Compaq Services Introduces Next Generation Network Integration Services for Communications Industry.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 1999--

Phase two of next generation network initiative helps network service

providers enhance their network operations for the Internet age

Editor's Summary:

-- New services help network service providers offer next generation services and integrate new technologies with legacy networks.

-- Addresses incumbent telecommunications operators and new entrants, CLECs, Cable Operators, Tier 1 ISPs and Application Service Providers (ASPs)

-- Initiative supports Compaq's NonStop(R) eBusiness vision in a world of convergent networks.

-- Expands the Compaq Communications Industry Solutions portfolio, including the Integrity(R).4.net services portfolio introduced at SuperComm99.

Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ), a leading provider of systems, services, and solutions to the communications industry, today announced phase two of its major next generation networks services initiative. In phase two, Compaq is addressing the infrastructure needs of network service providers, helping them rapidly transform their existing networks into adaptive, next generation networks. Introduced in February, this initiative is an essential part of Compaq's expanding Communications Industry Solutions portfolio and is a cornerstone of the Company's NonStop e-Business strategy, enabling companies of all types and sizes to implement new classes of applications and conduct uninterrupted commerce in the Internet-connected world.

Compaq is introducing five new infrastructure integration services that help network service providers (NSPs) in the converging communications industry to compete and thrive in a global Internet-driven business world, in which the network is the heart of the new enterprise. The new services enable NSPs, regardless of market segment, to plan, design, build out and manage their communications infrastructures, roll out new intelligent network and next generation applications, and achieve rapid time to revenue.

Compaq Services also has broadened its network of communications industry partners to offer comprehensive, best-in class solutions to meet any NSP infrastructure requirements, adding new solutions with existing partners including Cisco Systems, Microsoft Corporation, and VocalTec Communications Ltd., and with new partner Marconi Communications.

Addressing eBusiness needs through next generation networks

With this initiative, Compaq is leveraging its 25 years of experience and more than 20,000 successful network integration projects for both enterprise customers and NSPs. As the lines between corporate networks and the public network become blurred with the adoption of IP-based and virtual private networks, Compaq will help NSPs enhance their operations and increase their competitive positions.

"No other company is positioned as strongly as Compaq to help network service providers move to the new Internet-driven world, and do it faster, with less risk," said Kannankote Srikanth, Vice President and General Manager, Network and Systems Integration Services, Compaq Solutions and Services Group. "The new integration and application services we are announcing, and those to follow, will help communications industry customers expand their service offerings and realize rapid time to revenue."

New Integration Services and Solutions for Network Service Providers

Through the five new services announced today, Compaq enhances its offerings to help customers define their needs, architect and design their overall solutions, implement, stage and perform acceptance testing, integrate their solutions with existing legacy applications, as well as manage the project and the new network for reliability, security and high availability. New today are:

-- Internet Protocol (IP) Management Solution - This solution includes the industry-leading Compaq Telecommunication Management Information Platform (TeMIP) integrated with Cisco Systems' switch technology for the management of IP-based virtual private networks (VPNs). This solution enables NSPs to manage the VPN services provided to their enterprise customers. It includes management capabilities for provisioning, performance management, connectivity and fault management, and the ability for enterprise customers of NSPs to manage, modify, and reconfigure their own networks.

-- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Solution - This solution includes VocalTec Communications' Ensemble products and Compaq's integration services to rapidly implement telephone service over an IP network. Users will be able to send voice, data or video, and participate in collaborative projects from either a computer or a telephone.

-- Integrated Call Center Solutions - A high-performance, highly scalable, and highly available set of solutions to meet the call center needs of NSPs including the support of multiple enterprises through VPNs. This set of solutions utilizes applications from Clarify, Siebel and CTI (Computer Telephony Interface) technology from Genesys, and GeoTel, among others and includes integration services from Compaq.

-- Commerce Hosting and Cable Internet Provisioning Services - These services provide most of the key applications an ISP needs for delivering access, hosting, and value-added IP services. Using Microsoft's Commercial Internet Server (MCIS), Compaq Services can help NSPs deliver mail, news, and chat, as well as directory, membership, and personalization services. Several variations of this service include one for shared e-commerce hosting and another for Community Service Providers, such as cable companies, electric utilities, small telephone companies, and ISPs. This service runs on Compaq ProLiant platforms and Microsoft Windows NT Server operating system.

-- Intelligent Network (IN) Integration Service for Small and Medium-Size Service Providers - Compaq Services will use Marconi Communications' GAIN IN software environment to help both fixed wireline and wireless service providers rapidly create and provision new services over an intelligent network. The integration service includes a service control point, intelligent peripheral, and service creation environment, as well as sixteen applications, including local number portability, prepaid calling, and televoting. This integration service includes the Compaq DECss7 software stack to connect to the public signaling network

With today's news, Compaq is broadening its existing portfolio of leading services and solutions for the telecommunications industry, which includes:

-- Business Critical Services - a key enabler of availability and performance. Compaq Services works in a proactive partnership with customers to determine and implement the right architecture, deployment, management, and support strategies to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

-- FutureSourcing(SM) Services - Compaq Services can manage all or part of customers' networks, multivendor computing environments, web-enabled applications and call centers on an outsourced basis, so that organizations can focus on core business issues and future IT needs.

-- Integrity Internet Enhanced Services Platform (Gatekeeper) - Announced at SUPERCOMM'99, Gatekeeper software provides a bridge between the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and new IP-based networks and acts like a service control point. Gatekeeper works with DECss7 and advanced IN components to provide address translation, call control, user profile management, and authentication call set-up.

-- TeMIP - a TMN-compliant set of solutions for complete management of NSPs' multivendor, multi-technology environments. Covering service provisioning and service assurance with fault correlation and trouble management, TeMIP solutions integrate best-in-class partners' applications including Clarify, ILOG and IONA.

-- Compaq Fraud Management System (CFMS) - uses advanced customer profiling techniques to detect suspicious activity, generate alarms, document cases, and manage follow up. CFMS supports all major service provider technologies including fixed line, analog and digital wireless, wireless local loop, and fixed cellular.

-- Billing and Customer Care Solution for ISPs - This flexible solution is based Portal Software's Infranet product, and supports all the elements ISPs need to manage registration, tracking, and billing of Internet customers. The billing solution can also be used by NSPs that offer Internet telephony services.

Partnerships Expand Solution Choices for NSPs

Through industry partnerships with leading vendors, Compaq has broadened its ability to serve the needs of its communications industry customers, yielding best-in-class experience, pre-integrated solutions and expertise needed to help NSPs deploy industry-leading applications and integrate them with their existing infrastructures quickly and with less risk. Marconi Communications joins Compaq Services' existing and recently-announced partners, including: Ascend Communications, Amarex Technology, Inc., Cisco Systems, Clarify Inc., Ericsson, Genesys, GeoTel, ILOG, Kenan Systems Corporation, Lucent, Microsoft Corporation, Nortel Networks, Oracle, Portal Software, Siemens AG, Telcordia, and VocalTec Communications Ltd.

"As part of the New World Ecosystem, Compaq provides significant benefits for our service provider customers," said Larry Lang, Vice President of Service Provider Marketing at Cisco Systems. "Working together with customers such as British Telecom, we have helped define and deliver high value-added services that prepare our customers to compete strongly in the global telecommunications market."

For more than 20 years, Compaq Services (through the acquisition of the former Digital) has provided British Telecommunications plc with systems integration expertise, project management, and technical consulting services. Now Compaq, along with Cisco Systems, is deploying the next generation of broadband services for British Telecommunications plc using Compaq's TeMIP platform and Cisco's BPX switch.

"As the networking industry has evolved over twenty years, Compaq, and the former Digital Services, has been a trusted advisor and partner," said Rashmi Kamani, Manager, Network Applications, British Telecommunications plc. "We can rely on Compaq for continuous innovation in the industry's migration toward a next generation network, in which the rapid creation and provisioning of new services is ever more critical."

Availability

The new services and solutions are available from Compaq Services today. Prices are custom quoted. Additional information on the new services is available at: www.compaq.com/services/ngni

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, enterprise and network storage solutions, 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 on the World Wide Web at http://www.compaq.com and are available 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.