News release

Small Businesses Use the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC to Revolutionize Mature Industries

Air Routing International, Siscosoft Among Emerging Enterprises Creating Innovative Applications for iPAQ Pocket PC Users in Aviation, Golf

Today, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) and emerging enterprise customers—Air Routing International Corporation and Siscosoft, Inc.—announce development of innovative customer applications for the aviation and golf industries using Compaq's award-winning iPAQ™ Pocket PC—the world's top-selling Pocket PC handheld.

"The creative applications being designed for Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PC demonstrate how we are driving innovation through superior engineering combined with the expertise of our customers and business partners," said Jim Milton, senior vice president and general manager of Compaq North America Sales & Marketing. "Continuing innovation reflected in the iPAQ Pocket PC underscores how our commitment to research and development is giving Compaq a clear advantage over many of our competitors."

Innovative Flight Support

Houston-based Air Routing International Corporation uses Compaq solutions throughout its global organization to provide an array of worldwide business-to-business services to the aviation, energy and related industries. Air Routing International developed a patented flight management support and planning tool called Flight Manager 2 (FM2) to support corporate flight operations for domestic and international trips 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Pilots landing at hundreds of airports around the world can use Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PC to access personalized Web pages that allow users to review a variety of services: diplomatic clearances, over flight and landing permits, flight planning and filing, weather briefs and warnings, aviation weather maps and charts, real-time satellite and radar images, ground services, and customs. Each flight carries its own unique trip ID that is stored in the pilot's online flight folder. Either the crew or the scheduling office can log in and view specific flight details including aviation weather and security. Any changes are noted in the online file with real-time access to Air Routing's global databases and support.

"Compaq's iPAQ Pocket PC is technically superior to other handheld devices on the market," said John Legh-Page, chief information officer for Air Routing International. "We recommend the device to pilots and customers subscribing to our FM2 service." Pilots using FM2 can use their iPAQ Pocket PC to conveniently access real-time data from secure, encrypted Web sites to monitor the status of a flight or access support services such as diplomatic clearances, flight plans, weather briefs, slots, ground transportation, hotel confirmations and more, all available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

"The iPAQ Pocket PCs are particularly useful at night-time and inside aircraft when pilots and their passengers can use the iPAQ backlit color screen to view in-depth aviation and airport data, such as real-time weather maps and charts and travel security briefs for the airports and countries where the aircraft will be flying," Legh-Page added. "Secure, encrypted wireless global connectivity to Air Routing's Flight Manager program is achieved using Verisign digital certificates and iPAQnet Mobility solutions for GSM, GPRS and CDPD wireless networks. iPAQ wireless LAN PC cards and hubs provide high-speed wireless connectivity to FM2, allowing fixed-based operators and other aircraft service providers to confirm ground handling arrangements reserved for jet aircraft arriving at their local airports." More information is available at http://www.airrouting.com

Software Turns the iPAQ into a Mobile Caddy

Lynden, Wash.-based Siscosoft Corporation owns Golfwits, a software application for both mobile and desktop PCs that provides interactive digital maps and scorecards for more than 7,000 golf courses around the world. Currently, about 30,000 amateur and professional golfers use these maps to gather statistical course information to help them develop strategies to improve their play.

"We are using Compaq's award-winning iPAQ Pocket PC to revolutionize the golf industry," said Kent Sisco, Siscosoft president. "With Golfwits, the device becomes a handheld caddy and is the ultimate tool for the avid golfer." Another tool that Siscosoft uses is Compaq's Customer Advantage extranet. Here, customers can go online to purchase Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs and other technology products. "As a small company with only five full-time employees, we have to maximize our resources," said Sisco. "Customer Advantage makes the online buying experience seamless and allows employees to spend more time with our customers."

Siscosoft's efficiency and focus is increasing its penetration into the golf industry. Recently, the three-year-old company signed an agreement with the United States Golf Association (USGA) to develop another product powered by Golfwits, the Pocket Rating System. The Pocket Rating System is a new tool to help the USGA rate golf courses, running on Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs. More information is available at http://www.golfwits.com.

"The iPAQ Pocket PC is truly a hole-in-one for emerging enterprises in a variety of industries," said Compaq's Milton. "We are intrigued and motivated by the many ways businesses are using Compaq's products to better serve their customers."

For more information about Compaq's solutions for small and medium businesses and to order a free e-catalog, visit http://www.compaq.com/smb.

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.