From Ethernet Pioneers to Corporate Ghosts: The 3Com Saga

This episode of '200: Tech Tales Found' dives into the rise, dominance, and eventual disappearance of 3Com, a company that laid the foundation for modern computer networking. Hosted by Amanda and Jason, the narrative begins in the pre-Wi-Fi era, where connecting to the internet was an experience—complete with screeching modems and suspenseful waits. At the heart of this tale is Robert Metcalfe, co-inventor of Ethernet, who founded 3Com in 1979 with a vision to connect computers across offices and eventually the world. The company grew rapidly through innovation, strategic hires like Bill Krause, and key product launches like their EtherSeries line. By the mid-1980s, 3Com had gone public and was thriving as IBM’s PC revolution took off. However, internal identity crises, failed mergers, and strategic missteps—including a costly pivot toward OS/2-based systems—plagued the company. Leadership changes followed, most notably Metcalfe’s departure and the arrival of CEO Éric Benhamou, who refocused the company on its core networking strengths. Despite growth through acquisitions like Bridge Communications and USRobotics, 3Com struggled to adapt to shifting markets. Its acquisition of Palm brought both success and cultural conflict, culminating in Palm’s spin-off—a move that left 3Com exposed. As competition from Cisco intensified and commodity hardware eroded profits, 3Com attempted international expansion through a joint venture with Huawei, forming H3C. But geopolitical concerns and continued financial losses led HP to acquire 3Com in 2010, marking the end of the company as an independent entity. Though the brand faded, its legacy lives on in every Ethernet connection and networked device used today. The story of 3Com serves as a cautionary yet inspiring chapter in tech history—an example of visionary innovation, bold ambition, and the relentless pace of technological change that can elevate or erase even the most foundational companies.

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