PC Management: Micron Electronics Announces MPower, the First Comprehensive PC Management & Obsolescence Protection Program Designed for Mid-market Businesses

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, August 24, 1998

Micron Electronics, Inc., the third largest direct manufacturer of computer systems, underscored its commitment to business customers with the roll-out of MPower, the industry's first comprehensive PC lifecycle management program tailored specifically to meet the needs of businesses and consumers.

MPower is a no-nonsense program for managing computer obsolescence, financing, leasing and upgrading that gives customers the maximum amount of flexibility and the best value for their IT dollar.

MPower includes components for upgrading a company's installed base of PCs through trade-in rebates, including immediate rebates for systems built by other manufacturers. The program also includes obsolescence protection for new PCs, custom configuration, and the TechRefresh Lease, one of the industry's most flexible business leasing programs. The TechRefresh lease provides customers with options to upgrade their leased PCs any time after 12 months, with end-of-term trade-in rebates that can be built in, lowering the overall cost of the lease. MPower provides unique financing options that help manage a growing business' cash flow including same-as-cash programs and term financing. MPower also offers an industry leading powerXchange consumer loan with APRs as low as 13.99%(Note A) or a 6 months same as cash option. In completing the cycle from acquisition to upgrade to financing to disposal, MPower also includes ways for a company to dispose of obsolete PCs through environmentally friendly disposal.

"This is the first comprehensive program of its kind targeted at the mid-market business customer," said Joel Kocher, CEO of Micron Electronics. "As one of the leading suppliers of PCs to medium and small businesses, our customers told us that programs currently available in the market were either designed only for home consumers or for large enterprises. To meet the needs of the mid-market, we designed MPower, a lifecycle management program to address personal computer obsolescence, upgrading and financing."

In a separate announcement Tuesday, Micron Electronics announced AdvanceDeploy allowing IT managers in mid-market businesses to get a jump on deployment planning for the Windows NT 5 operating system.

MPower Program Components MPower PowerXchange -- For the first time, businesses and consumers can immediately trade-in existing desktop and notebook systems, from Micron and any other major brand of computer systems, and receive rebates based on the wholesale value of the system towards a new Micron notebook or desktop computer systems.

MPower Obsolescence Protection -- Any new Micron system purchase is eligible for trade-in anytime from 12 to 48 months from the date of purchase. Customers are rebated the wholesale value towards their next Micron computer systems.

MPower TechRefresh Lease -- The most flexible business leasing program that provides options for customers to upgrade their systems during the lease term, anytime from 12 to 48 months. The trade-in rebate for the computer systems can be built-in to the lease, resulting in lower monthly payments than with other financing options.

MPower Term Financing - Offering consumers some of the most competitive rates in the industry for financing terms that range from 12 to 84 months.

MPower 60 Days/6 Months Same-As-Cash -- Businesses can get the benefits of new technology immediately by taking delivery of new Micron systems and then having up to 60 days to pay the balance with no finance charges. In addition, Micron offers qualified individuals an exclusive six months same-as-cash program.

MPower Green Recycling -- Today, businesses can spend up to $600 per PC to dispose of obsolete PCs in an EPA approved manner. Under MPower, Micron will dispose of your obsolete PCs in a cost effective and environmentally friendly way. As part of the program, Micron will provide rebates and free disposal to those trading-in 5 or more 486 or lower class PCs as long as they deploy an equivalent number of new Micron machines.

MPower Custom Configuration -- All MPower systems are built to customer specifications, with a wide range of hardware and software options, and delivered within days. FMI: http://www.micronpc.com/mpower or 1-800/209-9686.

Micron Electronics, Inc., a recognized industry leader and direct vendor known for its award-winning products and services, develops, manufactures and markets high-performance, competitively priced computing solutions to consumers, small businesses, commercial and public sector buyers. Its superior customer service and toll-free technical support is available to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SpecTek, a division of Micron Electronics, Inc., processes and markets various grades of DRAM products under the SpecTek brand name. Micron Electronics, Inc. is majority owned by Micron Technology, Inc.

Note A: The Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) offered for this Revolving Line of Credit will range between 13.99% and 20.99%. Final approval and rate are subject to verification of credit, income, and loan amount which is based on our underwriting guidelines. Minimum initial advance of $1,000 is required. PowerXchange is only available for consumer purchases.