Compaq Announces Powerful Technology Planning and Assessment Tool for Schools.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1998--

New Compaq TechBuilder Application Supports Effective Use of

Educational Technology; Extends Compaq Solutions for K-12 Schools

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced Compaq TechBuilder, a one-of-a-kind, technology planning and assessment tool designed to help K-12 schools get the most out of their technology investments. This easy-to-use, Web-based application - ideal for schools at every level of technology implementation, from beginning to advanced - helps schools plan for and understand how technology can best be used in teaching and learning.

Using Compaq TechBuilder, school administrators can effectively assess the use of educational technology in a single classroom, in a school or across an entire district, and efficiently develop a comprehensive plan that addresses their technology needs today and well into the future. TechBuilder draws on federal and state guidelines, and best practices nationwide to help gather and present the information necessary to respond to most funding initiatives. Compaq and Compaq Certified Education Partners are available to assist educators in using TechBuilder to design and implement technology solutions.

"Today's announcement exemplifies our continuing effort to help schools create an effective, connected learning environment," said Gary Staunch, Director of Education, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Easily accessible, TechBuilder will help administrators address a significant stumbling block they face when investing in educational technology - how to assess their technology use today and adequately plan for the future."

Enabling Effective Technology Use

Available via the Internet during the first quarter of 1999 at no cost, Compaq TechBuilder features an easy-to-follow set of online surveys and planning templates that help K-12 schools evaluate and analyze the complete use of technology in administrative, curricula and infrastructure functions. For example, TechBuilder provides standard multiple choice surveys, to be completed online by teachers and staff. Administrators can use this information to gain a better handle on what technology is being used in their school or district, and where; how that technology is being used; and what the current level of knowledge and training is. Because information is stored in a database and analyzed in real time, administrators can review results immediately and also compare their school's or district's progress to other schools around the country.(1)

TechBuilder also acts as a guide, helping administrators navigate the many steps in developing a comprehensive technology use plan. Using standard planning templates, users are prompted through each step of creating or updating their school's or district's technology use plan. Administrators can also call on a sophisticated reporting engine that identifies their institution's specific areas of strength and weakness, and shows progress through eye-catching presentations, charts and graphs.

Collaboration is an important element in successful education. To promote collaboration, TechBuilder compiles information from schools nationwide, and provides administrators national comparisons and innovative practices to help them better assess their current success and provide new ideas for future growth.(2)

TechBuilder is based on the proven Technology Maturity Model - a model from the education technology experts at EDmin Open Systems and used by more than 1,000 schools and districts nationwide(3). Because it employs this model, TechBuilder can be used to not only assess what technology is in place in a single classroom, school, or district-wide, but also assess how it is used in day-to-day curricula and administrative activities, and how it can be better utilized.

Availability

This Compaq-exclusive offering will be available to all U.S. K-12 educational institutions at no charge beginning January 1, 1999. Educators and administrators will be able to access Compaq TechBuilder at www.compaq.com/education/techbuilder using Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.0, or Netscape Navigator version 3.01 Gold. Registration is required to take full advantage of TechBuilder's data analysis and reporting features. Compaq provides educational institutions a broad array of solutions -- including industry-leading desktop, portable, server and networking products to outfit entire classrooms, school districts and campuses. The company's products and services address the full range of education requirements - including planning and assessment, complete technology solutions, funding and professional development. More information about Compaq in education may be found at www.compaq.com/education.

Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners.

Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

(1) Comparative information on best practices and national implementations will not be available at launch in January, 1999. (2)Ibid (3) The Technology Maturity Model was developed over a ten-year period by Peter H.R. Sibley, who currently serves as the Executive Vice-President of EDmin Open Systems and Dr. Chip Kimball, currently Assistant Superintendent for Technology, Lake Washington School District in Washington state.