Online Buying: Gateway Revolutionizes Online Buying. New yourware.com to feature near instant loan response - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 9, 1998

Gateway Tuesday announced the debut of a new company Web site designed specifically for the company's Your:)Ware purchase program. The new site, located at www.yourware.com, was developed to help computer shoppers easily and conveniently research, purchase and finance their new Gateway PCs via the Your:)Ware program.

"Yourware.com will help our clients make quick, informed decisions on choosing the best PC and discover the benefits of the Your:)Ware program," said Bart Brown, vice president of marketing for Gateway Home. "Gateway is the innovation leader among PC OEMs when it comes to the Internet. We continue to find new and exciting ways to integrate the Internet with our business model, and now with the debut of yourware.com, we continue to build upon on those previous landmark achievements."

Gateway Milestones o 1995 first PC OEM to offer on-line purchasing via gateway.com

o 1997 first PC OEM to serve as its clients' ISP via gateway.net

o Over $6 million in web-generated sales per day for August 1998 via gateway.com

o October 1998 launches www.yourware.com for convenient, fast on-line loan processing

Gateway has worked with MBNA America Bank, N.A. to develop the online loan application section of www.yourware.com. "Gateway and MBNA are breaking new ground in the realm of e-commerce with yourware.com," said Jack Hewes, division president of MBNA's Consumer Finance Division. "Clients can apply on-line and receive a quick credit response. This near instant application process represents a significant advancement in blending the speed and convenience of the Internet with the dedication of MBNA and Gateway to superior client service."

E-commerce has increasingly skyrocketed in popularity since Gateway's first entrance into online buying in 1991. "Gateway's online financing program brings the prospective customer one step closer to the realization of the ease and affordability of purchasing a PC through Gateway's Your:)Ware Program," said Matt Sargent, an analyst with ZD Market Intelligence. "Gateway is the first major OEM to offer this type of online loan approval program."

Gateway introduced the Your:)Ware program in May 1998 and the service has since enjoyed a high level of acceptance from clients. The Your:)Ware program offers clients the option of financing their new PCs through Gateway and MBNA. It also delivers obsolescence protection. A client may trade in his or her Gateway PC after two years and before the end of the fourth year for a credit towards the purchase of a new Gateway system. Clients can also obtain the Your:)Ware obsolescence protection by subscribing to gateway.net for six months or by investing in an extra software bundle to go with a new Gateway PC purchase.

MBNA Corporation, a bank holding company and parent of MBNA America Bank, N.A., a national bank, has $56.3 billion in managed loans. MBNA, the largest independent credit card lender in the world, also provides retail deposit, consumer loan, and insurance products.

Gateway, a Fortune 500 company founded in 1985, provides complete computing solutions for clients worldwide. The company has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Ireland and Malaysia and employs more than 16,000 people worldwide. Gateway products and services consistently win top awards from leading industry publications. Revenue for the year 1997 was $6.3 billion.

FMI: Gateway at www.gateway.com.

Trade-in available at any time between the first day of the 24th month and the last day of the 49th month after delivery of Your:)Ware product. Trade-in credit is only available if you purchase a new Gateway product. Gateway will give you the average wholesale value on the Your:)Ware product, in good condition as determined in Gateway's sole discretion, using the then current Orion Blue Book or another, similar commercially reasonable industry standard determined by Gateway. Other terms and conditions apply.

$14.95 gateway.net pricing based on 6-month commitment. $15 fee for early cancellation. $14.95 for unlimited access not available in all areas.