3Com Hopes Its New Unified Switch Is A Hit
The Unified Gigabit Wireless PoE Switch 24 combines several capabilities, including Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet managed switching, WLAN management, 802.3af Power over Ethernet support on all 24 ports, 802.1x security, support for up to 24 access points and rogue access point detection.
Speaking during the 3Com Partner Summit in Boston last week, Masri said the box represents a new product category and a fresh approach to garnering share in the networking market. "We're never going to win by increasing share in Gigabit Ethernet [switching]; that's an old story. We're going to create a new category for unified switching," he said.
With all of the integrated features, ramp-up time for sales reps should be shortened, said Mark Mills, principal at Communication Concepts, a Sunrise, Fla.-based solution provider. "It plays well with what we do today," Mills said of the integrated technology approach.
CXtec, Syracuse, N.Y., targets larger customers than the new unified switch is aimed at, but Frank Kobuszewski, vice president of CXtec's technology solutions group, said he could see the appeal for a small business. "The premise behind it is sound," he said.
The switch is targeted at SMB customers with 20 to 250 users and is scheduled for general availability within the next few weeks for $2,750. It supports two 3Com access point models: the 3Com Wireless 7760 11a/b/g PoE Access Point, available now for $249; and the 3Com Wireless 8760 Dual-Radio 11a/b/g PoE Access Point, available now for $399.
The access points are dual-mode, meaning they can operate as stand-alone "fat" access points or as centrally managed "fit" access points. That ensures customers will have the flexibility and investment protection that comes with a solution they can grow along with, Masri said.
The vendor is also pulling together a bundle for channel partners that includes the new switch, a V3000 VoIP system and Wi-Fi and desktop phones in a package priced at approximately $5,000.
3Com rival Cisco Systems, San Jose, Calif., has already taken a similar path by integrating multiple features on a networking device, but its box of choice is a router. Cisco's Integrated Services Router family, a line of branch office access routers, includes optional security, VoIP and wireless capabilities. Cisco said in May that it had sold more than 1 million ISRs since launching the line in September 2004.