* Original message posted in: HS_MODEMS.
* Crossposted in: COMM, USR_MODEMS, MODEMS.
The underlying 3COM press release appears at:
http://www.3com.com/news/releases/feb1798d.html
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3Com  First To Ship V.90 Standard-Based 56k Desktop Modems
End-Users Benefit From Backward Compatibility and Rapid ISP Deployment
Santa Clara, Calif.
February 17, 1998
3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) today announced  shipment of the industry's
first International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard-based V.90
modems. 3Com's V.90 products provide their customers a universally
interoperable solution with backward compatibility supporting X2 technology
and V.90.
"3Com has the unique ability to provide a smooth transition to standard-based
access because our software upgradable platform provides enough memory to
support both x2 technology and V.90," said John McCartney, President, Client
Access Business Unit.  "In addition, our large installed base of  Internet
Service Providers (ISPs) with x2 technology in nearly three-million
software-upgradable Total Control ports worldwide, will be able to quickly
and easily upgrade to standard-based service."
Through its V.90 interoperability testing program, and its commitment to the
standards process, 3Com has provided the leadership necessary to ensure a
rapid adoption of V.90 in the marketplace. 3Com and Rockwell recently
announced the successful completion of interoperability testing between each
company's V.90 technologies. Furthermore, 3Com is currently conducting
interoperability testing with Lucent Technologies and is actively pursuing
additional industry participation. While other companies in the mark etplace
have raised questions about interoperability, 3Com has worked hard to achieve
compatibility and is confident in its products.
"Being first to market with a V.90 modem is a major competitive advantage for
3Com," said Lisa Pelgrim, senior analyst at Dataquest. "Again, 3Com has
proved that it is the market leader and it will likely reap the rewards as
demand for standard-based interoperable 56K modems erupts."
Easy Software Upgrades
Upgrades for all U.S. Robotics 56K-native desktop modem products will be
available through a free, simple software download from the 3Com Web site at
www.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.  A full schedule of the availability of upgrades will be
released by the end of February.  Details on 3Com's upgrade program to V.90
can be found by calling 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 of 3Com's customers to upgrade rapidly with confidence
that high speed service will not be interrupted during the transition process
to the V.90 standard.
Real World Performance
3Com's V.90 analog modems include a new and advanced line-probing sequence,
developed by 3Com, that more accurately predicts phone line conditions.
Though the initial connect speed of a V.90 call may appear to be lower than
an x2 modem call, the throughput may actually be higher. The improved probing
sequence is possible because of 3Com's understanding and experience with the
global telephone network.  This new technology will provide 3Com customers
the most stable and consistent performance in real-world a pplications.
ISPs In Trials Today
Because of 3Com's software-based digital signal processor (DSP) architecture,
all of the company's award-winning Total Control multi-service platforms are
upgradable to V.90 via a simple software download. This enables ISPs to
quickly and easily upgrade to standard-based service.  In addition, 3Com's
Modem Pool (MP), NETServer and I-modem™ families can be software upgraded
to the new standard. 3Com plans to ship server equipment at the end of March.
"The market will see an aggressive rollout for broad end-to-end availability
of this standard-based technology," said Ross Manire, senior vice president,
Carrier Systems Division at 3Com.  "Many ISPs are already conducting beta
trials and will be able to quickly upgrade their installed base of servers."
"It is our intent to provide a rapid roll out of the recently adopted V.90
international standard over the IBM Global Network that already provides
56Kbps x2 technology from 3Com in more than 600 locations in 11 countries
around the world," said Gary Weis, general manager, managed data network
services and network technology, IBM Global Services.  "Testing of the V.90
3Com software is going very well and we anticipate that we will be among the
first, if not the first, network service provider to implement t he new
standard."
"We're pleased 3Com has been able to deploy and support V.90 so rapidly.
We've already begun internal beta testing," said Mike McQuary, President and
chief operating officer of Internet service provider MindSpring Enterprises.
"MindSpring has had great success with 3Com products, including the software
upgrade of our Total Control network to x2 technology in early 1997."
"We are pleased that a 56K standard has been determined so that our customers
will be able to make even better use of their time on-line," said Terry
Parker, director of product development for Sprint Internet Services.
"Sprint is currently in beta trials with 3Com's V.90 solution and will
implement the new standard as soon as testing is complete."
"Web America Networks was among the first to deploy x2 technology nationwide,
and, similarly, we plan to be the first to roll out V.90 nationwide," said
Philip Midkiff, president of Web America Networks. "The introduction of
3Com's V.90 in the Total Control system means our digital 56K network will be
available throughout the country to subscribers, regardless of what type of
modem or computer they're using. We're impressed that 3Com has been so
aggressive in leading the development and deployment of 56K te chnology."
"CyberGate is completely in support of V.90 technology, and we plan to make
it available to our Internet customers through field trials beginning this
week," said Casey Cook, dial-up product manager for CyberGate. "Consumers
will be the real beneficiaries of V.90 because they'll be able to connect
universally. This is just another example of 3Com consistently demonstrating
its ability to provide leading-edge technology to the communications
industry, and CyberGate's commitment to make this technology availa ble to
our customers."
"Netcom Canada was among the first national ISPs to roll out 3Com's x2
technology back in March 1997," said Ron Close, president of Toronto-based
Netcom Canada. "We are very pleased now to be one of the first Canadian ISPs
to support 3Com's new standard technology. We anticipate a very rapid
deployment of  V.90, and we are delighted to be taking our customers'
Internet experience to a new level of speed and reliability."
"With our installed base of 3Com Total Control systems, SNET Internet will be
able to quickly software upgrade to the V.90 56K standard," said Dave
McPhail, manager of network operations for SNET Internet. "We're looking
forward to providing our loyal customer base and many new subscribers the
benefits of the universal 56K standard."
"As the premier provider of IP-optimized business communication services, our
customers expect PSINet to support industry standards for reliability,
performance, and scalability consistent with their future needs.  That is why
we have worked in tandem with manufacturers to develop V.90,"  said William
L. Schrader, chairman, President and CEO of PSINet.  "With the V.90 standard
now in place, we will leverage 3Com's promise of free software upgrades to
provide the universal 56K services our customers demand."
"Internet users have been waiting for a universally accepted 56K dial access
standard," says Albert Silverman, vice-president, AT&T Canada Long Distance
Services Company.  "AT&T Canada intends to be the leader in delivering the
leading edge technology our customers want.  Through the flexibility of our
high-performance, upgradable remote access platform from 3Com, we will soon
offer the V.90 standard to our users."
"We're delighted that 3Com has already taken the lead by making its V.90
client modems and V.90 software upgrades available," said Carena Pooth,
Senior Vice President of Technical Services at Prodigy.  "When we first
explored networking vendors and their equipment, we learned that 3Com was
among the first to make true digital modem technology available, and we moved
a large portion of our services to 3Com Total Control Systems. Now we are
eager to participate in 3Com's beta test of the new standard, and we look
forward to a smooth implementation of V.90 in our network as soon as testing
is complete."
"Netcom customers find the Internet much more valuable when accessing the
Internet at twice the speed of previous generation modems," said Gene
Shimshock, vice president Product Marketing at Netcom. "With 3Com's
leadership and experience in 56Kpbs technology, Netcom can easily update its
nationwide network to the new V.90 standard via a software upgrade. And,
since the V.90 standard is backward compatible, customers will be able to
access the Internet through Netcom and leverage any previous 56Kbps investme
nt."
Availability
In North America, U.S. Robotics desktop modems purchased since August 15,
1996 as well as Courier™ V.Everything  modems can be upgraded to V.90.
3Com's Mobile Communications Division will begin shipping the first
standards-compliant 3Com Megahertz  PC Card Modems at the end of March.
3Com's V.90 products will be available at consumer electronics stores
nationwide.
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 ass uring a
standard determination 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 a 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 determined 56K
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 a rea
networks. Fo r further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at
http://www.3com.com, or the press site at http://www.3com.com/pressbox.
3Comm Megahertz, U.S. Robotics, I-modem and V.Everything are registered
trademarks and Courier, x2 and Total Control are trademarks of 3Com
Corporation or its subsidiaries.
* 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.
For more information on 3Com's U.S. Robotics 56K standard-compliant modems
and upgrades call 1-800-525-USR1.
====
Regards....
Craig
aka: cford@ix.netcom.com
   : craig.ford@2001.conchbbs.com
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