News release

HP, ASBDC to Deliver IT Products and Services for Growing Businesses

PALO ALTO, Calif., and NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2002

HP (NYSE:HPQ) and the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) today announced a relationship under HP's referral program to deliver technology products to growing businesses through the ASBDC Web site. The site, www.asbdc-us.org, will allow the more than 600,000 small- to medium-sized businesses assisted by ASBDC member programs each year to access HP's broad portfolio of affordable and reliable IT products.

"Small business accounts for 99 percent of all U.S. businesses," said Robyn West, vice president of marketing, HP Personal Systems Group. "We rely on partners such as the ASBDC that serve small businesses and our extensive network of authorized resellers, integrated solution providers and retailers to help us deliver value and satisfaction with our products."

"The ASBDC is confident that our relationship with HP can help address the technology needs of small business owners by providing them with easy and reliable access through our Web site," said Don Wilson, president, ASBDC. "This capability provides a seamless, consistent and hassle-free resource that all of our SBDC networks can utilize."

Many of the businesses served by the ASBDC are in start-up mode, while the majority are existing businesses seeking stability or are planning for growth. The ASBDC plans to market its Web site to help small businesses access resources that will help them achieve their goals. In addition to having access to IT products, the referral program also gives the ASBDC and their program members access to HP's business continuity and financial services that enhance data security and investment protection.

About the ASBDC

The Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) is a partnership program uniting private enterprise, government, higher education and local nonprofit economic development organizations. The ASBDC is dedicated to the sound development of small business throughout America. Founded in 1979, the ASBDC provides a vehicle for continuous improvement of the Small Business Development Center program, exchange of information among members regarding objectives, methods and results in business management and technical assistance and advocacy of America's small business community. More information is available at http://www.asbdc-us.org.

About HP

HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corp. on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.