Computer networking giant 3Com Corporation has announced its technical agreement with Williams Grand Prix Engineering as official supplier of networking and communications products. The relationship builds on 3Com`s sponsorship of the Williams team in the 1997 Austrian and Luxembourg Formula One Grand Prix.
Under the terms of the agreement, 3Com will work with the Winfield Williams team to ensure that it is equipped with the very best networking technology. Williams currently uses 3Com technology throughout its factory, in its race networks - set up at each race to compile data downloaded from cars on the track - as well as in the team`s transporters where engineers plug laptops into 3Com hubs for a continuous feed of information from the garages.
"Williams and 3Com are working together to jointly develop next-generation technology designed to meet the specific and demanding needs of the team, both on and off the track," says 3Com SA`s regional director, Buddie Ceronie.
3Com will also design a website for Williams which currently has no official presence on the web. The site will provide fully comprehensive information about the team and the Grand Prix season as it progresses and will include banners linking the site to those of key sponsors including Andersen Consulting, Fujitsu and 3Com`s own website.
"Effective teamwork is imperative to success - we are a knowledge-based business and our ability to react fast in an incredibly dynamic environment is critical. said Frank Williams, team principle of Williams. "As a world-class organisation, it is also vital that our image always reflects this. We are delighted to welcome 3Com as a partner to the team."
According to 3Com`s Ceronie, the agreement comes as part of a larger programme designed to raise worldwide visibility of the 3Com brand.
"Grand Prix, which has the widest reach of any sport apart from the Olympics, attracting viewers from all major markets outside of the US, offers the perfect platform for 3Com to bring its name to both corporate and consumer audiences," he says.
"Having considered a variety of sports sponsorship options, we were drawn to Williams with whom we share significant brand synergy," continues Bob Cushing, director, Global Marketing for 3Com Europe. "Like us, they set incredibly high standards for themselves and excel in their field. We are delighted to be able to assist Williams in going the extra mile to success with our industry-leading networking solutions. We also look forward to the challenge of using the Williams environment as a test-bed for our own product development."
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