Compaq Accelerates Adoption of Microsoft Windows 2000 Beta 3; Offers a Unique Set of Products and Services to Help Customers Evaluate and Prepare for Windows 2000 Deployments

Business Wire, May 10, 1999

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 1999--

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today broadened its commitment to leading the adoption of Windows 2000 in customers' computing environments, announcing new and enhanced products, services and technologies supporting the integration of Microsoft Windows 2000 Beta 3 version.

Compaq will support the release of Microsoft Windows 2000 Beta 3 across a broad line of products including Compaq Deskpro Series desktops; Armada portables; Prosignia desktops and notebooks; ProLiant and Prosignia servers; StorageWorks products and Professional Workstations. These products will be equipped with device drivers to enable Compaq options to run at optimal performance. Compaq will also offer Windows 2000 Beta 3 operating system preloaded on certain models of its Deskpro Series desktops.

New Services Program

Compaq, a tier-one participant in Microsoft's Windows 2000 Early Adopters program, and endorsed by Microsoft as the first Worldwide Prime Integrator for Windows NT, is adding new lifecycle services and expanding its capabilities for helping customers deploy Windows 2000 Beta 3.

Through its new "Windows 2000 Academy," Compaq Services is training consultants to architect customers' infrastructures to leverage Windows 2000 as an operating platform. Compaq will have completed training for 1,000 consultants by mid-July. The company now employs more Microsoft-trained and certified professionals and offers more experience in integrating and supporting Microsoft technologies than any other organization worldwide.

6 Compaq is also helping customers and channel partners to reduce cost and risk through ActiveAnswers (http://www.compaq.com/activeanswers), an online solutions destination, which provides Web-based guides, information and tools to simplify and standardize Windows 2000 based solutions.

Frontline Partnership: Leadership and Superior Integration

As a testimony to the Compaq/Microsoft Frontline Partnership and their product support for Windows 2000, Microsoft recently recognized Compaq for its participation in the Windows 2000 Beta Support Team as a Microsoft Certified Support Center (MCSC). In addition, Compaq's participation in Microsoft's Windows 2000 Rapid Deployment Program (RDP) has been a highlight of its Windows 2000 commitment.

Compaq has worked closely with Microsoft to design, develop and test many of the key Windows 2000 technologies for servers, storage, desktops, and mobile clients, including PCI Hot Plug, online volume growth, Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), hot docking, hot swapping of MultiBay devices, PC Card support and USB. Compaq has been in a strong position to test these innovations with customers through its involvement in the Microsoft Rapid Deployment and Joint Development Programs for Windows 2000, both as a customer and partner.

"As the long-time premier Microsoft Windows NT provider, Compaq continues to lead the way in industry-standard computing with our commitment to Windows 2000, from development through testing, to delivery, service and support," said Mike Winkler, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Personal Computing Products Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. "We are investing resources to engineer and test Windows 2000 so that we will be first to market with tested, proven and optimized solutions and services that take advantage of the performance gains made possible by Windows 2000."

"Microsoft is excited by the commitment that Compaq is making in Windows 2000 readiness," said Jim Allchin, Senior Vice President, Business Systems Division at Microsoft. "The investments in products, services and consulting that Compaq is making will enable customers to have more successful evaluations and deployments of Windows 2000 Beta 3."

Windows 2000 Services with Superior Lifecycle Support

Compaq's new lifecycle services are designed to help customers start preparing their current infrastructures today for the smooth implementation and operation of Windows 2000. These services include readiness assessment, design review, pilot, planning and design, integration and migration, installation and startup and high-availability offerings. In addition, they cover Microsoft and third-party software, providing customers with one-stop shopping and a single point of contact for their Windows NT & Windows 2000-based solutions worldwide. The new services and expanded capabilities reinforce Compaq as the vendor of choice for customers deploying Windows 2000. For more information about Windows 2000 at Compaq, see http://www.compaq.com/partners/microsoft.> Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of computer systems. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, enterprise ad network storage products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. It is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Its products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at www.compaq.com, or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. For product information and reseller locations call 1-800-345-1518.