3Com recognised as leading networking vendor in large enterprise, SME networking markets, according to AMI-Partners

3Com Corporation today announced that it has sustained its leadership positions in the enterprise and small business markets.

According to independent research conducted by research firm AMI-Partners, Inc, 3Com is the number two large enterprise network hardware vendor in the US, the co-leader in the medium-sized enterprise network market and the number one small business network hardware vendor worldwide, in terms of brand awareness, based on extensive customer surveys of businesses. In the US large enterprise market, 3Com ranked second only to Cisco in the broad category of network hardware that includes switches, as well as other vendors` high-end routers. 3Com`s broad range of networking products offer what businesses of all sizes need - high-speed, reliable, practical and secure networking.

"Amid fierce competition in the networking hardware industry, 3Com came out on top once again in the small business market, edging out Cisco for brand share. In the medium business market, 3Com and Cisco are in a dead-heat for top networking hardware honours," said Christian Dunster, Senior Analyst for AMI. "As the market intelligence study proves, 3Com is a leading networking vendor that business customers trust."

AMI-Partners, which is a New York-based leading consulting firm specialising in IT, Internet, telecom and business services market intelligence, conducted a worldwide survey of business customers to gauge customer preferences in various categories, including network hardware. The results of AMI`s market study showed that 3Com maintained its leadership in terms of brand preference.

"3Com is known for its innovations in networking, as well as the expertise to make networking as practical as possible for businesses," said John McClelland, president, 3Com`s Business Networks Company. "Customers of all sizes continue to recognise 3Com as the networking company that helps maximise the value of their network. In particular, our differentiated solutions in the large enterprise market address requirements for advanced, affordable networking in a multi-site environment with headquarters, regional offices, remote offices and telecommuters."

3Com offers unique LAN infrastructure solutions to deliver networks that are sophisticated, yet easy to install and manage. 3Com networks are extremely price/performance-competitive with any competitor`s products. The integration of voice, security, wireless and Web features in 3Com products enables business customers to improve collaboration, communication and productivity.