporation. "The V.Everything
corporate modem gives businesses substantial cost-of-ownership
benefits. For example, this V.90 software upgrade is available to
3Com customers who purchased V.Everything modems over four years
ago," concluded Best.
Easy Software Upgrades
Upgrades for all U.S. Robotics 56K-native desktop modem products,
including the 3Com U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything corporate
modem, will be available through a free, simple software download
from the 3Com Web site at 3com.com . 3Com was the
first manufacturer to offer software upgrades from 33.6 to 56K
technology, and will use this expertise to ensure end-users a smooth
upgrade path. For more information on 3Com's upgrade program to V.90,
interested parties can call 1-888-IWANT56.
Backward Compatibility
3Com's V.90 products offer complete backward compatibility to
support x2 technology as well as V.90. Unlike some of its competitors,
3Com has the technology today to support V.90 and its 56K predecessor
in the same product. This will allow all 3Com customers to upgrade
rapidly with confidence that high-speed service will not be
interrupted during the transition process to the V.90 standard.
3Com U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything Corporate Modem
3Com's U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything corporate modems are
analog client solutions that feature the most comprehensive
capabilities in connectivity and compatibility for demanding
business applications by providing x2 and V.90 56K analog access,
as well as support for all major legacy modem protocols. The Courier
V.Everything modem's robust hardware design ensures 24x7 reliability
and its extensive feature set delivers security, remote manageability
and flexibility for asynchronous or synchronous applications.
3Com's award-winning U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything corporate
modem features are designed to meet the specific needs of today's
growing businesses. The key features include:
-- Up to 56kbps downloads using either ITU Standard V.90 or x2
technology for ultra-fast throughput with 230.4kbps DTE port;
-- Exclusive award-winning V.Everything technology connects with
all major modem protocols;
-- Carrier loss redial enables the modems to automatically redial
the last number called if a loss of carrier is detected;
-- Remote configuration allows modem settings to be configured from
a remote location, saving time and reducing on-site support costs;
-- Password protection with dial back secures your network from
hackers and unauthorized callers;
-- Future proof with high capacity Flash ROM and Flash DSP for
easy upgrades, and;
-- Support for Service Providers' distinctive ring and caller ID
create a "virtual" office with a single phone line.
Pricing and Availability
The new 3Com U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything V.90 corporate
modem is currently available for $326 U.S. list price for the
external version and $290 U.S. list price for the internal version.
Existing 56K customers can quickly and easily upgrade their x2
modems to the new standard for free by accessing 3Com's Web site
at totalservice.usr.com .
The Evolution of the 56K Standard
In September 1996, 3Com was the first company to submit a proposal
to the ITU calling for a 56K recommendation. The work toward a
standard began in North America within the ITU's Telecommunications
Industry Association (TIA) committee, and in April 1997, the ITU
officially set up a rapporteur's group with the goal of determining
an international 56K standard as quickly as possible. On December 5,
1997 in Orlando, the working party agreed to a compromise on the two
remaining technical issues, virtually assuring determination of a
standard at the January/February 1998 ITU meeting.
At the February meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, the 56K standard
specification was determined and given its official V-series number
- V.90. The technical aspects of the determined standard were thereby
frozen, although there may be subsequent editorial changes. At its
September 1998 meeting, the ITU will complete the formalities at
which time the 56K determination (or recommendation) becomes a
"decision," also referred to as ratification.
About 3Com Corporation
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, or the press site at
3com.com .
NOTE TO EDITORS: 3Com, U.S. Robotics and V.Everything are registered
trademarks and Courier and x2 are trademarks of
3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries.
(a) 56Kbps technology refers to server download speeds only and requires
compatible modems at server sites. All V.90 products are
capable of 56kbps 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 travel at speeds up to 31.2
Kbps. Requires phone line compatible with 56K technology.
CONTACT: 3Com
Karin Bakis, 978/264-1859
karin_bakis@3com.com
or
Robyn Porter, 847/797-6583
robyn_porter@mw.3com.com
or
The Weber Group
Rebecca Behenna, 617/520-7057
rbehenna@webergroup.com
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