MISSISSAUGA, Ont., — November 27, 2000 — 3Com Canada today announced its new channel partner program, Focus. It gives channel partners easy access to the resources, tools and information they need to simplify business interactions with 3Com and their customers. Focus enables 3Com channel partners to take full advantage of 3Com's rich connectivity solutions in areas such as the Web, wireless, broadband, IP telephony and Gigabit Ethernet. The program is available to all Canadian-based 3Com channel partners, including VARs, resellers, system integrators, service providers and retailers.

As a member of Focus, 3Com channel partners will have access to customized communications and product information through 3Com's extranet, Partner Access, extensive training programs through 3Com University, and a new sales incentive rewards program, Focus Rewards. Through simple, online enrollment, members create a custom business profile to indicate business area, industry specialization and technology interests. Once a company is an established 3Com channel partner, each employee is allowed to set up an individual profile.

"The Focus program mirrors the radical simplicity and rich connectivity of 3Com products," said Nick Tidd, president and country manager, 3Com Canada. "With the new program, we are making it easier for channel partners to do business with 3Com. By providing the latest product and industry information, 3Com will help Canadian channel partners increase productivity and become more competitive."

Enhanced, Tailored Communication for Members
3Com also announced an online partner newsletter, Focus News, which is customized based on each partner's member profile. The newsletter has current product and program announcements, selling tips and new training courses. The Focus program will include other enhanced partner communications, such as weekly highlights on 3Com Radio, online bulletin boards, Web casts and telebriefings. All the communication components are designed to keep channel partners informed about new product announcements, events, technology tips and promotions.

Focus Rewards
3Com will reward its partners with a new points-based rewards program. Members will earn ClickMiles™ points for revenue sales, products sold, events attended, training completed and participation in the new 3Com Certification program.

The rewards program has two components. For the first component, 3Com will reward the individual sales representatives that have sold 3Com products. Members will be allowed to redeem ClickMiles points for frequent flyer miles with ten major airlines, vacation packages or brand name products. The second component will include Focus rewards for business owners, including 3Com product demo gear and co-marketing campaigns.

Focus Empowers Partners through Training
"3Com is guided by the principle that knowledge sells networks," said Tidd. Through the 3Com University system, Focus partners have access to a dynamic e-learning model to develop the skills and knowledge to sell 3Com solutions. Focus partners can participate in the new 3Com Certification program to pursue a technical or non-technical solutions certification path to gain the knowledge to sell 3Com networks. In addition, Focus partners can attend local training events or leverage the many on-line training courses available through 3Com University.

Platinum Partnership
The Focus program includes Platinum Level benefits for Focus partners who are leading with 3Com products and solutions and meet a minimum purchase criterion. Platinum Partner benefits include financial incentives, access to marketing development funds, direct access to 24 X 7 back up phone support and network design consulting services.

For more information, visit the 3Com Web site at ca.3com.com/partners.

About 3Com Corporation
3Com simplifies how people connect to information and services through easy-to-use, connectivity products and solutions for consumers and commercial organizations. The company also provides access infrastructures and IP services platforms for network service providers. For further information, visit ca.3com.com.