Compaq Launches Strategic Go-to-Market and Support Program for Software Vendors, Systems Integrators and Consultants.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 1999--

Compaq Solutions Alliance Helps Deliver Solutions Faster and

Easier to Compaq Customers

Reinforcing its strategic commitment to delivering robust customer solutions collaboratively with business partners, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced the new Compaq Solutions Alliance (CSA) program, a comprehensive set of marketing and technical support tools and services for independent software vendors (ISVs), systems integrators (SIs) and consultants delivering solutions on Compaq's industry-leading platforms.

The new Compaq Solutions Alliance (CSA) program is designed to give thousands of developers, integrators and consultants one focused, worldwide program that helps them reach Compaq customers more quickly, easily, with greater market impact. The new initiative brings together three previous, product-specific partner programs into one expanded and comprehensive program supporting partners across industry-standard IA-32 products, 64-bit Alpha-based systems and NonStop Himalaya platforms.

Commenting on the benefits of the CSA program, Rick McNees, Senior Vice President of Alliances and Partner Programs at ISV partner PLATINUM technology, (NASDAQ: PLAT) said: "Compaq's market-leading CSA program will provide one interface to solution providers, tightly aligning PLATINUM and other businesses with Compaq across a broad range of technical and marketing initiatives. Through this program, customers will benefit from the combined talent and technology of Compaq and PLATINUM across all our target markets."

"The Compaq Solutions Alliance program provides developers, systems integrators and consultants with one-stop shopping to take advantage of Compaq's market leadership and powerful range of products," said Ray Villareal, Vice President, North America Enterprise Computing, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Compaq is committed to providing innovative programs that help bring IT solutions to market faster, with less risk and less complexity. Through CSA, Compaq provides the technical assistance and the marketing support partners need to quickly deliver the very best total solutions to our joint customers."

Marketing Programs To Help Alliance Members Reach Compaq Customers

Marketing programs for CSA members include an online directory of member solutions, a partner matching program and participation in partner pavilions at trade shows. Members also can use the CSA Partner insignia to promote their business relationship with Compaq.

Special discounts on the purchase or lease of demonstration and development equipment are available to help CSA members' promotional and hardware qualification efforts. Other marketing elements of the program include direct mail services and opportunities to participate in ongoing Compaq-sponsored conferences and activities.

Membership costs $600 (U.S.) per year, giving members access to the full range of CSA offerings to help develop, port, qualify and sell their software, solutions and services. This program is now being implemented in North America. A phased rollout will follow in other geographies.

Through CSA, partners gain exposure to Compaq's extensive base of customers and can leverage Compaq's sales and marketing programs for targeted business and market segments.

CSA Provides Access to Compaq ActiveAnswers

A major benefit of the CSA program is that members have the opportunity to gain market exposure by delivering ActiveAnswers solutions. ActiveAnswers (www.compaq.com/activeanswers) is Compaq's groundbreaking online resource of information and tools designed to simplify the planning, deployment and operations of enterprise solutions. For example, ActiveAnswers provides sizers and configurators to help partners and customers design the best system for their needs. ActiveAnswers provides market research, selling, installation and system management guides and other valuable technical information for solution providers, ISVs and customers.

Compaq will enable CSA members to contribute complementary ActiveAnswers solutions in target markets such as Internet and e-commerce, database and business intelligence, business applications and messaging and collaboration. CSA members will have access to an ActiveAnswers developers kit and technical assistance in order to meet content criteria.

Technical Consulting and Porting Assistance Available

To address development, qualification and tuning needs, the CSA program makes available software consultants to provide guidance on the complete solution development cycle. Technical support includes porting tools and development kits, technical white papers and Web-based informational services. Porting centers are available for the testing and optimizing of software on Compaq platforms.

For more information about the Compaq Solutions Alliance, visit the CSA Web site at www.compaq.com/csa.

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation, 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, 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. 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.