InformationWeek Rates 3Com Unified Wireless Switch ’Best Value’ for SMBs

3Com Corporation, a leading provider of secure, converged voice and data networking solutions for enterprises of all sizes, today announced that an InformationWeek magazine report rates the 3Com® Unified Gigabit Wireless PoE Switch 24 as the “Best Value” in wireless local area networking (WLAN) for small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) and branch offices of larger enterprises. 3Com was the only vendor to be recognized as the “Best Value” in addition to making InformationWeek’s “short list” of recommended products.

An integral part of 3Com’s next-generation Secure Converged Networks strategy, which drives even greater application integration into the network infrastructure for businesses of all sizes, the Unified Switch combines Gigabit switching, Power over Ethernet (PoE) and a wireless controller in a single box, managed through one interface. A cost-effective Layer 2 switching solution for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the Unified Switch delivers integrated management of the wired and wireless network along with PoE and wireless access point support on all 24 ports. Consistent with 3Com’s strategy of offering high-value products that meet the unique needs of SMBs, it offers a lower total cost of ownership and enhanced ease of use and management compared to other vendors’ offerings, which require multiple boxes to deliver the same functionality.

CMP Media LLC’s Syracuse University Real World Labs evaluated WLAN products from six vendors to determine which provide “secure, manageable, easy-to-deploy, controller-based WLANs, with a base set of enterprise-class capabilities, at a reasonable price.” Other vendors in the review were BlueSocket, D-Link, Motorola, Netgear and Ruckus Wireless.

The complete report, “WLANs: One Size Does Not Fit All,” can be downloaded from InformationWeek magazine. It also appears on CMP’s Network Computing Web site.

In the report, CMP Syracuse University Real World Labs’s reviewer, Jameson Blandford, writes: “3Com offers significant value, bringing all the tables-stakes features plus 24 Gigabit PoE ports and a maximum of 24 supported APs [access points] at bargain pricing.” The report goes on to state that “the inclusion of four SFP ports for fiber runs, full 802.1Q VLAN tagging and a CLI resembling Cisco’s IOS make it a credible edge switch, providing fully managed wired and wireless capabilities that cater to an SME’s all-in-one needs.”

The report also praised the versatility of the 3Com product: “[T]he 3Com system represents the Best Value given its solid wireless capabilities paired with a credible managed 24-port Gigabit switch. 3Com’s product also provided unified wired and wireless connectivity, especially useful in a small network.”

The 3Com Unified Wireless PoE Switch 24 has a U.S. list price of $2,750, which includes two wireless access points in a starter bundle, giving it the lowest price per-port of the six products evaluated. The product is available worldwide from 3Com and its authorized reseller partners.

About 3Com Corporation
3Com Corporation is a leading provider of secure, converged voice and data networking solutions for enterprises of all sizes. 3Com offers a broad line of innovative products backed by world-class sales, service and support, which excel at delivering business value for its customers. 3Com also includes H3C Technologies Co., Limited (H3C), a China-based provider of network infrastructure products. H3C brings high-performance and cost-effective product development and manufacturing and a strong footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is a leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the media site www.3com.com/pressbox.

Copyright © 2007 3Com Corporation. 3Com, the 3Com logo and TippingPoint are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. H3C is a trademark of H3C Technologies Co., Limited. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

For More Information:
Kevin Flanagan
3Com Corporation
508.323.1101
kevin_flanagan@3com.com

This press release was accurate at the time it was issued but may not reflect 3Com’s current strategy or product offering.