3COM And AC&C Networks Strenghten Channel Relationship

Cooperation Between 3Com and Value-added Reseller Formulates New Winning Strategies for Businesses

2 April 2001 - 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) announced today that AC&C Networks, a value-added reseller with a strong consulting service located on the west coast of the United States, is designing and implementing networks using 3Com solutions. With a continued need to compete and save costs, businesses are turning to the most affordable and easiest-to-use solutions, using 3Com network switching, networked telephony and wireless technologies to achieve more productive operations and growth.

"We are such a fan of SuperStack" switches and the product line fits well with 3Com’s NBX© communication systems and AirConnect© wireless LAN solution," said Jim Clark, president of AC&C Networks. "AC&C is able to easily adapt 3Com’s unified networking solutions into our very competitive design and implementation services by customising the solutions to meet customer requirements as best as possible."

While 3Com provides top-of-the-line networking products that are easy to use, reliable and low cost, AC&C adds value through highly regarded specialisation and hands-on experience. AC&C has a unique understanding of e-business because customers challenge AC&C to develop new solutions that are cutting-edge, cohesive and cost effective. In addition, AC&C has invested time in acquiring an intimate understanding of 3Com products. For example, the firm uses 3Com’s NBX 100 Communications System in its own office for voice communications.

"AC&C is a valued 3Com Platinum channel partner and a member of our Focus partner program. We are confident that customers get premier consulting and implementation services from AC&C," said Sylvio Jelovcich, senior director, field and channel marketing, 3Com. "3Com is excited to work with cutting-edge channel partners. With the skyrocketing demand for faster, lower cost networks, AC&C has high potential for rapid growth. We want our channel partners to grow along with us."

A Loyal VAR with a Personal Touch to 3Com Corporation
When presenting a packaged solution to customer prospects, AC&C primarily leads with 3Com products for the local area network (LAN). This commitment to 3Com products has built up over time.

Today, AC&C Networks is a $6 million consultant firm engaged in building customer networks from start to finish with 35 employees and a PartnerNet program reaching out its services across the U.S. through its own partners and contractors. AC&C has its headquarters office located in Orange, CA, as well as remote offices in San Diego and Kansas City. The company started off in 1987 as a cabling company and then evolved into a systems integrator in the early 1990s. Then, in the late 1990s, it aligned itself with the rise of Web-based e-business.

To be able to recommend 3Com’s networked telephony solutions with conviction, AC&C installed an NBX system in its company. AC&C’s recommendation to install the NBX system is based on hands-on experience. Over the last year the firm has installed over 30 NBX systems in customer sites, totaling over 1,000 3Com business telephones used in businesses for which AC&C has consulted.

In addition, AC&C Networks has had a successful track record with 3Com’s SuperStack LAN switches.

In November 2000, 3Com launched the SuperStack 3 switch family, the new generation of the product family that delivers 10/100/1000Mbps speeds to businesses of all sizes. 3Com is the only vendor to offer an end-to-end Gigabit Ethernet LAN solution (both fiber and copper-based). Recently, 3Com announced its new Gigabit Ethernet server network interface card (NIC). 3Com’s high-speed Ethernet NICs and switch products are 30-50% lower cost than the competition.

"The SuperStack switch is probably the best product that 3Com has ever built," said Clark. "I am glad to see 3Com further developing the SuperStack product line."

For more information on AC&C Networks, go to www.accinc.com or use e-mail: sales@accinc.com.

About 3Com Corporation
3Com simplifies how people connect to information and services through easy-to-use, connectivity products and solutions for consumers and commercial organisations. The company also provides access infrastructures and IP services platforms for network service providers. For further information, visit www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com, AirConnect, NBX and SuperStack are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.