3Com Channel Partners and Customers Gain Access to Independent Training and

Testing for Company's Secure Converged Networking Products and Solutions

BALTIMORE, May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thomson Prometric, the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services, and part of The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), and 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) today announced the worldwide availability of 3Com Certified Specialist exams through Thomson Prometric testing centers.

Technical personnel from virtually any type of organization can take tests for certification on 3Com products through Thomson Prometric testing centers globally. The 3Com Certified Specialist Program is strengthened by Thomson Prometric's extensive capabilities for fair and accurate testing, and the availability of a highly secure, consistent testing environment giving network managers and resellers globally the opportunity to earn a reputable certification that adds to their repertoire of technical expertise.

"With our robust product portfolio and this expanded certification program, enterprises can be assured that they are not only getting best-in-breed secure converged networking solutions, but also 3Com certified engineers and IT professionals have earned one of the highest standards of verification available," said Wendy O'Brien, director of education for 3Com. "Whether the trained professional is an internal IT manager or an authorized 3Com channel partner, 3Com certification validates the level of expertise achieved to support and integrate 3Com solutions into an enterprise network for secure convergence."

3Com's Certified Specialist Program was developed for networking engineers and technical staff to validate their proficiency in installing, configuring, maintaining and troubleshooting 3Com networking products and converged applications.

"We are very excited about the availability of 3Com exams worldwide through Thomson Prometric testing centers," said Alison Indrisano, Thomson Prometric senior vice president and chief operations officer. "Since our technology is easily adoptable, it's enabling an improved method for verifying the competency of 3Com technology users and partners who participate in the 3Com Certified Specialist program. Delivery through Thomson Prometric testing centers increases the security and flexibility for candidates seeking proof of their level of achievement."

The 3Com exams have been available through Thomson Prometric testing centers since February 28, 2005. For more information about 3Com certification programs, please visit www.3com.com/3comu.

About The Thomson Corporation and Thomson Prometric

The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2004 revenues from continuing operations of $8.10 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC) has approximately 38,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries. Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning. Thomson Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for academic, professional, government, corporate and information technology markets. Thomson Prometric delivers standardized tests for 300 clients, in 26 languages, over the Web or through a global network of testing centers in 134 countries.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com (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. When customers exercise choice, their choice is 3Com. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com.

SOURCE  The Thomson Corporation
    -0-                             05/09/2005
    /CONTACT:  Adam Gaber, Sr. Director, Public Relations of Thomson Learning,
+1-203-539-8663, Adam.Gaber@thomson.com; or Anthony Petrucci, Public Relations
Manager of 3Com Corporation, +1-508-323-1547, Anthony_petrucci@3com.com, for
The Thomson Corporation/
    /Web site:  http://thomsonlearning.com
                http://www.thomson.com
                http://www.3com.com/3comu
                http://www.prometric.com
                http://www.3com.com/pressbox
                http://www.3com.com /
    (TOC TOC. COMS)

CO:  Thomson Corporation; 3Com Corporation
ST:  Maryland
IN:  CPR MLM EDU
SU:

LD
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