News release

HP Kicks Off C3 Conference With Enhanced HP OpenView Partner Programs

HP Unveils Deal Driver Program, Brings Service Provider Options to HP OpenView Authorized Partners

MIAMI, Dec. 4, 2000

Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HWP) today announced new enhancements and benefits for members of the HP OpenView Authorized Partner Program during the company's third annual Channel Connections Conference (C3) at the Fountainebleau Hilton Resort in Miami. Partner program enhancements range from expanded mentor services to an innovative compensation model for channel partners working in the service provider market. These new programs were unveiled to the more than 1,000 conference attendees representing North America channel partners.

"Today's announcement reinforces HP OpenView's commitment to providing our partners the best, broadest and most efficient resources available to enhance their business strategy and bottom line in the service provider industry," said Patty Azzarello, vice president and general manager, HP OpenView Software Business Unit. "HP OpenView is committed to the success of our partners, as it is largely through their efforts that OpenView has attained its leadership position and broad market acceptance."

HP OpenView Authorized Partner Program enhancements include:

• HP OpenView Deal Driver Program -- helps partners adapt to the needs of customers, particularly service providers, that demand innovative flexible pricing models such as commercial utility pricing (CUP). Through the program, HP OpenView Authorized Channel Partners receive compensation when they identify, develop, close and support HP OpenView opportunities using CUP.
• HP OpenView Authorized Service Provider Program -- provides service provider partners benefits that are designed specifically for their business model, including customized branding opportunities, access to the CUP model of providing subscription-based solutions and easy business interface for partners who pursue both HP OpenView license sales and service offerings.
• HP OpenView Authorized Partner Program -- now includes expanded marketing funds and resources, Web tools for product evaluation and quoting, and expansion of the HP OpenView Mentoring Service, which provides technical experts to mentor partners on the latest HP OpenView technologies.

About HP OpenView

HP OpenView is the world's leading provider of Internet and e-services management solutions. HP OpenView's unmatched suite of integrated solutions and services drives Internet business success by enabling Internet businesses of all kinds to provide the fastest, most reliable customer experience. HP OpenView solutions are at work in more than 135,000 multivendor distributed computing environments worldwide. Together with offerings from more than 200 partners, HP OpenView offers a complete portfolio of services and management solutions on all major platforms.

Information about HP OpenView and its solutions can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com/go/openview.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and an Internet infrastructure that's always on. HP has 88,500 employees worldwide and had total revenue from continuing operations of $48.8 billion in its 2000 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.