COMS

[setravis]

Has broken out of this Symmetrical Triangle, to the upside.
Its dirt cheap.No debt, lots of cash, insiders buying, huge growth potential and high growth possible, they are cutting costs, and growing the business. It sells for book value what more could you want.
Up on decent volume. MACD trending higher.
MACD is bullish
Support @ $3.96....3.78...3.72

Technicals
Most Actives
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
10.23%above 13-day EMA
13.62%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 72  

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $1,539.63  
P/E Ratio: NA  
PEG Ratio: -1.74286  
Next Earnings: 12/08/2005
Last Analyst Rating: Outperform

[setravis]

Profile Get Profile for: 




3Com Corporation
350 Campus Drive
Marlborough, MA 01752-3064
Phone: 508-323-5000
Fax: 508-323-1111
Web Site: http://www.3com.com

DETAILS   
Index Membership: S&P 400 MidCap
S&P 1500 Super Comp
Sector: Technology
Industry: Networking & Communication Devices
Full Time Employees: 1,850


BUSINESS SUMMARY   
3Com Corporation provides converged networking solutions for enterprise, and small and medium-sized business customers worldwide. It offers data networking infrastructure products and solutions consisting of local area network (LAN) switches; routers and gateways; and wireless product offerings, such as wireless LAN access points, wireless controllers and switches, wireless routers, wireless bridges, and wireless switch manager. The company's Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony products include VoIP telephony platforms, convergence application suite, and IP phones; and security products comprise intrusion prevention systems and firewalls. In addition, 3Com offers network and security management application packages for information technology environments. Further, it provides telephone support, hardware replacement, software updates, onsite engineers, and spare parts, as well as professional services and training. The company serves customers in education, government, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, insurance, and real estate industries. 3Com distributes its products through a two-tier distribution channel consisting of distributors and resellers, as well as through systems integrators, telecom service providers, and direct marketers. The company has strategic alliances with Aspect Communications Corporation, Crossbeam Systems, Inc.; Electronic Data Systems Corporation; Trapeze Networks; and Siemens Business Services. 3Com was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

[setravis]

3Com Reports Q1 Fiscal 2006 Results; Strong Financial...


MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Sep 22, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 3Com Corporation (COMS, Trade):

First Quarter Highlights

-- Revenue totaled $178 million, up 9 percent over the same period a year ago.

-- Revenue in North America grew 13 percent sequentially, the third consecutive quarter of double-digit sequential growth; and

-- Gross profit margin for the quarter was 39 percent, an increase of 4 percentage points sequentially and an increase of 1 percentage point from the same period a year ago.

3Com Corporation (COMS, Trade) today reported financial results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2006 ended September 2, 2005.

Revenue for the quarter was $178 million. Gross profit was $70 million, or 39 percent of revenue. Operating expenses were $117 million, including $3 million in restructuring charges and $4 million in amortization. This resulted in a net loss of $42 million, or $0.11 per share. This compares to a net loss of $58 million or $0.15 per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005 and $36 million, or $0.09 per share, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2005.

The company ended the quarter with $782 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

These results are presented on a U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis. The net loss per share of $0.11 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2006 is not comparable to First Call EPS estimates.

NOTE: Attached is the full text of 3Com's prepared remarks for the Q1 financial results conference call. Additional financial data is also attached.

Safe Harbor

This press release and Mr. Claflin's and Mr. Halsted's remarks on the quarterly results contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the following: our future results of operations; expected sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses, combined; our upcoming investor's day; expected improvement in the performance of our EMEA region and our services organization. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially, including fluctuations in the demand for our products; our ability to successfully manage costs and expenses; possible development or marketing delays relating to our product offerings; our ability to successfully integrate TippingPoint's financial controls, order management, supply chain and other similar operations; and expected changes to our sales channels outside of North America. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties associated with our business, please refer to our most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 3, 2005. References to the financial information included in this press release and Mr. Claflin's and Mr. Halsted's remarks reflect rounded numbers and should be considered approximate values.

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. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. 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 TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders

[Waschbaer]

COMS has reached an interesting level, hasn't it?

It's certainly worth tracking. I'm grateful for the tip and the research, setravis. Rather than entering right now, though, I think I'll wait and see how it reacts here at c. 3.95-4.05.

I understand that folks are still trying to get out at break-even, and I'm OK with a selling reaction, too -- or whatever happened today. But I'd prefer to see it occur after the wall is scaled.

For anyone who's already long, here's wishing you a rocket ride!

[Terliso]

Pullback is done.. now it's shaping up

[setravis]

Press Release Source: 3Com Corporation


3Com Certified for Voice over Wireless-Enabled Network Infrastructure Through SpectraLink's Interoperability Testing
Wednesday December 14, 3:30 pm ET 
3Com's Enterprise Wireless Products Meet the Rigorous Standards of Testing in SpectraLink's Voice Interoperability for Enterprise Wireless (VIEW) Certification Program


MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 14, 2005--3Com Corporation, a leader in secure converged networks, today announced that the 3Com® enterprise wireless switch products for wireless LAN infrastructures have been certified as interoperable with SpectraLink's Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) phones for business customers. The quality of service, high level of security, performance and interoperability of 3Com's enterprise wireless products were validated through intense testing in SpectraLink's labs, giving the 3Com Wireless LAN Mobility solution using the WX4400, WX1200, WXR100 Switches and 3Com Managed Access Point 3750 SpectraLink's VIEW Certification status.


"In VIEW Certification testing, 3Com's wireless switch demonstrated strong performance and interoperability with our NetLink Wireless Telephones," said Geri Mitchell-Brown, SpectraLink director of Technical Business Development. "The interoperability of Wi-Fi products in multi-vendor environments is an important characteristic of trusted solutions."

"As 3Com provides standards-based convergence products for voice and wireless applications in multi-vendor business networks, our successful interoperability testing with SpectraLink speaks to the reliability and performance of our wireless LAN solutions for enterprises," said Richard Edgar, 3Com wireless product manager. "SpectraLink is a recognized leader in Wi-Fi telephony. Their certification testing program is among the most significant in the industry, especially for CIOs and IT managers with plans for larger wireless LAN deployments. 3Com's VIEW Certification from SpectraLink is the substance for enterprise customer confidence in our business VoWiFi-ready wireless infrastructure."

Certification by SpectraLink means that the wireless LAN infrastructure solutions provide complete support of SpectraLink's NetLink Wireless Telephones, which are proven in the marketplace. 3Com's enterprise wireless solutions include high-speed 802.11b/g and 802.11a wireless products with the centralized security of a wireless switch and managed access points - all managed efficiently through highly advanced, yet easy-to-use, management software. 3Com leverages Ethernet network technology - predominant in most businesses worldwide today - for converging telephony on wired and wireless platforms designed to optimize business applications without compromising online security protection against hackers or other malicious online attacks.

More information about 3Com wireless solutions can be found at www.3com.com/wireless

About SpectraLink

SpectraLink, the leader in workplace Wi-Fi telephony, delivers the power of mobile voice and messaging applications to businesses worldwide. Seamlessly integrating with VoIP and traditional telephony platforms, SpectraLink's scalable technology provides instant access to people and business-critical information. SpectraLink handsets free on-premises employees to be more accessible, productive and responsive.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS - News) 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. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

Copyright © 2005 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.



Contact:
Anthony Petrucci
3Com Corporation
508-323-1547
[email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: 3Com Corporation

[setravis]

Market Scan
3Com Set For Steady Improvement
Kate DuBose Tomassi, 12.13.05, 3:45 PM ET

Bear Stearns analyst Wojtek Uzdelewicz today predicted slightly weak 3Com (nasdaq: COMS - news - people ) revenue to be offset by strong revenue from the 3Com-Huawei joint venture.

3Com, rated at "outperform" by Uzdelewicz, will report fiscal second-quarter results Dec. 21. He has a year-end target price of $4.50 on 3Com.

The analyst remains comfortable that 3Com will meet a consensus loss estimate of 8 cents per share in the second quarter and a loss of 7 cents per share in the third quarter. Bear Stearns deducts options expenses in calculating estimates, so Uzdelewicz has post-options estimates for losses of 9 cents per share in the second quarter, and 7 cents per share in the third quarter. He sees the company losing 33 cents per share for fiscal 2006.

The analyst lowered expectations for second-quarter revenue to $184 million from $189.6 million and for third-quarter revenue to $185.2 million from $190.4 million. "Our checks indicate that business momentum continues to be solid at 3Com. However, we believe that 3Com is still in the early stages of building a pipeline of larger enterprise deals, and the lumpiness of these larger deals may have caused several million dollars of revenue into the third quarter," said the research analyst.

Uzdelewicz added, however, that he expects the joint venture to offset most of the loss with strong revenue of approximately $114 million. "In our view, the joint venture is positioned to significantly outperform the market, particularly in high-growth emerging markets." Additionally, the company's past cost cutting should lower operating expenses, which "should compensate for slightly weaker revenues," Uzdelewicz said.

Other positives cited by the analyst were the company's continued sequential growth in resale of products sourced by the joint venture, an expectation of strong sequential growth in the second quarter from the company's security business, and 3Com's shift to "the large enterprise VCX product, which has a longer sales cycle." VCX is a VoIP product.

3Com and Huawei have agreed that 3Com will become the 51% owner of the joint venture, which will allow the company to consolidate the joint venture, said the analyst, who added that he expects approval from the Chinese government.

"We believe that 3Com's management team is committed to achieving breakeven by the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and we expect steadily improving earnings along the way," the analyst said.


News Headlines Link:   http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=COMS

[setravis]

Press Release Source: 3Com Corporation


3Com Outperforms Cisco in Independent Test Conducted by the Tolly Group
Wednesday January 18, 11:00 am ET 
3Com Switch 5500G-EI Beats Comparable Cisco Switch
Stackable Gigabit Switch Earns Multiple "Tolly Verified" Certifications Including for Convergence and Interoperability


MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 18, 2006--3Com Corporation today announced that in an independent performance test conducted by The Tolly Group, one of the most influential testing validation firms in North America, the 3Com® Switch 5500G-EI proved to be a superior alternative to the Cisco Catalyst 3750G-48TS switch for enterprise-class switching capabilities.


According to the test results, the switch also proved to be interoperable in a Cisco network. This is a key feature for medium-to-large enterprises seeking to incorporate high-performance, cost-effective and convergence-ready LAN switches into either their Cisco-based or non-Cisco-based networks. Additionally, the 3Com Switch 5500G-EI earned The Tolly Group's "First & Foremost" distinction as the first switch in its class with Power over Ethernet (PoE) in a stackable Gigabit switch to power Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, IP security cameras, wireless access points and other PoE-enabled devices.

"3Com rose to the challenge of developing an outstanding LAN switch that delivers the high performance and enterprise-class features necessary for supporting and enhancing application performance, while at the same time maintaining the standards-based approach that truly benefits enterprise customers," said Kevin Tolly, president/CEO and founder of The Tolly Group. "Given the prevalence of multi-vendor networks driving the need to conform to standards to ensure interoperability, 3Com's approach is impressive in terms of combining innovative technology with standards-based support, simplifying implementations, enforcing security and automating administrative tasks within a resilient network."

The Test Results

The Tolly Group conducted a benchmark performance comparison between the 3Com Switch 5500G-EI family and comparable Cisco LAN switch, which are considered by enterprises for supporting real-time business applications, such as Voice over IP. Among the devices tested, the 3Com Switch 5500G-EI proved to offer not only a full range of features in demand by enterprises today, but also the highest performance with minimal frame/packet loss - a crucial benefit for maintaining the availability of business applications.

"Our 3Com Switch 5500G-EI is ready for prime time against any competitor in enterprise bids for LAN switching worldwide," said Brian Allain, vice president of 3Com's Data Business Unit. "After major investments over the past year in expanding our LAN switching portfolio for the enterprise market, we knew that we had something very special with the Switch 5500 family. Now, we have verifiable proof of our claims. Enterprise CIOs and IT managers who traditionally choose Cisco will have to question whether they have chosen the best product on the market today. This Tolly test proves that it's worthwhile to take another look."

Highlights of The Tolly Group's testing results follow:

3Com Switch 5500G-EI demonstrated superior (lower) frame loss when compared against the Cisco Catalyst 3750G, both at Layer 2 and Layer 3. In addition, the 3Com switch offered as much as three times the frame forwarding-performance of the Cisco 3750G.
3Com Switch 5500G-EI earned seven "Tolly Verified" certifications as a LAN Switch with "core" network functionality, including verification of Quality of Service and Power over Ethernet support (both highly important in converged network environments), and earned six "Tolly Verified" certifications for user management and system security, including 802.1X security and Dynamic VLAN Assignment capabilities. Certification earned in the tests confirm the capability of the Switch 5500G-EI to enforce both security and application service levels for demanding enterprise environments.
3Com Switch 5500G-EI earned "First & Foremost" distinction for PoE support in a stackable Gigabit Ethernet switch, demonstrating the highest PoE port density in a 48-port stackable Gigabit switch with full 15.4W PoE on all 48 ports. The test also verified that the Switch 5500G-EI can provide power to other vendors' 802.3af standard PoE devices and pre-standard Cisco-branded VoIP phones.
3Com Switch 5500G-EI proved to recognize IP phones automatically (when the phones are connected to the switch) and dynamically place them in a dedicated voice VLAN (virtual local area network), which can enforce higher security and Quality of Service for VoIP traffic on a converged network.
3Com is a leader in secure converged networks. 3Com's enterprise product portfolio ranges from one of the industry's broadest wired and wireless infrastructure lines and scalable VoIP-based convergence solutions to industry-leading Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) security solutions. The Switch 5500 family is an important component of secure converged networks, as it provides the network "intelligence" and security-optimized features to give enterprise customers world-class features and capabilities for networking.

The complete Tolly Group test report is available at the following Web URL:

http://www.3com.com/5500_tolly/

About The Tolly Group

The Tolly Group, an independent testing and strategic consulting organization based in Boca Raton, FL., offers a full range of services designed to furnish both the vendor and end-user communities with authoritative and unbiased information. Additionally, The Tolly Group is recognized worldwide for its expertise in assessing leading-edge technologies. For more information on The Tolly Group's services, visit its Web site at http://www.tolly.com, E-mail [email protected], call (561) 391-5610, or fax (561) 391-5810.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS - News) 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. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

Copyright © 2006. 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.


Contact:
3Com Corporation
Anthony Petrucci, 508-323-1547
[email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: 3Com Corporation

[setravis]

• 3Com's Zero Day Initiative Issues Advisory for Clam Antivirus Vulnerability Discovered Through Program
(Thu, Jan 12) 

Recent News...Link:   http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=COMS

[setravis]

Ready for some more....

Technicals
Most Actives

Last Price Quote is:
3.77%above 13-day EMA
12.87%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 79 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $1,706.97 
P/E Ratio: NA 
PEG Ratio: -2.17143 
Next Earnings: 03/09/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Outperform

[setravis]

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan 30, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- TippingPoint, a division of 3Com and the leader in intrusion prevention, today set a new performance benchmark with the industry's first Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) chassis and corresponding IPS modules able to scale up to 60 Gigabits-per-second (Gbps). The chassis, known as the TippingPoint M60, is ideal for large organizations including enterprises, universities, government agencies and service providers.

As network bandwidth and throughput increases, enterprises demand security products that can meet those performance requirements in order to ensure real-time security. 3Com's TippingPoint division is launching the M60 chassis in response to customer demand for 10 Gigabit interfaces, increased port count for greater network segmentation and higher throughput.

"Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the TippingPoint acquisition by 3Com," said 3Com CTO Marc Willebeek-LeMair. "We believe the TippingPoint M60 chassis and IPS modules are yet another proof point in the successful integration between 3Com and its TippingPoint division. Developers from the Huawei-3Com joint venture worked closely with the TippingPoint engineering team to build a new form factor for next-generation Intrusion Prevention Systems. The M60 chassis validates the security strategy we set to maintain the position of the TippingPoint division as the unsurpassable performance leader for IPS."

The TippingPoint M60 chassis supports 10 Gbps interfaces, and is available in 7, 10 or 14-slot versions that hold the new IPS modules. Three IPS module versions correspond with the TippingPoint M60 chassis: the T5000, a five Gbps IPS module; the T2000, a two Gbps IPS module; and the T1000, a one Gbps module. Each module offers the same functionality as the systems in the award-winning TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention System product line. However, the new IPS modules offer 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports, either copper or fiber, which is a 50 percent increase in port density over the existing TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention System product line. This allows for a maximum of 144 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which gives customers greater ability to segment the network. In addition to working with the TippingPoint M60 chassis, the IPS modules also work seamlessly with the 3Com(R) Switch 8800.

Each IPS module is capable of over two million simultaneous connections and one million connections per second with switch-like latency of less than 150 microseconds. The IPS modules block worms, viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Phishing and Denial of Service attacks, and are updated on a regular basis to protect against the latest threats through the TippingPoint Digital Vaccine(R) service.

"3Com's TippingPoint division has once again outdone itself in the intrusion prevention systems arena," said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Robert Ayoub. "Customers benefit from having the option to purchase IPS functionality in a smaller form factor with greater port count and higher aggregate performance."

TippingPoint has consistently led the market in performance and innovation. When launching the first IPS in 2002, the company released a two Gbps IPS. Competitors soon followed with their own products, but most could not reach one Gbps throughput at the time. Nearly one year ago, the TippingPoint division again pioneered the market with the launch of a five Gbps IPS, which is still ahead of today's two Gbps maximum throughput from competing IPS solutions. The TippingPoint division was also the first to introduce anti-phishing features, Spyware protection, bandwidth management and VoIP security to its IPS devices, and recently launched the innovative TippingPoint X505, the industry's first integrated security platform based on IPS technology.

The TippingPoint M60 chassis and IPS modules will be available in the second half of 2006.

About TippingPoint, a division of 3Com

TippingPoint, a division of 3Com, is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems. The TippingPoint IPS is the most decorated in its industry. For a full list of awards, visit http://www.tippingpoint.com/products_certifications.html. Our innovative approach offers customers unmatched network-based security with unrivaled economics, ultra-high performance, scalability and reliability. TippingPoint is based in Austin, Texas, and can be contacted through its Web site at www.tippingpoint.com or by telephone at 1-888-TRUE-IPS.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation (COMS, Trade) 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. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

Copyright (C) 2006 3Com Corporation. 3Com, the 3Com logo and Digital Vaccine are registered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

SOURCE: TippingPoint


TippingPoint, a division of 3Com 
Laura Craddick, 512-681-8441 
[email protected] 

Copyright Business Wire 2006

[setravis]

Stock News: General 




3Com Launches Security Product

By TSC and IRIS Staff
1/31/2006 12:53 PM EST 


TippingPoint, a division of Massachusetts-based 3Com unveiled an intrusion-prevention system chassis, called TippingPoint M60, and corresponding modules.

The chassis, the company said, is ideal for large organizations including enterprises, universities, government agencies and service providers and is capable of scaling up to 60 gigabits-per-second.


TippingPoint said the chassis was launched in order to meet customers' demand for 10-gigabit interfaces, increased port count for greater network segmentation and higher throughput.

The IPS modules block worms, viruses, spyware and denial-of-service attacks and can be updated regularly.

[setravis]

Nice day...
Today a Long White Candlestick was formed. This shows that the prices advanced significantly from open to close during the day under strong buying pressure.

Support @ $4.77...4.69...4.61

Recent CandleStick Analysis
Bullish
Feb-01-2006 Bullish Engulfing


Technicals
MACD is Bullish
Record Price High
Most Actives

Last Price Quote is:
10.84%above 13-day EMA
20.56%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 85 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $1,706.97 
P/E Ratio: NA 
PEG Ratio: -2.17143 
Next Earnings: 03/09/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Outperform

[setravis]

Press Release Source: 3Com Corporation


3Com Acquires Majority Ownership of Huawei-3Com Joint Venture
Thursday February 2, 9:44 am ET


MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2006--Continuing its innovative approach to becoming a leading provider of secure, converged networking solutions to global enterprises, 3Com Corporation today announced that it has purchased from Huawei an additional two percent interest in Huawei-3Com, Ltd. (H-3C), a China-based joint venture formed by 3Com and Huawei in November 2003. The sale was completed on January 27, 2006 following final approval from the government of the People's Republic of China, resulting in 3Com owning 51 percent of the joint venture and Huawei owning the remaining 49 percent.


On October 28, 2005, 3Com reached an agreement with Huawei to gain majority control of the joint venture, subject to Chinese government approval and usual closing conditions. 3Com agreed to pay Huawei $28 million in consideration for 2 percent of the outstanding shares of H-3C owned by Huawei - an amount that was established as part of the original H-3C formation agreements as a "not-to-exceed" price.

"When the joint venture was formed in 2003, we had three key objectives: First, to establish a substantial presence in China, the world's fastest growing market; second, to create a resource capable of building enterprise-class, cutting-edge switching and routing products faster than we could deliver on our own; and third, to capitalize on a rapidly growing pool of engineering talent," said Scott Murray, president and CEO of 3Com. "We are extremely pleased with Huawei-3Com's performance, and its potential for continued growth."

According to industry research firm, IDC's Q3 2005 APAC LAN tracker, H-3C currently holds 31 percent share of the Chinese LAN switch market. Additionally, in its most recent financial earnings announcement, 3Com reported that during its calendar third quarter ended September 30, 2005, Huawei-3Com revenue was $111 million, an increase of 69 percent over the same period in the prior year. Gross margin for the quarter was 42 percent.

With the change in majority control of the joint venture, 3Com will appoint five Directors to the H-3C Board of Directors and Huawei will appoint four Directors. 3Com CEO, Scott Murray, will become Chairman of the joint venture. 3Com intends to consolidate the joint venture's financial results once it has determined that it can satisfy all of the requirements of governing accounting standards around controlling interests in joint venture relationships.

Founded in November 2003, H-3C is a joint venture between 3Com and Huawei Technologies that designs, manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of networking equipment. The company is headquartered in Hong Kong with its primary operations based in Hangzhou, China. H-3C employs more than 1,700 engineers currently working for the joint venture, the majority of whom has been hired since the joint venture's inception. This large, talented engineering team continues to release high-quality infrastructure products, which are sold by 3Com throughout the world.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS - News) 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. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

Copyright © 2006 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding 3Com's intention to consolidate the operating results of H-3C in its financial statements once it has determined all of the requirements of governing accounting standards around controlling interests in joint venture relationships have been satisfied. These forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially, including 3Com's on-going evaluation of the accounting rules applicable to consolidation, its determination that the structure of H-3C satisfies these requirements, which 3Com may conclude it does not, and the concurrence of 3Com's independent registered public accounting firm with the determination reached by 3Com.


Contact:
3Com Corporation
Media Relations                             
John Vincenzo                               
508-323-1260                                 
[email protected]                       
or
Investor Relations     
Ciel Caldwell           
508-323-1198
[email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: 3Com Corporation

[setravis]

bizjournals.com
3Com buys majority stake in Chinese firm
Thursday February 2, 11:07 am ET


Computer equipment maker 3Com Corp. has paid $28 million to gain a majority stake in a Chinese venture it co-founded in November 2003.
The acquisition gives 3Com, based in Marlborough, Mass., an additional 2 percent equity share in Huawei-3Com, bringing its total equity ownership in the Hong Kong-based equipment maker to 51 percent.


3Com (Nasdaq: COMS - News) said the deal closed Jan. 27 after winning approval from government officials within the People's Republic of China. Huawei-3Com, which designs, manufactures and distributes computer-networking equipment, booked $111 million in revenue during the third quarter ended Sept. 30. The company has a 31 percent market share among its competitors in China.

The Chinese firm's financials will be consolidated with 3Com's own financial statements once it "has been determined that it can satisfy all of the requirements of the governing accounting standards around controlling interests and joint venture relationships," 3Com said.

Huawei-3Com's nine-member board of directors will now have five positions controlled by its new parent company. 3Com CEO Scott Murray will be Huawei-3Com's chairman.

Published February 2, 2006 by the Boston Business Journal