3Com and PictureTel Partner to Deliver LAN-Based Multimedia Solutions

3Com Enhances Ethernet Network Interface Cards to Deliver Real-time
Multimedia Over Ethernet Networks

April 2, 1996 -- LAS VEGAS, NV, (NETWORLD+INTEROP 1996/BOOTH #3157) -- The
worldwide leader in network connectivity, 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ:COMS),
and PictureTel Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTL), the world leader in
videoconferencing, today announced a strategic partnership to work towards
eliminating barriers to widespread LAN-based multimedia, and accelerate
the deployment of practical data and video conferencing solutions. This
comprehensive program includes two major elements. First, 3Com is
enhancing its industry-leading Ethernet and Fast Ethernet network
interface cards to deliver optimized LAN-based multimedia in conjunction
with 3Com switches. Secondly, the alliance between 3Com and PictureTel
will provide a product bundle, delivering PictureTel LAN-based data
conferencing software free of charge to 3Com network interface card users,
as well as low-cost upgrades to full videoconferencing.

Emerging LAN-based multimedia applications such as data and video
conferencing for collaborative computing offer improved communication and
productivity. Today's desktop PCs have the power to support these
applications, however, widespread deployment has been limited due to
technology, acceptance and cost barriers. 3Com and PictureTel are working
together to eliminate these barriers.

"As the leader in videoconferencing, we are extremely pleased to partner
with the leader in network connectivity." said Dom LaCava, vice president
of PictureTel's Enterprise Systems Group. "We believe this alliance will
bring to market the technology necessary to accelerate the acceptance and
deployment of LAN-based data and video conferencing and bring network
productivity to the next level."

3Com Network Interface Cards Deliver Multimedia Optimized Desktops

Eliminating Technical Barriers:

With 3Com's Priority Access Control Enabled (PACE) technology users can
cost-effectively run multimedia networked applications to the desktop
without requiring forklift upgrades to their existing Ethernet network
infrastructure. PACE is an enhancement to Ethernet switching technology
that delivers optimized multimedia support over Ethernet and Fast
Ethernet. A major barrier to deployment of LAN-based multimedia has been
the lack of support for prioritization in operating systems and network
operating systems. 3Com has eliminated this barrier with an enhanced
network interface card software driver which identifies key applications
and sets the PACE packet priorities. PACE software drivers will be
available for 3Com EtherLink III and Fast EtherLink 10/100 PCI-bus network
interface cards beginning in April. The next natural step in optimizing
the desktop for multimedia, is to enhance network interface card drivers
to facilitate control of multicast traffic.

Today there are a limited number of multicast-based applications, however,
as applications supporting key standards for point-to-multipoint
conferencing such as T.120 and H.323 ship starting in late 1996, use of
these applications will increase. Multicast applications pose challenges
for switched networks, because without multicast control, excess multicast
traffic can flood desktop links. 3Com plans to ship enhanced network
interface card drivers which leverage the desktop network interface card's
knowledge of the applications running on the PC to dynamically set switch
multicast filters to control this traffic. This multicast capability will
be phased into 3Com Ethernet network interface cards starting 2H '96. 3Com
will proliferate this software this year to build a large installed base
of PCs which are future-proofed with the ability to automatically
configure filters on the switches which will have this capability in
1997.

With these two software enhancements 3Com EtherLink III and Fast EtherLink
network interface cards will play a key role in delivering networking
solutions which eliminate the technology barriers preventing widespread
use of LAN-based multimedia.

"As a world leader in Ethernet network interface cards and switches, 3Com
is able to envision and deliver breakthrough networking solutions which
enable the pervasive use of LAN-based multimedia," said Doug Spreng,
executive vice president of 3Com's Personal Connectivity Operation.
"Working with PictureTel, as the best in class in videoconferencing, lets
us deliver a high-quality conferencing solution to run over these
multimedia optimized networks."

3Com and PictureTel Eliminate LAN-based Conferencing Acceptance and Cost
Barriers

3Com and PictureTel, market leaders in their respective areas, are
eliminating conferencing acceptance and cost barriers by allowing users to
get PictureTel's data conferencing software -- LiveShare Plus, a $249
value, for free. LiveShare Plus software will be bundled with 3Com's
PACE-enabled EtherLink III PCI and Fast EtherLink 10/100 PCI Parallel
Tasking" network interface cards. PictureTel's LiveShare Plus enables PC
users in separate locations to work jointly in real-time on data files
using application sharing or a whiteboard, as well as to transfer files or
share messages on a common clipboard. PictureTel will also provide
low-cost upgrades to videoconferencing by offering its LiveLAN-V video
software with a $500 manufacturer's rebate to 3Com Ethernet network
interface card customers.

3Com Network Interface Card/LiveShare Plus Bundle includes the following:

* Free PictureTel LiveShare Plus software shipped with 3Com
  network interface cards
* Initial shipment on EtherLink III PCI and Fast EtherLink
  10/100 PCI network interface cards (evaluation units in April,
  volume mid 1996)

The LiveLAN-V Starter Kit Upgrade includes the following:

Users will receive a $500 manufacturer's rebate on the LiveLAN-V Starter
Kit, a $2,795 value

 2 copies LiveLAN-V software
 2 sound/video boards
 2 cameras
 2 sets of multimedia speakers
 2 microphones
 copy of Live Manager

3Com's EtherLink III and Fast EtherLink PCI network interface cards are a
natural platform for advanced applications; when combined with
PictureTel's conferencing technology, they allow for high-quality LAN data
and video conferencing over shared Ethernet, switched Ethernet, and Fast
Ethernet networks. In addition the embedded cooperation between 3Com
network interface cards and switches enabled by PACE and desktop
configured VLANs ensures optimized support of video traffic.

PictureTel Corporation is the world leader in developing, manufacturing and
marketing a full range of visual telecommunications solutions that are
"Redefining the Way the World Meets." The company's products serve
videoconferencing needs from the desktop to the boardroom. PictureTel also
markets network products and a comprehensive portfolio of enterprise-wide
services.

3Com Corporation has helped more than 25 million people gain access to
critical information through high-speed networks. Designed to serve large
enterprises, small offices and homes, 3Com products provide a scalable
architecture to meet the immediate and long term connectivity needs of
today's user. With research and development on three continents, 3Com is
one of the data networking industry's largest and fastest growing
companies. The company's innovative marketing, sales and support simplify
communication, optimize network reliability and protect customer
investments.
 
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