HP Introduces Web-based Training for Channel Partners; New HP Program Provides Sales Training and Technical Information Instantly to the Desktop

Business Wire, April 26, 1999

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 1999--

Hewlett-Packard Company today announced HP STAR Education Channel Web-based Training (WBT), a program that gives HP channel partners instant access to sales training and technical information on HP products and services. This Web-based training program represents a significant new expansion of HP STAR, HP's global training and certification program for channel partners.

"HP prides itself on being responsive to the ever-changing needs of our channel partners," said Jim McDonnell, HP vice president and general manager of the Commercial Channels Organization. "Therefore, we are pleased to be providing a tool that will make it easier for our channel partners to get the training and information they need to be successful."

"The HP Web-based training site provides an excellent resource for our sales professionals who need the most up-to-date information on new technology from HP," said Bob Hartz, vice president at Infoworld Enterprise Solutions, an exclusive HP reseller. "The training and product information is organized clearly and efficiently so that our sales professionals can target new topic areas, rather than review materials they already know."

The HP STAR Education Channel includes training courses for HP 9000 Enterprise Servers. In the coming months additional courses will be added that cover HP NetServer systems, UNIX(R) and Windows NT(R) workstations, software and networking.

In addition to providing the most up-to-date product and technical information, HP STAR Education Channel WBT provides HP channel partners the following benefits: -0-

--   minimizes sales and technical professionals' time out of the
     field;

--   reduces travel costs;

--   provides easy access to valuable information via desktop or
     laptop PCs; and

--   offers an engaging and efficient way to learn about HP products
     and services.

-0-

Channel partners in the United States have access to the HP STAR Education Channel WBT through HP's Web site for channel partners. Channel partners outside of the United States are expected to have access to HP Education Channel WBT in the next few weeks through the HP channel-partner secure Web site in their region.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services. HP had computer-related revenue of $39.5 billion in its 1998 fiscal year.

HP plans to launch a new and independent measurement company consisting of its industry-leading test-and-measurement, components, chemical-analysis and medical businesses. These businesses represented $7.6 billion of HP's total revenue in fiscal 1998. With leading positions in multiple market segments, this technology-based company will focus on high-growth opportunities such as communications and life sciences.

HP has 122,800 employees worldwide and had total revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group.

Windows NT is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.