Compaq To Open Computer Training Center in Argentina

Business Wire, Oct 25, 1995

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 25, 1995 -- Bolstering the expansion of technology in Latin America, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced the development of a world-class computer training center in Argentina to provide product, sales, service and professional development training for Compaq customers, channel partners, resellers and employees in Latin America. The training center represents the industry's first-of- its-kind in the region.

The opening of the center was announced by Eckhard Pfeiffer, President and CEO of Compaq, during a visit by the Argentine President Saul Menem at Compaq headquarters in Houston today on his return from the United Nation's 50th anniversary commemoration.

Scheduled to open in the first half of 1996 in Buenos Aires, approximately 6,000 people -- including customers, dealers, resellers, retailers and Latin America-based Compaq employees -- are expected to be trained each year in the new center.

"Our business in Latin America has been growing at a strong rate, as computer technology continues to proliferate in the corporate world, as well as in the home and school," said Eckhard Pfeiffer, president and CEO of Compaq Computer Corporation. "The creation of a Latin American training center is a very positive step forward in our business in this region and demonstrates our commitment to further the evolution of computer technology in Latin America."

"The development of the Compaq training center creates the opportunity to look to local technical specialists, as well as other technology and consulting partners in the region, bringing about a high synergy for the exchange of ideas and innovation that will help advance computer technology as a major industry in Latin America," said Manuel Parra, vice president and general manager of Compaq Latin America.

Latin American Expansion

Compaq opened its Argentine office and first introduced products into that market in 1990. Today, Compaq offers its full product line and services in Argentina.

In 1994, Compaq established a manufacturing facility in Jaguariuna, located near Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 150,000-square-foot facility produces desktop computers and surface mount technology assemblies for the growing needs of the Latin American market. Compaq began sales operations in Latin America in 1989, and has continued an aggressive expansion in this region as part of its worldwide growth. The company currently has subsidiaries in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. In addition to its Argentine office, Compaq also operates branch offices in Chile, Puerto Rico and Ecuador.

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers, offering desktop PCs, portable PCs and servers. Founded in 1982, the company reported 1994 worldwide sales of $10.9 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Compaq also sells directly to customers through Compaq Direct Plus at 1- 800-888-5858. Compaq provides 24-hour customer support and can be reached through the Compaq forums on America Online, CompuServe, Internet, and Prodigy, or by calling 1-800-345-1518. -0-

Compaq, Deskpro Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. DirectPlus is a service mark of Compaq Computer Corporation. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation

Rebecca Nahas,John Sweney, Yvonne Donaldson, Mike Berman,

Nora Hahn, Hedy Baker, Brian Temple, Janet Dean, Jerele

Neeld

713-514-0484

or

Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Donna Ruane

617-536-0470

scollins@millercom.com