News release

The Mead Corporation Adopts Compaq's System Management Tool

Continuing to simplify the customer experience for the new IT, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) announced today that it will provide end-to-end business services to The Mead Corporation (NYSE: MEA), a Dayton, Ohio-based paper and forest products company. Mead has selected Compaq to provide enterprise-wide industry-standard products and lifecycle services including ProLiant™ servers, Deskpro™ desktops, Armada™ notebooks, StorageWorks™ storage solutions and Compaq Global Services.

In addition, Mead will employ Compaq's innovative Remote Insight Lights-Out Edition systems management tool. The Remote Insight Lights-Out Edition management board provides an industry-first virtual presence for unmatched access and control of ProLiant servers. With full remote control of Compaq ProLiant servers' consoles, the Remote Insight Lights-Out Edition eliminates the need for attended operations for daily systems management. These tools will enable Mead to manage its national, decentralized computing environment from its headquarters in Dayton.

"At Mead we were in the process of rolling out SAP/ERP and we require server reliability," said John Langenbahn, vice president of Information Resources at Mead. "We will look to Compaq for its expertise in this area."

The Remote Insight Lights-Out Edition management board is a key component of Compaq's Intelligent Manageability strategy—a comprehensive set of offerings, including platform features, software, partnerships and services to simplify and improve the way enterprises of all sizes manage their IT resources.

"Compaq sets the standard for platform manageability. Today, Compaq is raising the bar on what customers should expect from a best managed platform," said Bill Weaver, vice president, Compaq Great Lakes Region. "Our partnership with Mead underscores Compaq's ability to deliver total solutions that help companies build out their IT infrastructure in the new economy."