Despite Compaq Computer Corp’s continued efforts to eat into the low-end of the networking market, it is looking more and more like Intel Corp that is shaking up the communications equipment market. Intel, which expanded its Fast Ethernet business last month with the acquisition of Case Technology A/S (CI No 3,080) has announced price cuts on Fast Ethernet network adapters by nearly 40%, and cuts on Fast Ethernet print servers by 20% (CI No 3,095). The microprocessor vendor’s 10 and 100Mbps PCI Fast Ethernet adapters now start at $84 each, while NetportExpress PRO/100 Fast Ethernet print server now costs $500, the first available at that price. Rivals 3Com Corp quickly followed the move, reducing its Fast EtherLink XL 10/100 PCI network interface board (CI No 3,097). 3Com said that the cuts were to accelerate the growth of the Fast Ethernet adapter market and push adoption of its own network performance and control software, DynamicAccess. New prices for the Fast EtherLink XL 10/100 PCI network interface card are $94.00 for 100 packs. Single units as well as five, twenty, sixty, and one hundred-packs are also available. 3Com also announced that it has developed additional features for DynamicAccess. These include PACE priority access control technology; drivers optimized for dRMON remote monitoring; Windows-based installation and diagnostic software; and expanded software driver support for unmatched compatibility with standard operating systems.
