News release

Compaq Named Preferred Technology Provider for National Black Chamber of Commerce

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced a strategic partnership with the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) that will deliver enterprise technology infrastructure to members of the largest Black chamber of commerce in the world.

"Compaq is a very familiar name in the African-American community and technology has become a centerpiece initiative for the NBCC," said Harry C. Alford, chairman and CEO of the board of the NBCC, the world's largest chamber organization representing the concerns of Black business owners. "We believe our strategic partnership through the Compaq Referral Program will promote the growth of African American and Black-owned businesses by bringing technology solutions to our members."

As part of this agreement the NBCC will recognize Compaq as its preferred technology partner, through joint marketing and promotion campaigns, as well as recognition and exposure at NBCC's events, including the association's 9th Annual Convention kicking off today at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The NBCC represents the business interests of more than 640,000 Black-owned businesses across 190 affiliated chapters in the U.S., Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana and Jamaica. With Compaq as the association's preferred technology provider, the NBCC can accelerate the formation of advocacy programs.

Through the Compaq Referral Program, the NBCC earns a competitive commission when its members use www.nationalbcc.org or Compaq call centers to purchase market-leading Compaq hardware and technology solutions, including industry-standard ProLiant™ servers, Evo™ desktops and innovative iPAQ™ Pocket PCs.

In April, Compaq also signed a similar agreement with the 54,000-member Latin Business Association (LBA) in Los Angeles, CA. This organization represents the business interests of more than 440,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in Southern California.

"Compaq believes that embracing technology is important to the success of African American and U.S. Hispanic small-business owners in the new digital economy," said Robyn West, vice president of SMB sales for Compaq North America. "Small business continues to be a rapidly expanding sector of the economy and Compaq's preferred partnership with the NBCC and LBA provides a business catalyst by facilitating business start-ups and expansion for the African-American and Latino business community," West said.

According to a Microsoft-sponsored survey of national African-American and U.S. Hispanic small businesses in July 2000, less than two percent of African-American small business owners have incorporated e-commerce strategies to help drive their businesses forward. "The language for the new economy is connectivity. The Internet provides immense opportunity via reduced costs, speed of thought, knowledge transfer and a virtual level playing field," said Alford. "Compaq's sponsorship combined with our referral program agreement will position NBCC and its members to truly build global bridges into the 21st century to enable modern-day Booker T. Washingtons, George Washington Carvers and yet-to-be discovered entrepreneurs reach new heights."

National Black Chamber of Commerce Background

The National Black Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in Washington, DC in March 1993. This business association represents 64,000 Black owned businesses and provides an advocacy that reaches all 640,000 Black owned businesses. About 190 affiliated chapters are locally based throughout the nation as well as international affiliate chapters based in Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana and Jamaica. For more information about the National Black Chamber of Commerce visit www.nationalbcc.org.

Compaq Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation ("Compaq") is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, and desktop and portable personal computers that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.