Dell Joins with Leading Software Providers to Simplify Store Operations for Retailers.

Business Editors & High-Tech/Retail Writers

NRF 92nd Annual Convention

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2003

Dell (Nasdaq:DELL) today announced a new alliance with leading independent software vendors (ISVs) to enable retail customers to more effectively and economically manage store operations, from the point-of-sale (POS) register to the back office to the corporate data center.

Dell has developed relationships with four ISVs, Retek, AutoGas, GERS Retail Systems and MSS Global to provide software that, when powered by Dell desktops and servers, automates store operations including customer sales transactions, inventory management, payments, accounting, customer data and communications.

Dell's retail ISVs have also tested select Dell systems to run their software applications. Each ISV has worked to ensure their applications work seamlessly with Dell's standards-based hardware. Dell provides custom installation of the ISV's software in Dell factories so customers can ship pre-configured systems directly to stores, reducing on-site installation complexity and time.

Dell's retail program matches industry-leading Dell desktops, servers and storage with POS peripherals such as bar code scanners, cash drawers and receipt printers. A leader in entering markets with standards-based technologies that can help decrease costs and improve efficiencies, Dell recognizes that the retail industry is moving towards industry standards.

"Dell's retail customers benefit from the increased flexibility and low costs associated with using standards-based technologies," said Joe Marengi, senior vice president, Dell Americas. "Dell, together with our ISV alliances, can provide industry-leading hardware and software to help retailers lower costs and more effectively manage operations."

Retek Inc. (Nasdaq: RETK), offers comprehensive Integrated Store Operations point-of-service technology including point-of-sale, cash management, inventory management, customer management and labor management.

"Retek's POS and Store Systems Solutions delivered with Dell offer the market a tremendous value proposition that is designed to produce both savings and productivity gains to retailers," said Peter Baskin, Vice President of Integrated Store Operations for Retek. "Dell and Retek are working together to cut the total cost of technology ownership and store operations. We're excited about bringing our customers this type of value proposition."

AutoGas Systems, Inc. is a leading software developer in customer loyalty solutions for the gasoline marketing convenience store industry.

"Dell's innovative approach to entering the retail business matches our business philosophy of providing retailers with a revenue-generating POS offering - from cost savings to feature-rich software," said Erik J. Presley, Senior Product Planner, AutoGas Systems, Inc. "AutoGas' open standard POS system allows it to operate on most desktops, and when looking for a leader in the computer industry with which to align ourselves, the choice was Dell."

GERS Retail Systems is a leading provider of business solutions for the retail industry with tools for managing the entire Retail Life Cycle - including planning, execution, and analysis.

"GERS' Electronic Retail Enterprise running on Dell offers retailers a practical, reliable and cost-effective solution," said Phil Kenney, Vice President of Marketing for GERS Retail Systems. "By running Customer1, our Java-based, Point-of-Service solution on a Dell platform, retailers now have the option of operating their POS systems with backup on a platform that is designed to cost them less money and provide exceptional service. We're pleased to be teaming with Dell to deliver this value proposition to the industry."

Dell will debut its ISV alliance from the exhibition floor of the National Retail Federation's 92nd Convention and Expo, which runs through Jan. 15 in New York. Dell will exhibit with partners Retek and AutoGas at the event.

For more information about Dell's retail business, visit 0www.dell.com/retail.

About Retek Inc.

Retek Inc. (Nasdaq:RETK) is a leading provider of mission-critical software and services to the retail industry. Retek 10 integrates collaborative software with patented predictive technologies, consulting services, and the best practices of customers and partners to help retailers create, manage and fulfill consumer demand. Leading global retailers including Fast Retailing, A&P, Tesco, Best Buy, Family Dollar Stores, Gap Inc., Sainsbury's, Eckerd Corp. and Kohl's Department Stores use Retek solutions. On the net: Retek at www.retek.com .

About AutoGas

AutoGas is a leader in automated fueling and point-of-sale systems for convenience stores, high volume retailers and fleet fueling providers. As the original developers of pay-at-the-pump, AutoGas is known for a number of industry-firsts as demonstrated most recently by having received a U.S. Patent for DIGITAL REWARDS(R), a gasoline cross-marketing and loyalty solution for petroleum marketers. AutoGas has been in business since 1986. For additional information contact AutoGas at [phone], or visit www.autogas.com.

About GERS Retail Systems

With over 29 years of experience and 300 installations worldwide, GERS Retail Systems is a leading supplier of software solutions for the retail marketplace. The GERS Electronic Retail Enterprise includes mission-critical transaction management applications for multi-channel retailing, and provides fully integrated corporate office applications for merchandise replenishment and allocation, distribution center management, and financial control. Integral to the GERS solution set are Business Intelligence applications for predictive modeling and decision support, Merchandise Planning and Allocation for increasing returns on inventory investments, and Workflow Automation applications for maximizing productivity across the enterprise. For more information, please visit www.gers.com.

About MSS Global

MSS Global focuses on developing retail store solutions on the Microsoft and Internet platforms. These solutions which are written in Visual Basic are developed around the Microsoft suite of products - Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/2000, SQL Server, Microsoft Data Engine, and Microsoft Office. MSS Global provides enterprise-wide open software solutions that are designed to enable food retailers in the supermarket, convenience store and other retail market sectors to respond to competitive market requirements and changing consumer preferences.

The Company's software solutions cover a wide range of retail applications including: RETAIL (Professional, Small Business and Enterprise Editions) and eRETAIL Reporting. To date MSS Global has sold over 30,000 licenses. Visit them at www.mssretail.com to learn more about their company products and services.

About Dell

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. The company's revenue for the past four quarters totaled $33.7 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.

Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.