Compaq Prosignia NeoServer Marks `New Breed' of Ready-to-Go, Easy-to-Own Servers for Small Business

Business Wire, March 29, 1999

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 1999--

First Server in the Industry to Offer Completely Integrated Hardware

and Software Functionality for a Small Business Network

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ), the world's leading supplier of servers, today announced immediate U.S. availability of the Compaq Prosignia NeoServer - a new category of server technology specifically designed to offer small businesses a ready-to-go, easy-to-own server featuring integrated hardware and software functionality for quick setup and easy use of a small business network.

Compaq also introduced a new portfolio of professional networking services scaled for the Prosignia NeoServer customer. In addition, Compaq announced new processors and software configure-to-order options for Compaq Prosignia Server 720 and Prosignia Server 740.

"Compaq Prosignia NeoServer defines a new category in the industry because it's much easier to setup and use than traditional PC servers," said Mary McDowell, Vice President and General Manager, Industry-standard Server Division, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Compaq specifically engineered the Prosignia NeoServer to provide small businesses the ability to quickly and easily setup an integrated, multifunction network that requires little to no networking experience and is easy to use and maintain."

Compaq Prosignia NeoServer - Built for Small Business

Available in two models - Standard and Internet Plus - the Compaq Prosignia NeoServer is optimized to network up to 25 PCs and provide the set of functionality essential for networking small business customers' environments. The Prosignia NeoServer Standard model includes file sharing, peripheral sharing, automatic backup support, remote access capabilities and security provisions. The Prosignia NeoServer Internet Plus model features all of the functionality found in the standard model, plus Internet access and e-mail capabilities. In addition, Compaq has teamed with GTE Internetworking to offer Prosignia NeoServer Internet Plus customers easy to use, easy to setup, cost effective Internet access and web hosting services in North America.

Both models come complete with a preinstalled, browser-based management software, a Compaq Netelligent 8-port hub, a 10/100 MB Network Interface Card, enough networking cable to install one client, a 6.0 GB(1) primary hard-drive and an 8.4 GB removable backup drive. Customers may also purchase a secondary 6.4 GB hard-drive as their storage needs grow. One of the more unique features offered on both models is the automatic backup technology. Automatic backup allows business customers to pre-schedule times for the Prosignia NeoServer to automatically backup the system's primary drive to its removable 8.4 GB disk drive. For customers who choose to install a second 6.4 GB primary drive in the extra plugable drive bay, a special compression algorithm allows both the primary and secondary drive to be backed up to the single 8.4 GB removable backup drive. Prices for the Compaq Prosignia NeoServer Standard model start at $1,399(2) with lease prices beginning at $48(3) a month. Compaq Prosignia NeoServer Plus model prices start at $1,699(2) with lease prices as low as $58(3) a month.

Ready-to-Go, Easy-to-Own and Backed by the Confidence in Compaq

Each Compaq Prosignia NeoServer ships with an easy to follow set-up poster, non-technical reference documents and a specialized setup CD-ROM that uses a familiar Internet browser interface to assist in every step of the server setup and use process. A comprehensive Prosignia NeoServer tutorial CD-ROM is also included. Because Compaq is the worldwide server market share leader, customers who purchase the new Prosignia NeoServer can depend on the experience, reliability, and stability that only Compaq can provide.

New Networking and Support Services for Prosignia NeoServer Customers

While the Prosignia NeoServer is very easy to set up, some small business customers may wish to utilize professional services to ready their site and their PCs for networking. Therefore, Compaq Services now offers Prosignia NeoServer On-Site Network Assessment and Installation Services. The On-Site Assessment Services help small business customers plan for network cabling and the integration of their existing PCs. Once cabling is in place, customers may utilize Installation Services for clients or for the Prosignia NeoServer. The Prosignia NeoServer On-Site Network Service is priced at $249(5). The Prosignia NeoServer On-Site Client Installation and Startup Service is priced at $299. The Prosignia NeoServer On-Site Client Installation and Startup Service is available at two price points: $125 for one PC and $525 for five PCs.

Customers can also choose to enhance the Prosignia NeoServer standard 1-year parts and labor limited warranty(4) by purchasing one of three limited warranty uplift options. For more information about Compaq CAREPAQ Services and other service and support options, please visit Compaq's Web site at http://www.compaq.com/support/service_offerings/so.html.>