News release

Compaq and Check Point Deliver New Rapid Deployment, High Availability Internet Security SolutionPaqs

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) and Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP) today announced the availability of a turn-key Linux-based security solution for medium to large-sized enterprises and service providers in North America. The jointly developed "Compaq/Check Point SolutionPaq" is a "Secured by Check Point™ Appliance" integrating industry-leading Compaq ProLiant™ servers with Check Point's market-leading VPN-1/FireWall-1 software and enabled with firewall high availability software from Rainfinity. The platform is optimized for security applications, running on a hardened Red Hat Linux operating system with all software pre-installed, pre-configured, tested and OPSEC-certified to ensure 'out-of-the-box' deployment as a single, fully integrated product from Compaq and Check Point.

"This is a first in many ways," said David Parsons, vice president E-Business Solutions & Alliances for Compaq North America. "It's the first high availability, enterprise-class VPN/firewall solution based on a Linux server, the first of its kind with optional integrated load balancing, the first backed by the Compaq Global Services support network, and especially the first to combine the strengths of market-leading Compaq ProLiant servers and Check Point's VPN-1/FireWall-1 brand. This SolutionPaq may also be re-deployed as an industry-standard server, should the customer's needs change. We are looking forward to proving how Compaq's innovative infrastructure and access products and services can be easily integrated with network security solutions, simplifying the integration of the solution component stack and making them more readily accessible to leading IT professionals."

Through the Compaq/Check Point SolutionPaq, Compaq and Check Point further strengthen the leadership of Check Point's OPSEC platform and SVN architecture.

"We are pleased to expand our long-standing relationship with Compaq through this 'Secured by Check Point™ Appliance'," said Asheem Chandna, vice president of business development and product management for Check Point Software Technologies. "Compaq ProLiant platforms combined with Check Point's market-leading VPN-1/FireWall-1 software provide customers with 'best-of-breed' security solutions for enterprise and service provider deployments."

"It will be a great benefit to offer our customers a network security solution based on the well recognized networking brands of Compaq and Check Point," said Rick Chenard, president of Minnesota-based Midwest Systems, Inc., a Compaq and Check Point Premiere reseller with consulting and integration expertise in secure networking ". "They are names our customers know and trust. It will be a further benefit to execute efficient multi-device deployments with tools that have a pre-hardened OS, pre-loaded software, and pre-configured hardware—basically, tools ready to rack and run."

As the first in a family of SolutionPaqs to be offered by Compaq, the Compaq/Check Point SolutionPaq will be available initially on Compaq ProLiant ML330 and DL320 servers, which feature pedestal and space-saving 1U rack-mount profiles, running on a security-hardened version of the Red Hat Linux operating system. These SolutionPaqs will also be the first to include firewall high availability with Rainfinity's RainWall-S software, for seamless connectivity in high volume, high security environments. Compaq Global Services will provide 7x24 telephone support and next-day service, offering optional installation and enhanced support services. The Compaq/Check Point SolutionPaq will be available in May as a single part number to resellers through Ingram Micro and through Compaq DirectPlus, with end-user prices beginning at approximately $5,500 for the complete bundle of hardware, software and services. Product details are available at http://www.compaq.com/security, and phone inquiries are welcome at (800) 345-1518.

With the release of the Compaq/Check Point SolutionPaq, Compaq extends its offerings in Internet security to customers looking for a hardware-based implementation. "Compaq is pleased to be in the unique position of offering Internet security solutions for our customers seeking either application-based or pre-installed, pre-configured solutions," Compaq's Parsons said.

Web Conference: 8 AM Pacific Time, Wednesday, April 11, 2001

To join the Web conference for announcement of the Compaq / Check Point SolutionPaq, attendees will need a phone line for audio and an Internet connection for the supporting visual presentation. Connection information is as follows:

• Internet: http://www.presentationselect.com/compaq/041001/join.asp
• Telephone: 212-231-6027

Please plan to join the call a little before 8 AM Pacific Time, as there will be a brief sign-in and familiarization with the Web conference tool.

About Check Point Software Technologies

Check Point Software Technologies is the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. The company's Secure Virtual Network (SVN) architecture provides the infrastructure that enables secure and reliable Internet communications. SVN secures business-to-business (B2B) communications between networks, systems, applications and users across the Internet, Intranets and extranets. Check Point's Open Platform for Security (OPSEC) provides the framework for integration and interoperability with "best-of-breed" solutions from over 270 leading industry partners. Check Point solutions are sold, integrated and serviced by a network of over 1500 certified partners. For more information, please call (800) 429-4391 or (650) 628-2000 or visit Check Point on the Web at http://www.checkpoint.comor at http://www.opsec.com.