Compaq tailors complete, expandable network solution for small and medium-sized businesses; Industry leader uses expertise and partnerships to make computer networks easier to install, manage, and upgrade.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 1996--Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) -- the world's leading server vendor -- today announced availability of the Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit in the U.S.

Using this kit, small and medium-sized businesses can easily and reliably install and deploy local area networks (LANs) that increase productivity and effectiveness for their workers, as well as enhance communications capabilities both inside and outside the office. The GroupWise Starter Kit is available to qualified purchasers through December 31, 1996, while supplies last.

The Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit is a complete, expandable network solution that fits the budgets of small and medium-sized businesses, meets their current network computing needs, and easily extends to meet future computing needs. Designed for easy installation, management, and upgrading, the Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit is an ideal solution for authorized Compaq value-added resellers (VARs) to offer to current or new customers. To receive Novell GroupWise 4.1 and Cheyenne FAXserve 3.01, which come in the GroupWise Starter Kit at no additional cost, customers must purchase at least a 5-user license of NetWare 4.1 from Compaq.

"The Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit delivers a networking and communications solution for small and medium-sized businesses that quickly and easily gets companies started and productively working and communicating through a local area network," said Mike Lambert, Vice President, Enterprise Marketing, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Customers can immediately experience the benefits of a LAN because the GroupWise Starter Kit incorporates the performance, management, integration, networking, and communications expertise of Compaq, Novell, and Cheyenne. More importantly, customers can experience those benefits without the costly investments in specialized staff and training normally required to receive them."

Using Compaq SmartStart, NetWare 4.1 can be easily installed and optimized on Compaq servers to provide a fast, reliable, and manageable local area network. GroupWise 4.1 is Novell's comprehensive and powerful integrated groupware system for both internal and external communications. GroupWise 4.1 combines electronic mail, a personal calendar, group scheduling, task management, rules-based message management, and workflow routing into a single easy-to-use application. Cheyenne's FAXserve helps increase productivity as users no longer need to spend time printing paper copies, waiting to resend unsuccessful transmissions, and requesting misplaced faxes. All fax transmissions are sent and received directly at the workstation, eliminating the need to leave the desk.

Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit Details

Working with partners Novell and Cheyenne, Compaq has optimized the installation, management, and performance of its servers for the Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit. Customers who purchase a 5-, 10-, or 25-user license for NetWare 4.1, via Compaq SmartStart, are eligible to obtain the software contained in the Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit at no additional cost. Instructions for requesting the Compaq GroupWise Starter Kit software are available via PAQfax, the automated fax-back information service from Compaq.

The Starter Kit, which includes a 5-user version of GroupWise 4.1 and a 5-user version of FAXserve 3.01, will be shipped within five working days after the customer activates the NetWare 4.1 license and requests the additional software. Instructions for activating the NetWare 4.1 license come in the SmartStart product box that ships with every Compaq server.

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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CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation

Jerele Neeld, 713-514-0484

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Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Marc Gendron

617-536-0470

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