News release

Five New Jersey School Districts Standardize on Compaq Technology

Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Cherry Hill and Dover Choose Compaq

Educating New Jersey educators about the benefits of standardizing on Compaq technology has earned Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) top grades with five New Jersey school districts: Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Cherry Hill and Dover.

Purchasing through Compaq's education contract with the State of New Jersey, the five school districts combined are spending more than $12 million on IT infrastructure upgrades. Compaq technology purchases by the five school districts include more than 10,000 desktop units, over a thousand laptops, 155 Compaq ProLiant industry standard servers, and several Compaq wireless solutions.

"Compaq has worked hard over the past five years to build strong relationships with the school districts in New Jersey and we're seeing strong, growing momentum," said George Warren, Compaq director of K-12 education markets. "There are two main reasons Compaq is building such momentum in New Jersey. First, administrators are increasingly coming to understand that it's less expensive over the long run if they purchase quality products integrated into solutions. Second, Compaq is leveraging its strong reseller network to ensure the needs of the schools are met quickly."

Cherry Hill School District

John Scarinci, director of technology of the Cherry Hill School District, noted that Compaq's reliable products are a cost-effective solution.

"Schools used to buy on price, not performance, but in the long run that ran up the total cost of ownership," Scarinci said. "Years ago we reviewed numerous companies, decided on Compaq because of their hardware's reliability and haven't looked back. Compaq offers good quality at the right price-and they're a major player in the education market."

The Cherry Hill School District has purchased 800 desktops, 50 servers, and 125 laptops—many as a Compaq wireless solution—in the past year.

Compaq reseller Excelist sees the District's decision to go with Compaq as proof of their vision and commitment. "We've worked with the Cherry Hill School District for more than five years and are pleased to see that they are implementing a total Compaq solution," said Herb Newborg, president of Excelist. "It's a reflection of their forward thinking and commitment to the quality of education for their students. We're very excited to be working with them."

Newark Public School District

The Newark Public School District purchased $2.1 million worth of Compaq equipment in 2001, including 3,000 desktops, 75 servers and 200 laptops. In addition to providing hardware, Compaq worked closely with the District to develop innovative teaching programs, such as a proposed high-school project using Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs, and a curriculum for students and teachers provided through Compaq's partner Classroom Connect via the Web and on-site staff development. The district currently uses TaskSmart servers to cache Web sites for a savings on their bandwidth.

"Technology Used, Technology Infused is what we have realized in the Newark Public Schools District," said Stan Salagaj, director of instructional technology for the District. "Technologically speaking, we have grown by seriously looking at the needs of our school population and providing state-of-the-art network computer labs throughout the district. My objective is to ensure all students have equitable access to various technologies and to provide them with resources that will enhance their skills in a technological world."

Compaq is now the standard hardware platform of choice in the Newark Public School District.

Jersey City School District

Jersey City School District has endorsed Compaq as its standard hardware platform. The district's $3.7 million in IT infrastructure investment includes 1,800 desktop systems, 500 laptops, 15 servers and a Compaq wireless solution.

Michele Kramer, director of public sector sales for TransNet Corporation, the reseller for both the Jersey City and Newark School Districts, sees the decision to standardize on Compaq as a solid long-term strategy. "TransNet has worked closely with Newark and Jersey City Public Schools to help them get the most out of their technology investments," Kramer said. "Standardizing on Compaq technology is enabling them to provide students with innovative and affordable technology solutions. And standardizing on an integrator like TransNet assures the districts of continuity of quality and service. It's a proven long-term solution," she explained.

Elizabeth

Having standardized on Compaq technology, Elizabeth City School District has become a Compaq direct account, committed to maintaining its own equipment. Compaq technology investments in Elizabeth include $4.2 million for 1,500 desktops, 40 servers, 250 laptops, TaskSmart servers and a Compaq ProLiant 8-way server.

Dover NJ Schools

Dover Schools purchases of Compaq technology—including 2,800 desktop systems—total $2.4 million.

Company Background

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise customers. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information technology equipment, software, services and solutions, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, personal desktop and notebook computers, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices that are sold in more than 200 countries directly and through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.