Compaq Computer System Delivers Results of Russian Presidential Election; Results Published by Central Electoral Commission in Record-Setting 24 Hours.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 1996 -- In advance of Russian President Boris Yeltsin's second-term inauguration on Friday, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced that more than 7,000 Compaq personal computers and servers were linked into a Russian computer system called Vybory to enable the results of the recent presidential election to be published in a record-setting 24 hours after the close of the polls. Historically, it has taken up to a month to tally and publish election results.

To ensure timely and accurate records of the voting, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation selected Compaq Deskpro and ProLinea desktops and ProLiant servers for this highly visible election.

"We are proud to be supporting the development of the democratic process while working with local partners and companies to create visible business opportunities for Compaq in Russia," said Zelimir Ilic, Vice President and Managing Director, Business Development Group, Compaq Computer Corporation.

Compaq's Business Development Group -- which includes business in the former Eastern-bloc countries -- was established in 1993 to understand and respond to customer needs within each specific market segment, ranging from retail to advanced systems integration. To serve the Russian market, Compaq opened its Moscow office in 1995.

"We are very pleased that the new system has allowed us to collect the data from throughout the country and publish accurate election results in a very short time," said Nikolai Ryabov, Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission of the Russian Federation. "The reliability and performance of the new computer system provided clear confirmation of the benefits of using advanced computer technology in the voting process."

Reliable Hardware, Robust Networks

For the June presidential election, data was collected manually from 95,000 electoral precincts and consolidated first at 3,000 territorial election commissions. From there, the results were transferred via modem to 225 regional-level local area networks (LANs) and subsequently to larger Compaq-based LANs in 89 state capitals. Finally, the results were sent to the Central Electoral Commission in Moscow, where Compaq servers and Compaq-based LANs were used to tally the final results for presentation to the press, independent observers and the public.

"We took a long time to select the equipment," said Igor Gorshkov, head of the Federal Information Centre responsible for the system. "We can now say that our choice was the right one. The Compaq equipment demonstrated its reliability and efficiency, and I hope that we will continue to work closely with Compaq and its partners in Russia in the future."

The electoral computer system, Vybory, uses network software from Novell and database software from Oracle, along with a range of third-party peripheral equipment. For example, on an experimental basis, Vybory used optical scanners developed in Russia by CROC, a Compaq Authorized System Reseller located in Russia, as well as LOMO Corporation, the largest optical and electronics manufacturer in Russia.

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune 100 company and the world's largest supplier of personal computers, delivers useful innovation through products that network people with information. Compaq is strategically organized to meet the current and future needs of its customers, offering Internet and enterprise computing solutions, networking products, commercial PC products and consumer PCs. In 1995, the company reported worldwide sales of $14.8 billion. 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. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products can be found at http://www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518.

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