3Com Congratulates Bob Metcalfe on Winning the National Medal of Techn

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors

    MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2005--3Com Corporation extends its congratulations to the company's Founder and former CEO, Bob Metcalfe, for receiving the National Medal of Technology for the invention, standardization and commercialization of Ethernet. Mr. Metcalfe was presented with the honor by President George W. Bush at a ceremony at the White House on March 14, 2005. He and the other technology laureates were hosted the following day by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, whose agency manages the medals program.
    "Bob's innovation and influence go far beyond the networking industry, and technology as a whole, so it is very fitting he should receive this honor," said Bruce Claflin, 3Com's president and CEO. "Bob's invention and standardization of Ethernet was the cornerstone on which 3Com was founded. Today, we continue to advance his innovation, with the convergence of data, voice and even power, all securely delivered over Ethernet, which enables businesses to communicate and share information more effectively than ever."
    Metcalfe founded 3Com in June of 1979, and was the company's first president and CEO. 3Com, which represents computers, communications and compatibility, was Metcalfe's vision for a company that builds products to run Ethernet, which would eventually become the standard for Local Area Networks (LAN).
    "I am very pleased to receive this honor and I share it with 3Com," added Bob Metcalfe. "3Com continues to build on and advance what I started in 1973 when I invented Ethernet and in 1979 when I founded the company. 3Com continues to break new ground in ways for organizations to use Ethernet to communicate beyond what I even imagined was possible."
    The National Medal of Technology is the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States to America's leading innovators. Established by an act of Congress in 1980, the Medal of Technology was first awarded in 1985. The Medal is given annually to individuals, teams, and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions to the Nation's economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and development of the Nation's technological manpower.
    The purpose of the National Medal of Technology is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the Nation's technological workforce. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

    About 3Com Corporation

    3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) 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. When customers exercise choice, their choice is 3Com. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

    Copyright (C) 2005 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and Exercise Choice is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

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CONTACT: 3Com Corporation John Vincenzo, 508-323-1260 john_vincenzo@3com.com or Joseph Vukson, 508-323-1228 joseph_vukson@3com.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE NETWORKING SOURCE: 3Com Corporation

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