Dell Outlines B2B Commerce Strategy; Drive to Link with Customer Procurement Systems Encompasses E-Commerce Solutions, Middleware, Web Purchasing Portals.

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 1999--

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL) today announced it is working with a host of leading e-commerce solutions providers to simplify the Internet procurement process for businesses and institutions of all sizes, generating savings that can range to millions of dollars annually for large customers.

Dell's B2B (Business-to-Business) commerce initiative will enable customers to streamline the purchase of computer systems, peripherals and services from Dell by linking Dell's internal systems with customers' IT infrastructures via the Internet. Dell, the world's leading direct computer systems company, said it is developing an open, flexible and scalable Internet commerce integration solution that leverages customers' existing IT systems and business rules.

Direct Relationships Enable "Inter-Enterprise Connectivity"

"B2B commerce integration is a critical element of our goal to help our customers leverage the Internet in every part of their business," said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer. "Directly and securely linking Dell's internal systems with our customers' systems can reduce costs, shorten transaction and fulfillment cycles and increase productivity for our customers and for Dell."

Dell's B2B commerce initiative enables any company to tap into the benefits of business-to-business commerce and procurement administration over the Internet. Customers may integrate directly with Dell through their existing ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems, or with middleware and a multi-vendor Web purchasing portal, such as Ariba Network or mySAP.com.

Dell also will work directly with customers to implement its B2B commerce initiative on the customers' IT platforms by providing a standard solution that includes hardware, software and on-site consulting.

Dell is working with several enterprise application software suppliers, including SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft and Baan, as well as leading e-commerce middleware providers, including Ariba, Sterling Commerce, Intelisys and Microsoft. Worldwide business-to-business Internet sales will reach approximately $1.3 trillion by 2003, according to a study by Forrester Research Inc.

Integrated E-Commerce Solutions Produce Significant Savings

"Direct Commerce Integration will enable significant savings," Mr. Dell said. "Based on our early research, we have estimated several of our large customers can save more than $4 million annually through reduced procurement costs and even more through improved productivity."

Earlier this year, Dell introduced "Premier Commerce" -- new business-to-business E-Commerce features for corporate, government and education customers. Premier Commerce features include simplified navigation, dynamic product pricing and easier ordering of system configurations through customer-specific Premier Pages(sm).

Through the Dell Premier Pages service, Dell provides more than 27,000 Premier Pages customers with the ability to readily access company-specific pricing, utilize a paperless purchase order system, and seek advanced help desk support and asset management information. Internet sales to Dell customers exceed $30 million per day, representing nearly 40 percent of company revenue.

About Dell Computer Corporation

Ranked No. 78 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 210 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $21.7 billion for the past four quarters. Dell 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 through its toll-free number 800/388-8542 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.com.

Dell is a registered trademark and Premier Pages is a registered service mark of Dell Computer Corporation.

Fortune 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc.

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