News release

Compaq Awarded BBBOnLine Privacy Seal

Commitment to Consumer Online Privacy Reinforced

Securing the foundation for a series of customer privacy-driven initiatives, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) an industry leader in providing global enterprise technology and solutions, today announced that BBBOnLine®  has awarded the company the BBBOnLine  Privacy Seal, further demonstrating Compaq's commitment to protect customer privacy online. BBBOnLine  is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

"Our goal is to make customer privacy a top priority. We've taken extensive measures to secure the BBBOnLine  Privacy Seal, a certification we feel further illustrates our commitment to customer privacy," said Marius Haas, vice president, Worldwide E-Business Systems. "We want customers to know that we value their privacy and will continue to take steps to ensure that their information is protected when they do business with Compaq."

The BBBOnLine  Privacy Program sets stringent requirements to which companies must adhere when handling online customers' personal data. To obtain the BBBOnLine  Privacy Seal, Compaq underwent an extensive review that examined its online privacy practices according to the set requirements. Web sites qualifying for the seal must post a privacy policy that includes information on choice, access to data, transfer of information to third parties, data integrity and security.

"Businesses that qualify for the BBBOnLine  Privacy Seal are demonstrating to their customers care and respect for the treatment of personal data," said Ken Hunter, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

"Compaq has shown the strongest dedication to protecting its online customers' privacy by participating in the BBBOnLine  Privacy Program and posting the BBBOnLine  Privacy Seal on their Web site. We commend them for helping to build consumer trust and confidence on the Internet," said Charlie Underhill, acting chief operating officer of BBBOnLine.

Compaq is also currently certified by the safe harbor agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce and European Union Data Protection Authorities, which legally protects the safe transfer of personal information from European Union countries to the United States.

Looking ahead, Compaq will be among the first companies to use the recently announced Watchfire® (http://www.watchfire.com) WebCPO™, a Web site privacy management solution that will help enterprise Web sites comply with Platform for Privacy Preferences Project (P3P)-enabled browsers. WebCPO will enable Compaq to audit its Web site on a regular basis, monitoring site developments and ensuring compliance with privacy policies and practices.

The Compaq online privacy statement can be found at http://www.compaq.com/privacy.

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 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.