HP powers 1998 World Cup Web site and information network; mission-critical UNIX system-based and Windows NT servers, storage products, high-speed networking products and HP support services keep the action of the 1998 World Cup alive

Business Wire, June 9, 1997

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 1997--Hewlett-Packard Company today announced that it is the official computer and support supplier for the 1998 World Cup Web site and information network. The World Cup Web site, powered by HP Domain Internet servers, can be viewed at: www.france98.com . The World Cup Web site is expected to generate between 10 million and 20 million hits per day during peak periods. The World Cup information network will manage the accreditation of more than 50,000 staff, volunteers and players and will provide information access to more than 10,000 journalists.

In addition to the Web site and information network, the World Cup will use HP computer products and services for such applications as game results and statistics, global communications and ticketing systems. To meet the technically complex demands of the '98 World Cup project, more than 75 types of HP products will be used to deliver mission-critical computer solutions.

"HP's products, services and support will be the workhorse behind the scenes, managing the myriad details of producing the largest sports media event of the century," said Nigel Ball, worldwide marketing manager for HP's Enterprise Systems Division. "In the dynamic world marketplace, HP can deliver the products, form the partnerships and provide the leadership necessary to help enterprise customers implement end-to-end solutions based on open technologies. This is what HP is doing for the World Cup."

HP computer systems will provide the performance, integration, management and reliability to enable the overall World Cup information technology (IT) system to support the critical applications of the event, including accreditation, accommodations, e-mail, media management, results and statistics, security, ticketing and reservations.

"The organizing committee chose HP based on its well-deserved reputation for superior quality and mission-critical Internet solutions," said Philippe Verveer, chief information officer, Comit Franais d'Organisation. "We also know that by choosing HP, we have access to a very broad product line, from palmtop computers, high-end servers and printers to first-rate service and support. HP's products and services are exceeding our comprehensive needs, and we are well on our way to a successful World Cup."

HP's installed equipment initially will include more than 100 UNIX(R) system-based and Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) servers; 100 networks supported by AdvanceStack hubs, routers and switches; 500 networked printers; 2,000 Vectra and Omnibook PCs; and palmtop PCs and optical storage jukeboxes. The overall '98 World Cup IT solution will be implemented over a 10-quarter period of time and is expected to reach 100 percent operational capability by the third quarter of 1998.

HP also is a sponsor to The French Tournament, June 3 to 11, in France. HP will work with World Cup information-technology partners EDS, a Texas-based leader in global information services; France Telecom; and Sybase, a California-based leader in open computing solutions, to run such applications as accreditation, selected-press seating and volunteer coordination. HP also is providing first-rate maintenance via HP support engineers.

ABOUT HP

HP is the official information-technology hardware and maintenance supplier to the 1998 World Cup soccer tournament and the 1997 Tournament of France. Selected for its technology and skills to support and manage mission-critical applications, HP will help create an information-management infrastructure for handling game-scoring; media centers; personnel accreditation; hotel information; and various ticketing, stadium, warehouse and back-office operations.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. It is the second-largest computer supplier in the United States, with computer-related revenue in excess of $31.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year. HP has 114,600 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com . -0-

Note to Editors: UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open(R) Company Limited. X/Open is a registered trademark, and the X device is a trademark of X/Open Company Ltd. in the U.K. and other countries. Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Windows NT is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Cunningham Communication for HP

Marti Westlake, 408/447-1665

marti@ccipr.com