News release

Intuit and Federal Express Partner With Compaq Factory Outlet To Host Technology Forum For SMBs

Whether it's the IT budget, Microsoft XP or your business' security needs that are at the forefront of your mind these days, great deals and answers to timely questions will be available to small- to medium-sized business (SMB) owners during Compaq Factory Outlet's (CFO) Business Forum on Thursday, November 8, 2001. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Compaq Factory Outlet's I-45 North and West Road retail location. Demonstrations by partner companies and CFO tours will also be available for attendees of this free event.

"Compaq Factory Outlet is a trusted advisor for small business owners," said Tré Hartgrove, remarketing director, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Through our technology forum, Compaq and its partners are able to meet with business decision-makers to demonstrate ways we can provide quality and affordable technology solutions for emerging enterprises."

Compaq will showcase its Wireless LAN Installation Solution for the home office and small businesses, while a variety of options for managing business finances will be offered by Intuit Inc., a leading provider of financial software and Web-based services. Intuit will also highlight Quickbooks Pro 2001, an accounting and financial solution that offers a wide selection of options so you can manage your business more effectively. Federal Express will be offering a 10 percent savings on online express shipping to businesses making a purchase at the forum.

"All told," said Bill Lawrence, president of Houston-based Bubbles Car Wash, "we've bought one hundred units from Compaq Factory Outlet. We keep coming up with ideas, and they (Compaq) keep coming up with solutions."

Targeting small to medium sized business owners, the forum aims to provide solutions and answers to a wide variety of challenges facing companies in today's business climate. From equipment requirements to software needs, the forum will provide ample opportunity for attendee's to take the next step in growing a start up or expanding an existing business.

"You can't beat the value of purchasing from Compaq Factory Outlet, especially the bundles," said Tom Keating, owner, Tomball Ford. "With the money we save, we're able to upgrade the monitor size to 17 inches," which the team loves. We use the systems for things like e-commerce sales (www.tomballford.com) and communicating around the world."

Forum participants will have the opportunity to speak to on-site Microsoft experts, who will be showcasing Microsoft Office XP and hear about the latest in online back-up security from Connected Corporation, a leader in providing total lifecycle management solutions, including backup and recovery, migration, application self-healing, and asset discovery for desktop and mobile PCs. As an added bonus, attendees will have the chance to re-define their businesses by providing feedback on products and services they'd like to see in the future marketplace. For more information, please call the Compaq Factory Outlet commercial sales department at 1-888-215-8886.

Company 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.