News release

Compaq to Become One of the First IT Companies with Accessible Product Information for People with Disabilities

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ), the world's leading technology solutions company, today announced it is making its product information available online for customers in the Federal government seeking information on accessible technology. Information regarding accessible Compaq products, partnerships, and related compatible technologies will be available this week at http://www.compaq.com/accessibility.

Compaq has been actively involved with industry organizations and the Federal government in developing an Internet-based template to assist Federal agencies with their Section 508 market research. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendment of 1998 requires Federal agencies to procure, maintain, use or develop electronic information technology (EIT) that is accessible to people with disabilities—comparable to accessibility for people without disabilities.

"Today's society is more about communicating than computing, and Section 508 takes a giant step forward in ensuring accessibility to technology and information for people with disabilities," said Mike Winkler, executive vice president, Global Business Units, Compaq Computer Corporation. "The availability of information describing the accessibility features of our products will assist Federal agencies in making purchasing decisions that benefit their users with disabilities. Compaq is committed to making accessible technology and information a priority—providing access anytime, anywhere, to anyone."

In March, Compaq announced the creation of an Accessibility Program Office to address the computing needs of people with disabilities, a community that has grown to more than 54 million in the U.S. and more than 750 million worldwide. The Program Office guides the integration of accessibility in Compaq product design, engineering, product development, documentation, information on Compaq Web sites, and services and support.

"The General Services Administration has worked hard with the IT industry to develop a voluntary template for accessible technology," said Terry Weaver, director, Center for IT Accommodation, U.S. General Services Administration. "We're encouraging vendors to provide this information to assist our federal agencies with their market research."

Joint Programs with Microsoft

Compaq today also announced it is working with Microsoft to improve the accessibility and interoperability of the companies' joint products. The two companies have begun working with members of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) and will soon announce a number of cooperative projects and programs. These joint activities will enable assistive technology (AT) vendors to improve the compatibility of their products on Compaq/Microsoft platforms; to enhance the usability of AT for individuals with disabilities; and to decrease the time to market for AT products. Compaq and Microsoft will also pursue the development of assistive technologies on emerging platforms such as the iPAQ Pocket PC and tablet PCs.

Human Factors Research Continues

Compaq continues to conduct Human Factors research with a number of organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Lighthouse of Houston to discover a variety of computer user needs and gain insight and perspective for future products.

Based on the outcome of this and other research, future Compaq products will include standard designs and enhancements to meet the needs of computer users with various types of disabilities, including those with low vision or no vision, hearing impairments, physical limitations and cognitive disabilities. Such enhancements will also improve the computer experience for users without disabilities. This is further evidence of the company's commitment to improve the usability and accessibility of information technology.

About Compaq

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is a leading global provider of technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.