Compaq Expands Online Services Suite with New, Powerful Internet-based Tools for Small Businesses; Free Small Business Web-site Builder, Resources and Online Training.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 1999--

Determined to continue its leadership in providing Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) with the best and widest array of tools to harness the power of the Internet, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced three new additions to its suite of Compaq Online Services at: http://www.compaq.com/smb/onlineservices.

Compaq eBusiness Services, is offered free(1) to Compaq customers through a relationship with BigStep.com. Featured in the Compaq Online Services, Sell Online category, eBusiness Services empower small business users to quickly design highly customized and dynamic Web sites, add catalog items and e-commerce capabilities, market and promote their sites, communicate with their customers and monitor site activity.

Compaq is also adding two new tools to its Online Services Business Center -- the Small Business Resource Center and Online Training.

Joining with the Internet services company Smart Online, the Small Business Resource Center offers the most advanced Web-hosted business productivity applications for the small business owner, by providing tools, resources, business-focused content, market and demographic research and online communities to help entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their businesses.

Available late October, Compaq's Online Training service, made possible through a relationship with Headlight.com, will provide new and growing businesses with simple, quick access to over 500 online training courses from leading publishers. Courses are delivered directly to the user's browser with no downloads or installations.

"We're continuing to scour the World Wide Web to find best-in-class Internet services that meet the real needs of small and medium-sized businesses while also providing the best possible value," said Flint Brenton, Vice President, eCommerce, Compaq Computer Corporation. "With the addition of the highly robust, free Web-site builder, comprehensive business resources and extensive training services, Compaq is becoming a partner to growing businesses with hopes of contributing to their individual, long-term success."

Compaq Online Services are grouped into task-based suites to help SMBs manage key tasks uniformly, quickly, and securely. The suite consolidates the hottest Internet services to deliver convenience, enhanced productivity and revenue-generating opportunities for growing business that want to harness the power of the Internet to extend their market presence.

Compaq Free eBusiness Service -- Build a Robust eBusiness Online

More than just site building or simple catalog offerings, this new service is a powerful suite of integrated services that small businesses can easily follow and use themselves. Small businesses simply follow step-by-step processes to complete useful e-business tasks, like designing a custom survey, sending targeted newsletters, rotating special offers on the storefront, or adding an online map.

Customized Site Building -- Easy-to-use system lets users choose

unique personalized Web addresses and create customized page

layouts, including the selection of color, type, font, layout,

and graphics.

Customer Communications -- Create individualized marketing

programs by building databases that are organized by customer

preferences and buying patterns. Create and send personalized

E-mail newsletters to customers promoting new products and

offers.

Online Product Catalog -- Showcase unlimited products and

services through an online catalog or portfolio that can be

continually updated for FREE.

E-commerce -- Create online merchant accounts - without the

hassle and high price tag. Manage online orders and create an

efficient checkout process.

Marketing -- Business owners can have their sites submitted to

leading search engines, survey their customers and add an

attractive map to drive customer traffic.

Reporting -- Users can view, understand, and analyze customized

reports of the Web site activity and trends.

Small Business Resource Center - Comprehensive Business Tools

With these Web-hosted applications, users can save their work online so they can work at their own pace, collaborate with colleagues, and share the plan with potential investors -- all online.

Create Business Plans -- Create and store professional business

plans online with this interactive, wizard-guided application.

Save it online as you go. Collaborate with colleagues or share

the plan with investors. Download it at any time.

Create Marketing Plans -- Build effective marketing plans with

our interactive, wizard-guided marketing plan creator, complete

with charts. This application helps users establish sales goals

and outline the steps necessary to achieve them. Save the plan

online for collaboration and sharing. Download at any time.

Incorporate a Business -- Create and file articles of

incorporation or partnership in any U.S. state in a matter

of minutes.

Customize Legal Documents & Forms -- Select from the largest

online library of customizable legal forms and business letters.

Includes over 3,800 U.S., German, French and Spanish forms.

Easy-to-use wizards to fill out the forms and save them online

for future editing or download them to a PC.

Conduct Market Research -- Up-to-date research of historical and

projected market, statistical and demographic research for the

U.S. and countries worldwide.

Research Landlord/Tenant Rights -- Know your rights. Quickly

access landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities for any U.S.

state.

Online Reference Resources -- Access the Web's most useful desk

reference resources, including U.S. and global business news;

dictionaries and thesaurus; maps and driving directions; Web

audio broadcasts; chambers of commerce around the world;

encyclopedias; currency and unit converters; language translator;

and profiles of countries worldwide....and more!

Join Expert-Hosted Communities -- (Available October 1999) Small

business community offers industry expert discussions and chats,

to help SMBs more effectively start, grow and manage their

business.

Customize Business Letters Online--Extensive interactive library

of letters and professional business correspondence. Save

letters online to collaborate and share. Download at any time.

Business Content and Solutions -- Expert, up-to-the-minute advice

on managing money, customers, employees, suppliers, operations

and equipment.

Compaq Background

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ), 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. 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 are available at http://www.compaq.com, or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations are available by calling 1-800-345-1518.

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

(1) Compaq reserves the right to change or terminate this offer

without notice.