Press Release
August 15, 2000
New iPAQ BlackBerry Wireless Email Solution Gives Customers Control of Information and Email Any Time, Anywhere
New York, NY - Furthering its commitment to provide a new category of products and solutions that expand access to information and the Internet, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced the CompaqiPAQ™ BlackBerry™ Wireless Email Solution - innovative handheld and wearable devices coupled with complete server and service packages.
Providing remote wireless email access from almost anywhere nationwide while meeting the crucial corporate requirements of security, integration and affordability, this solution is the first end-to-end offering of its kind and is a result of Compaq's relationship with Research In Motion, Limited (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM). Compaq and RIM have created a strategic alliance by combining the wireless expertise of RIM with the premier service, support and integrated messaging offered by Compaq to provide a complete wireless email solution designed specifically for corporate environments using Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino Notes (launching later this fall).
During a press conference today in New York City, Compaq unveiled a new family of innovative personal Internet devices that allow customers to stay connected anywhere, any time, on virtually any device. Supporting Compaq's vision of "Everything to the Internet," this new family of iPAQ products and services bolsters the company's leadership in access and infrastructure while creating a new category of products based on customer experiences, spanning different levels of productivity - from personal to professional.
The Rogers AT&T Mobitex network, built by Ericsson in Canada, is a nationwide, dedicated data network that provides wireless data device users access to vital information via standard computer applications, in near real- time, without the need for a phone line, hard wiring, or cable connections.
"Today's employees are required to react immediately to the ever-changing business environment, and they need tools that provide access to critical messages and information on the corporate network whenever and wherever they need it," said Mike Winkler, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Commercial Personal Computing Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. "The iPAQ BlackBerry solution unleashes these customers from their desks so they can be productive via email any time, anywhere, allowing them to change the way they work and interact with the world around them in myriad new ways."
Always On, Always Connected™ to Email
The iPAQ BlackBerry Wireless Email Solution uses innovative BlackBerry hardware and software from RIM. It allows customers to read, compose, forward, reply, delete or file email messages, plus determine which messages they want to receive on their handheld - all while maintaining a single corporate email address and mailbox. The wireless handheld devices are easy to use since they are always on and always connected almost anywhere in the U.S. and Canada; no complicated log-in procedure is required to receive or send email.
The iPAQ BlackBerry W1000 is an easily wearable device, about the size of an average pager, that clips onto a belt for maximum portability. It also has an integrated, easy-to-use keyboard for quick authoring of emails and responses and lots of memory for storing messages, contacts and more. The iPAQ BlackBerry H1100 is a handheld device with similar capabilities, as well as a larger, high-resolution screen, extra memory and a rechargeable Lithium battery.
In addition to two-way email capabilities, the iPAQ BlackBerry devices keep a calendar, address book and task information instantly accessible. The PC docking cradle allows all information to be synchronized quickly and easily with the desktop.
The benefits of these devices include the ability to manage email when out of the office; make use of downtime throughout the day; easily update appointments and tasks; respond quickly to urgent messages; and stay connected with colleagues and clients anywhere, any time nationwide. Optional paging services and U.S./Canada cross-border roaming are available.
"Both the iPAQ and BlackBerry brands represent leadership in the industry, and this alliance between Compaq and Research In Motion delivers a uniquely powerful proposition for customers," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO, Research In Motion. "The iPAQ BlackBerry Wireless Email Solution gives both end-users and IT departments everything they need to roll out wireless email in their organizations today."
The Compaq Advantage: Providing the End-to-End Solution
Compaq's unique position in the wireless Internet market comes from its ability to put together integrated solutions. More than just client devices, the iPAQ BlackBerry products are part of an end-to-end solution that includes an industry standard server platform, installation and support services. As the undisputed leader in Microsoft Exchange deployments, Compaq is the only vendor capable of delivering a true end-to-end wireless email offering. Compaq provides everything from the highest performing industry standard server platforms, to installation and support services, to pocket-sized PCs allowing customers to be in constant connection - to email, to data - any time, anywhere.
The total solution features the iPAQ BlackBerry wireless devices and ProLiant ML330 server hardware; BlackBerry Enterprise Server software, which integrates with Exchange or Domino; installation and support service; and nationwide access and roaming.
Customers can purchase the iPAQ BlackBerry W1000, services and support with one-stop shopping through Compaq DirectPlus at 1-800-888-5858 (U.S. only) starting today. The iPAQ BlackBerry H1100 will be available in mid-September. The suggested Internet price for the iPAQ H1100 is $499, while the iPAQ W1000 is $399, both with an unlimited usage airtime service fee of $39.99 per month for email only with a one-year airtime commitment. For additional information on the Compaq iPAQ BlackBerry Wireless Email Solution, see /products/handhelds/blackberry.
Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC: The Ultimate Flexibility in a Handheld Device
The introduction of the iPAQ BlackBerry device comes just four months after Compaq's launch of the revolutionary iPAQ Pocket PC (April, 2000). The award-winning, highly successful iPAQ Pocket PC signaled Compaq's commitment to developing simple, anywhere, any time Internet access devices. Contributing to the success of the iPAQ Pocket PC has been its modular, customizable "Expansion Pack" design.
Customers can add standard PC Card and CompactFlash options to their iPAQ Pocket PC through Expansion Packs. This concept enables wireless enterprise applications for accessing the Internet and corporate data on this small yet powerful handheld device.
The flexibility of the Expansion Pack system allows customers to select the wireless solution that is right for them, while providing a migration strategy for future wireless technologies. In addition, hardware and software vendors throughout the industry see the value in this powerful solution and are rapidly porting their applications to this new platform.
The iPAQ Pocket PC is the company's most popular handheld product ever, and Compaq is quickly ramping up to meet the extraordinary demand. For additional information on the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC, please see /products/handhelds/pocketpc.
About Compaq
Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the largest supplier of computing systems in the world. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs.
Compaq products and services are sold in more than 200 countries directly to businesses, through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners, and directly to businesses and consumers through Compaq's e-commerce Web site at http://www.compaq.com. Compaq markets its products and services primarily to customers from the business, home, government, and education sectors. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products and services are available at http://www.compaq.com.
Notes:
Compaq and the Compaq logo Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This financial discussion contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: delays in the implementation of changes in delivery models, component shortages, increased competitive environment and pricing pressures, delays in product rollout schedules, slow acceptance for new form factors, changes in product, customer and geographic sales mix, employee retention, the financial condition of resellers, delays in new systems implementation, operational inefficiencies related to sales cycles, equity investment volatility, emerging market political or economic instability and disruptions related to restructuring actions. Further information on the factors that could affect Compaq's financial results is included in Compaq's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and the latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q
