News release

Compaq Sponsors Disaster Planning Seminar During Latin Business Association's Sixth Annual Exposition

Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ), the Latin Business Association's (LBA) preferred technology provider, announced today that it will lead a disaster planning seminar as key sponsor of the LBA's sixth annual exposition beginning today in Los Angeles. The seminar will equip Latino small business owners with details for developing continuity plans to minimize the impact of disasters.

"Compaq is a trusted technology advisor for the Latin Business Association and has been instrumental in providing our members with access to quality and affordable technology solutions," said Edgar Mejia, executive director, Latin Business Association. "The recent terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. have made disaster planning a priority for small business owners. In today's business environment where a vast amount of critical business functions are tied to computer systems, Compaq is providing our members with valuable information on creating well-defined and workable business continuity plans."

Compaq recently released a new and in-depth report on business continuity and disaster planning. The report was prepared by a certified business continuity planner and was based on the Disaster Recovery Institute International's recommended activities for continuity planning and processes needed to develop a business continuity plan.

"Most of Southern California—where the LBA and most of its members are based—is prone to earthquake activity, which makes business continuity and disaster planning extremely important," said Leigh Morrison, vice president of Enterprise Sales in Compaq's West Region. "Our role as a technology partner is not only to demonstrate the benefits of technology for emerging enterprises but to help ensure these businesses remain viable for the future."

In April 2001, Compaq announced its partnership with the LBA by delivering enterprise infrastructure hardware and technology solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently. In return, the LBA named Compaq its preferred technology partner and both companies participate in joint marketing and promotion campaigns. Furthermore, research by Redwood Shores-based Cheskin Research shows that of the six largest computer sellers, the most popular brand of computer purchased by Latinos is Compaq.

LBA Background

The Latin Business Association (LBA), established in 1976 as a private nonprofit organization, is the nation's largest organization representing the issues and concerns of Latino business owners. The primary purpose of the LBA is to promote the growth of Latino-owned companies through business development, education, and advocacy. For more information please call the LBA office at (323) 721-4000 or visit the Web site at www.LBAusa.com.

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.