Compaq and AXENT Expand Strategic Security Alliance; Partnership to Provide Customers with Powerful, Open and Scalable Security Solutions for Growing e-Business Initiatives.

HOUSTON and ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 25, 1999--

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) and AXENT Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXNT) today announced the expansion of their long-standing security alliance to target e-business security opportunities as well as the sale of Compaq's AltaVista(R) Firewall and AltaVista Tunnel security products to AXENT(TM). Based on similar proxy-based architectures, the combined strengths of the AltaVista security products and AXENT's existing firewall and tunnel offerings will provide customers with one of the most robust and comprehensive sets of Windows NT and Compaq Tru64 UNIX(R)-based firewall and Virtual Private Network (VPN) offerings in the market today. The AltaVista Firewall and Tunnel products will be renamed AXENT Raptor(R) Firewall - EC, RaptorVPN Server - EC and RaptorMobile(TM) - EC (client) respectively.

Partners since 1996, AXENT and Compaq have collaborated to provide customers with packaged security solutions that are pre-configured, tested and channel ready. These packaged solutions have allowed customers to purchase and implement Internet security solutions more easily and quickly. Today's announcement is a logical extension of this long-standing relationship and will better position the two companies to take advantage of the growing e-business security opportunity.

As part of the agreement, Compaq will transfer its AltaVista security products and related engineering personnel to AXENT and AXENT will deliver the next versions of the AltaVista Firewall and Tunnel products. Additionally, AXENT will port its award-winning Raptor Firewall and VPN offerings to Compaq Tru64 UNIX, targeted at demanding enterprise environments that have high-availability and scalability requirements. Based on its support of Windows NT and Compaq Tru64 UNIX, AXENT will become Compaq's preferred multi-operating system partner for firewall and VPN solutions. Building on the strength of the Compaq and AXENT offerings, customers who have both Windows NT and UNIX requirements can now take advantage of a range comprehensive solutions to easily protect and enable their growing e-business initiatives.

Compaq will resell and support the AXENT Raptor security software products and will be able to sell and support AXENT's complete product line through its worldwide services organization. Compaq services organizations can also deliver AXENT's entire portfolio of e-security solutions, which protect and enable e-business initiatives, to its current and future customers.

"Compaq is committed to delivering Compaq NonStop(R) eBusiness solutions that deliver the highest levels of availability, scalability, manageability and security," said Mark Linesch, Internet and eCommerce Solutions, Compaq Computer Corporation. "With this enhanced alliance with AXENT, customers can take advantage of an expanded set of world-class Windows NT and UNIX-based security solutions designed to protect their assets in today's 7x24 Internet marketplace."

"Compaq and AXENT have a breadth of capabilities to offer customers who need to address security as part of their critical e-business initiatives. In addition, there is a great deal of synergy between AXENT and Compaq AltaVista security products, ranging from similar technical architectures to a broad customer base that includes some of today's most notable Fortune 100 companies and government organizations," said Brett Jackson, president and COO of AXENT. "Compaq customers have the assurance of continued support of their business-critical Internet security from AXENT. As these customers grow their e-business initiatives, AXENT and Compaq will continue to provide them with a complete range of services and solutions that meet their unique needs."

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. As expected, the acquisition is contingent upon certain criteria being met prior to closing.

About Compaq

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, 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 available at http://www.compaq.com.

About AXENT(TM)

AXENT Technologies, Inc., a global leader in information security, provides e-security solutions that maximize our customers' business advantage. AXENT delivers integrated products and expert services to assess, protect, enable and manage business processes and information assets. Through its unique Lifecycle Security(TM) methodology combined with Smart Security Architecture, AXENT delivers the "right" level of security for customers. Award-winning solutions offer assessment and policy compliance, firewall, intrusion detection, authentication, VPN, Web-access, single sign-on and user administration for the entire enterprise.

Headquartered in Rockville, MD, AXENT's customer-proven information security solutions are used by 45 of the Fortune 50 and governments worldwide. Contact AXENT via e-mail at [e-mail], or visit AXENT's World Wideve companies. AXENT, AXENT Technologies, the AXEdemarks are the property of their respective owners