3Com Security Label
3Com introduces 3-Dimensional holographic label to 3Com switches to protect partners and end users from non-authentic 3Com switches.
All original 3Com switch products have the holographic label on the bottom center of the actual 3Com switch. The technology is a patented DuPont 3-D holographic label produced using DuPont Izon technology. The label combines overt authentication features, tamper evident construction and a tightly controlled secure supply chain, making it extremely difficult to duplicate. It consists of a three-dimensional view surrounding the "3Com" text and three-ring logo: from one dot to two dots, three dots and four dots as it is viewed from different angles. 3Com will use various communication vehicles to inform worldwide end users and partners about this new feature, including E-communication, customer training, and point-of-sale marketing materials.
Q: Why is 3Com including a hologram label on original 3Com switches?
A: The primary reason 3Com is implementing the hologram label is to help End Users and partners better recognize and authenticate their 3Com switches. With the help of the hologram label, End Users are able to easily identify and authenticate original 3Com switches — which are designed to meet strict safety and quality standards — thus minimizing the risk to their network.
Q: What is a holographic label and how is it unique?
A: 3Com uses a 3-D holographic label on our switches to allow customers an easy, effective way to authenticate our switch products upon purchase. The label consists of a three-dimensional view surrounding the "3COM" text with our three-ring logo that appears to flash as you move the label. Around the "3COM" text you will find dots arranged in a pattern: from 1 dot to 2 dots, 3 dots and 4 dots as it is viewed from different angles. Click here to find out more. The holographic label is produced using the patented DuPont "Izon" technology, which combines overt authentication features, tamper evident construction and a tightly controlled secure supply chain, making it extremely difficult to duplicate.
Q: When will all 3Com switches available on the market be labeled?
A: All original 3Com switches manufactured after January 2006 will bear the hologram label. However, original 3Com switches without hologram labels will inevitably remain on the market for some time.
Please note, genuine products without a label are in no way different or inferior to products with a label.
Q: On which original 3Com switches will the hologram label be implemented?
A: Hologram labels will be implemented on, but not limited to, the following 3Com switch families:
Q: For how long will 3Com continue to sell switches without the hologram label?
* These products will be the first to be implemented.
A: Original 3Com switches without hologram labels will continue to be sold until available stocks of units produced prior to the introduction of the hologram label in January 2006 are depleted from the market. As mentioned, the performance of original 3Com switches without hologram labels does not differ from those sold with hologram labels.
Q: I found out that I have a "non-genuine" 3Com switch. Is there someone at 3Com
whom I could inform?
A: Consumers who suspect that they may have purchased a non-authentic 3Com switch should inform 3ACTF_Help@3com.com.
Q: Does 3Com replace non-authentic products that are purchased from an authorized 3Com dealer?
A: Unfortunately 3Com does not replace non-authentic units with an original 3Com product, but you should return the unit(s) to the place of purchase. If you have unknowingly acquired non-authentic 3Com products, and the vendor refuses to provide you with an original replacement product or a refund, you may report the matter to 3Com's Investigative Unit at 3ACTF_Help@3com.com.
Q: How can I avoid purchasing counterfeit 3Com products?
A: To avoid the possibility of buying non-authentic 3Com switches, consumers are advised to buy their 3Com products solely from authorized 3Com dealers. All 3Com switches produced after January 2006 which have the hologram should be genuine. For a list of authorized dealers and 3Com's worldwide local sales offices, click here.
Q: What measures is 3Com taking in order to prevent non-authentic products from reaching the market?
Hologram Authentication
Q: How is authentication done?
A: The authentication can be done in steps, first by checking visual elements of the holographic image appearing on the authentication label. The visual elements include the 3Com three-ring logo and a specific series of dots around the title "3COM", each visible depending on the viewing angle. Click here for more detailed instructions.
Q: What is 3Com's policy for returning 3Com switches without the hologram label?
A: 3Com will be unable to accept returns of switches without hologram labels merely because those switches lack the new hologram label. End users and partners can only get a new switch under specified warranty terms. Consumers should continue to use their original 3Com switches that they have purchased before the launch of the hologram label. The performance of original 3Com switches without hologram labels does not differ from those that are sold with hologram labels.
Q: How can consumers know if a 3Com switch without a hologram label is a genuine 3Com switch?
A: 3Com recommends that consumers only purchase and use original 3Com products. Measures to ensure this include: purchase from authorized 3Com partners, avoiding purchase of 3Com products from unknown sources that are not authorized 3Com partners, and avoid prices that are extremely discounted.
Q: Can the hologram label be attached to 3Com switches after the purchase?
A: No. 3Com's hologram labels are applied to the switches at the time of manufacture. 3Com's hologram labels cannot be removed for re-application and cannot be purchased separately. Therefore genuine hologram labels cannot be attached to products afterwards.
Further Steps
What if your switch is not verified as authentic?
Letting us know is an important step
In order to ensure your satisfaction, 3Com is committed to preventing non-authentic products from coming to the market. 3Com works closely with authorities throughout the world to bring charges against manufacturers and traders of non-authentic 3Com products. If you suspect that you were sold a non-authentic 3Com product, please report the matter to 3ACTF_Help@3com.com.
Check the Hologram
Check 1
When looking at the hologram label, you should see "3Com" with the three-ring logo above.
Example:
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When tilting the label down the "3Com" should appear lit up and the three-ring logo should flash with brightness.
Example:
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Check 2
When you angle the hologram to the left, right, bottom and top of the logo, you should see one, two, three, and four dots respectively.
Example:
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3Com Holographic Label
The number of dots on one side of the 3-D logo will change when you tip the holographic label up, down, left and right.