To: Scrapps who wrote (18771 ) 5/10/1999 3:48:00 PM From: Moonray Respond to of 22053
Bandwidth Wars: 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN Terminal Adapter Offers Easy Set-up, Performance, Value SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 1999--3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) today announced its latest ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) offering, the 3Com(R) U.S. Robotics(R) ISDN TA. This terminal adapter, designed for consumers and small offices, provides ultra-fast Internet access for today 's bandwidth-intensive applications, including web browsing, file transfers and telecommuting. "The 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN TA overcomes many of the complex hurdles commonly associated with ISDN setup," said Rob Thomsen, 3Com senior product manager. "Users will find installation easier than ever before, backed by 3Com's exclusive '15-minute-up-and-running' guarantee, something no other competitor can claim." Some of the features that work to reduce setup time include:-- AutoSPID (Automatic Service Provider Identifier) and Automatic Switch Detection: the 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN TA automatically determines the type of switch in use and configures the service provider identification to match, eliminating manual configuration and the need to contact the service provider for this information. Should the service provider selected by the user not support AutoSPID, a separate AutoSPID wizard is also included to provide this functionality. -- USB (universal serial bus) connectivity: the 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN terminal adapter is the first product in this category to utilize this revolutionary peripheral connection standard for both Macintosh and PC systems. USB represents the ultimate in peripheral connection simplicity -- with no resulting bandwidth loss (a full 128K throughput). For those users who have not yet migrated to USB, a serial port (RS-232) connection is also included. -- 3Com ControlCenter: this elegant graphic interface provides "point-and-click" access to numerous features, including security settings, connection diagnostics and driver updates. ControlCenter functions in both Macintosh and PC environments. -- AutoUpdate/Instant Update: AutoUpdate automatically notifies customers, via the web, when new code is available and provides point and click simplicity to flash upgrade the ISDN terminal adapter. Instant Update provides the capability for customers to initiate this search and update, on demand. These features, when combined, virtually eliminate the hassles associated with customer notification and new code installation. Additional features The 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN TA takes full advantage of all the benefits ISDN users have come to expect. For example, all premium telephone services -- including call forwarding, three-way calling, caller identification and call waiting -- are seamlessly integrated. Users will also enjoy speed improvements from 3Com's exclusive Turbo PPP (Turbo point-to-point protocol). This combination of MLPPP (multilink point-to-point protocol) and multiple compression algorithms optimizes each connection to the highest possible throughput, saving users time and money. The 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN terminal adapter also includes Always On Dynamic ISDN to maintain a constant connection to an ISP or corporate network, using the D channel. 3Com's Augmented Asynchronous Bonding provides the ability for these devices to dial each other at 128Kbps plus compression. The 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN terminal adapter also provides leased line support for ISDN over xDSL for customers who are beyond the loop length required for high-speed xDSL connections. Finally, each 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN terminal adapter has two analog ports for telephones, fax machines or analog modems, each provides a ringer equivalent 3 (REN) to allow for multiple devices on each port. With support for Call Bumping and Bandwidth on Demand, users can always make and receive calls while maintaining their data connections. As needed, the 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN terminal adapter automatically drops or adds communications channels, depending on the telephony requirement. For those times when users are not available to speak on the telephone, additional features work to ensure calls are not missed, including Quick Call Back and Call Logging. External telephony features, such as voice mail message indication and caller ID (through analog device ports), are also supported. The 3Com U.S. Robotics ISDN terminal adapter is already widely available, carries an estimated street price of $199 and includes 3Com's lifetime limited warranty. About 3Com Corporation With more than 200 million customers worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more people to information in more ways 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 and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks and More connected. is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. CONTACT: 3Com Corporation David DeVries, 847/262-2323 dave_devries@3com.com o~~~ O