IP: Com21 and 3Com - Press Release

[Dave Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

Com21 and 3Com Jointly Develop Next Generation Data Over Cable System Based
On Open Standards 


Leading networking vendor partners with cable technology innovator to offer
standards-based, end-to-end data over cable solution 


SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 25, 1996 -- Global data networking leader, 3Com
Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) and cable technology innovator Com21, Inc. today
announced plans to develop next generation, data over cable systems based on
open standards. The partnership will leverage 3Com's data networking
expertise and Com21's advanced broadband cable technology to offer customers
a comprehensive end-to-end systems solution, from the subscriber to the
cable system control center, that will be scalable, affordable and manageable
from the cable plant to the desktop. 


With this partnership, 3Com is licensing Com21 cable modem technology to
develop and manufacture next generation cable modems. Com21 will receive
3Com's assistance in architectural design and quality assurance, and will
become 3Com's cable headend controller supplier. Next generation data over
cable systems are expected to begin shipping by the end of 1996. 


In addition to the technology partnership, 3Com will take an equity
position, for an undisclosed amount, in Com21. 3Com will also receive a
board seat. 


"These are exciting times for a networking leader," said Eric Benhamou, 3Com
chairman and chief executive officer. "In this emerging era of pervasive
networking, it is our charter to continuously develop new technologies and
enable new markets. Data over cable systems will offer a broad array of new
and existing customers simple and speedy access to an increasing number of
high-speed applications including videoconferencing, Internet access,
education and telecommuting. " 


The Com21-3Com solution will enable data communications for residential,
educational and commercial markets over all existing coax cable delivery
systems and advanced hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks. Further, the system
will take advantage of "best-of-breed" products including the industry
leading Ethernet network interface card, advanced technology cable modems
and headend controllers, market leading ATM and LAN switches, and
comprehensive suite of network management software. 


Both companies will apply their Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) expertise
to transform existing coaxial and HFC cable facilities into a fully
distributed metropolitan telecommunications network. As with its first
generation of cable modem systems, Com21's next generation cable modem
systems are based on ATM technology. Com21's first generation cable modems,
currently in technology trials, were the industry's first ATM-based cable
modem systems. In contrast to currently available competitive offerings, the
Com21
system allows cable operators to maximize revenue and preserve bandwidth by
offering guaranteed bandwidth on demand. The solution facilitates easy
migration to a wide variety of broadband services, including telephony and
desktop video. 


Further, Com21's and 3Com's commitment to provide customers with reliable
solutions built to industry standards form the basis for their drive for the
development of open, standards-based data over cable specifications. Other
partnerships dedicated to the development of open standards-based data over
cable specifications will be announced. 


"Our ongoing work with cable industry leaders has enabled us to define an
architecture that we believe will be rapidly adopted by the industry and
truly stimulate the market", said Pete Fenner, president and chief executive
of Com21, "It is our objective to continue working with standards bodies,
the cable industry and technology leaders to promote an open standard
for transmitting data over cable. 3Coms success at providing open
standards-based solutions will expedite and enhance our efforts". 


"The Com21-3Com partnership is great news for the cable industry", said
Mario Vecchi, senior vice president, chief technical officer, Excalibur
Group, Time Warner, "This is a very positive development that will lead to
open and common standards". 


Com21, Inc. designs, manufacturers and markets communication products
utilizing a cable modem ATM-based platform, which will deliver high speed
data networking applications (i.e, Internet, on-line services,
telecommuting), telephony, and desktop video into residential, educational
and commercial use via the cable TV network. For further information, visit
Com21,s World Wide Web site at http://www.Com21.com/. The company corporate
headquarters are located in Mt. View, California. 


....