3Com, Microsoft introduce home networking products

3Com Corporation has announced its first home network products co-branded with Microsoft Corporation, the 3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet product series. Supplying the bandwidth required by today`s most demanding users, 3Com`s first home networking product family provides network solutions with speeds up to 100 Mbps (megabits per second), with internal PCI and external USB connectivity options. The products are due to be available in South Africa towards the end of 99 and beginning of year 2000.

To simplify network setup and use, 3Com`s home network kits and adapters include easy-to-use Microsoft HomeClick Network Software, featuring a step-by-step setup wizard and Network Center application, explains 3Com SA`s product marketing manager, Gavin Levin. "With HomeClick Network Software, complex network configuration functions are transparent to consumers, since they are completed behind the scenes," he says. "Users need only complete a simple series of steps to install their home networks, he says. If necessary, HomeClick Network Software provides equally intuitive troubleshooting, helping consumers pinpoint and correct any errors."

Levin points out that 3Com and Microsoft have incorporated several innovations in their home networking products to address today`s computing needs. These include features such as device discovery - used when adding new printers to the network. When a printer is added to the network, driver installation occurs on each networked PC, via HomeClick Network Software.

Another innovative feature of 3Com`s home networking solutions is support for home and office network profiles. 3Com believes that more than half of multiple-PC homes will include a laptop that alternates between the office and the home. "The HomeClick Network Software enables hassle-free switching between network profiles through a simple desktop shortcut. When connecting to either network, saved network settings are loaded to match the appropriate network requirements," says Levin.

HomeConnect home networking kits provide all the necessary hardware and software needed to set up a home network for high-speed Internet access, peripheral and personal file sharing. Consumers will be able to leverage the latest networking features of the Windows operating system, including Internet Connection Sharing, through an additional CD that updates the host system to Windows 98 Second Edition, he explains.

In addition, each HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Kit and Adapter includes trial editions of popular single- and multi-player games from Microsoft, such as: Age of Empires - Rise of Rome; Microsoft Golf `99; Microsoft Baseball 2000; Monster Truck Madness II; Close Combat III and access to the MSN Gaming Zone.

This announcement marks the first time Ethernet has been exclusively packaged for consumers` home use. Increasingly, high-quality wiring is offered during new home construction or remodeling - a natural investment for computer-savvy households. Levin adds that in addition, home offices are increasingly prevalent, sometimes containing multiple PCs within the same room. 3Com`s HomeConnect Ethernet home networking solutions are perfect for both scenarios.

"3Com is synonymous with networking," comments Rich Redelfs, vice president of 3Com`s Wireless and Home Connectivity Division. "Today`s announcement extends that expertise into homes for the first time, connecting consumers to information that matters. What`s more, 3Com stands alone in our ability to offer both an internal home network and an external network connection with our DSL, cable, ISDN and analog modems."

"With more and more homes having multiple PCs, people want to be able to share files and resources such as printers and Internet connections," says Rick Thompson, vice president of Microsoft`s Hardware Group. "The HomeConnect home networking kits make this simple."

Providing consumers a wealth of options, 3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet products include both kits and expansion products - such as additional hubs and adapters.

HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Kits: All the necessary components for a two-user network in one box.

3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Kit/Internal (10/100 Mbps, PCI)

Contains: Two 10/100 Mbps internal PCI Ethernet network adapters; One five-port, 10/100 Mbps dual-speed Ethernet hub with 220V power supply; two 25-foot Category-5 UTP cables; Quick Start Guide; Microsoft HomeClick Network Software CD; Windows 98 Second Edition Update CD; Microsoft Games Sampler CD.

3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Kit/External (10 Mbps, USB)

Contains: Two 10 Mbps external USB Ethernet network adapters; One five-port, 10Mbps Ethernet hub with 220V power supply; two 25-foot Category-5 UTP cables; Quick Start Guide; Microsoft HomeClick Network Software CD; Windows 98 Second Edition Update CD; Microsoft Games Sampler CD.

Additional HomeConnect Home Network Products: After a home network is in place, these products are used to add additional functionality and/or users.

3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Adapter/PCI (10/100 Mbps)

Contains: One 10/100 Mbps internal PCI Ethernet network adapter; Quick Start Guide; Microsoft HomeClick Network Software CD; Windows 98 Second Edition Update CD; Microsoft Games Sampler CD.

3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Adapter/USB (10 Mbps)

Contains: One 10 Mbps external USB Ethernet network adapter; Quick Start Guide; Microsoft HomeClick Network Software CD; Windows 98 Second Edition Update CD; Microsoft Games Sampler CD.

3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Hub (10/100 Mbps Dual Speed)

Contains: One five-port 10/100 Mbps dual speed Ethernet network hub; 220V power supply; 3Com User Guide.

3Com HomeConnect Home Network Ethernet Hub (10 Mbps)

Contains: One five-port 10 Mbps Ethernet network hub; 220V power supply; 3Com User Guide.