ETN Eaton Corp New

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE: ETN) today announced that Eaton's new Powerware(R) 48V Data Power Solution was selected as the preferred direct current (DC) solution for 3Com Corporation's new enterprise-class premium switches - the 3Com Switch 5500 series. The new Eaton solution is the result of collaboration with 3Com to deliver highly reliable power for 3Com products. It is factory preset for fast installation and pre-configured to suit the power requirements of the 3Com equipment. Built-in Ethernet and SNMP communications are compatible with 3Com's Network Director and 3Com Enterprise Management Suite. 3Com chose the Eaton solution because it provides customers with the most flexible and robust means to both fully backup an entire stack of switches and to support Power-over-Ethernet applications. The Eaton solution allows the 3Com Switch 5500 to support up to 384 Ethernet 10/100 or Gigabit ports with fully redundant power. There are six models with a variety of mounting options including one suitable for desktop use in an office environment. "This robust enterprise-level power solution came at a critical point in the networking industry, where availability is becoming a key aspect to network design, driven from real-time applications such as voice," commented Peter Doggart, director of Stackable Switching at 3Com. Dick Hatcher, Eaton's vice president and general manager, Telecommunications Division, was pleased to have the opportunity to work with 3Com. "Our work with 3Com has resulted in a solution that perfectly matches 3Com's requirements and will give its customers a high level of power reliability." In line with a growing industry trend, the 3Com Switch 5500 switches are 48V DC-powered. This allows these high-powered devices to run from a cost-effective, high-reliability power source with the option of battery backup for additional security. The Powerware Data Power Solution is based on a modular design with up to 9kW output. It can be operated with or without a standby battery and, for the highest reliability, can be configured with a redundant (hot-standby) rectifier module - so called N+1 redundancy. To simplify the purchasing process, the two companies have joint developed a dedicated website for 3Com resellers to purchase DC systems online. More information can be found on www.powerware.com/3com. Eaton provides telecommunications and related sectors with world-leading infrastructure products and services. These include 24V and 48V DC power solutions, battery monitoring systems, cabinets and enclosures, and a wide range of services including remote monitoring, turnkey integration services and site support. For more information about Eaton's Powerware DC power solutions, visit www.powerware.com. Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.8 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 56,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) is a leading provider of secure, converged voice and data networking solutions for enterprises of all sizes. 3Com offers a broad line of innovative products backed by world class sales, service and support, which excel at delivering business value for its customers. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.