News release

New Compaq Technology Innovation Links Spectators to the Action at the 105th Boston Marathon on April 16, 2001

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) and its innovative technology will power the 105th B.A.A. Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16 with a state-of-the-art wireless computer network to provide runner updates to spectators throughout the racecourse.

With the use of computer chips that all runners wear on their shoes, the Compaq Athlete Search System will transmit details about each runner's progress to allow family and friends of participants, as well as an international audience, to follow the action from start to finish.

A team of 30 Compaq volunteers — equipped with Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PC wireless Internet devices — will be stationed along the course at checkpoints located every five kilometers (5K through 40K). The half-marathon mark also is a checkpoint and will produce data.

Spectators on the course are encouraged to approach clearly identified Compaq volunteers who, through the use of the hand-held computer and wireless technology, will provide on-location, instant updates about any runner in the race.

"This technology is a great way for participants' friends and family members to feel like they're a part of the action," said Michael Capellas, Compaq chairman and CEO. "It's a unique approach to using wireless computing and Internet access to provide results during a sporting event. The Compaq system, which was introduced at this year's Compaq Houston Marathon, was a huge hit with fans. We're going to implement the system on an even larger scale in Boston."

The Compaq iPAQ team will be outfitted in bright red shirts labeled with "Ask Me About Your Runner" to allow fans to spot them along the course. In addition to wireless access on the course, spectators will be able to follow the racing action on Compaq iPAQs while waiting in the race's Family Meeting Area.

Runner updates also will be accessible from the race Web site at www.bostonmarathon.org, allowing computer users around the world to stay up-to-date on the 105th running of the sport's most prestigious marathon.

"The Compaq Athlete Search System is part of the Boston Athletic Association's objective to track participants in the Boston Marathon at checkpoints along the historic route from Hopkinton to Boston," said Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray. "For the first time, spectators on the course will have access to our systems and will be able to anticipate finishing times and get accurate information while the race is in progress."

As official technology sponsor of the Boston Marathon, Compaq serves as the race's complete computing solutions provider, powering several vital aspects of the event.

Compaq equipment will be used at virtually every marathon location, including an operations center at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Command Post on Copley Square Park, runners' number pickup area, press-registration areas, press rooms, television broadcast booths, finish-line kiosk, and in the medical tents.

The company's employees are key contributors as well. Nearly 100 New England-based Compaq employees are taking part in the race as runners and volunteers.