Accenture, Compaq and Microsoft Create Advanced Wireless Networking Solution to Keep World Economic Forum Participants Connected

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2002 As 2,000 government and business leaders gather at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in New York City as a rallying point for international cooperation, they will have unprecedented tools to communicate with each other, thanks to a wireless network solution created by Accenture (NYSE: ACN), Compaq (NYSE: CPQ) and Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT).

Throughout the five-day meeting, leaders from government, business, non-profit organizations and the academic world will be able to stay connected with Davos Companions (iPAQ Pocket PCs) and Kiosks as part of a wireless network running throughout the meeting center.

For the first time, the annual gathering of chief executives of the world’s top business, political, academic leaders and government economic ministers is being held away from Davos, Switzerland and is organized around six topical themes developed since the September 11 terrorist attacks. The theme this year is “Leadership in Fragile Times: A Vision for a Shared Future.” The meeting runs January 31 – February 4 at The Waldorf-Astoria, and is designed to foster collaboration to overcome global problems such as poverty, slowing economic growth and global conflicts.

“The 2002 annual meeting is far more complex than ever because of the vital issues to be discussed, and will require greater information exchange and coordination than before,” commented Andre Schneider, director of resources and knowledge management at the World Economic Forum. “We’re fortunate to have the ongoing expertise of these leading strategic partners who have been able to adapt their leading-edge technology to our unique needs.”

Because this year’s sessions will be held in multiple tracks, WEF annual meeting attendees will for the first time be able to catch streaming video highlights of sessions they were unable to attend because of simultaneous scheduling. Enhancements to this year’s technology solution include high-security wireless LAN technology, more interactive capabilities on the Davos Companions, and the ability for the companions to handle a significant amount of content.

The Annual Meeting advanced wireless networking solution demonstrates all three partner companies’ ability to help the participating delegates keep abreast with breaking news, contact other delegates in a timely fashion and in a secure network – and use wireless capabilities to extend traditional boundaries of business.

Information Updated Every Day, All Day
The Davos Companions are Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs equipped with Microsoft® Windows® Pocket PC software using Accenture applications. The WEF wireless network relies on Compaq ProLiant servers and Compaq wireless access points, along with implementation and ongoing systems support provided by Accenture and Compaq. Additionally, the information network includes some 50 kiosks, designed and built by Accenture, consisting of Compaq’s Evo Desktop computers, using Microsoft’s operating system and running Kudelski services.

The Davos Companion is preloaded with all the necessary information about the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting and securely updated for personalization and changes. Throughout the day, information is updated on the Compaq ProLiant servers that support the wireless network, and the new information is downloaded automatically to the Davos Companion by event organizers. Participants can, with the simple touch of stylus, send and receive email messages through the messaging system and have immediate access to content such as registrant biographies and photos, personalized agendas, the updated conference program, Manhattan visitor information and breaking world news.

The Davos Companion wireless solution uses award-winning mobile enterprise software from AvantGo®, Inc. The AvantGo M-Business Server software, with its ability to support both wireless and off-line connectivity modes, enables mobile users to review and update important data whether or not a wireless connection is available and to seamlessly transition between wireless and off-line access.

Michael Capellas, chairman and chief executive officer of Compaq Computer Corp., said, “In the global economy, time and place for business or personal interaction are no longer relevant. Workers and consumers are globally dispersed, often mobile, and yet are able to stay connected through the unwired Internet. They can buy, sell, learn, communicate or play online – anytime, anywhere. That’s why we’re delighted to showcase our problem-solving solution to a premier audience of the world’s leading thinkers, industrialists and politicians who are gathered in New York.”

“The customization of the PocketPC platform to the specific needs of the WEF shows how innovative, flexible software can help solve real-world issues,” said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft. “Together, Microsoft, Accenture and Compaq are demonstrating how advanced technology can connect leaders from around the world with the information they need — any time, any place and on any device.”

“Accenture is consistently looking to deliver innovation to our clients, and our partnership with the World Economic Forum is no exception. Working with Compaq and Microsoft, we have designed an application that meets the unique information and communication needs of the Annual Meeting,” said Steve James, chief operating officer, Accenture. “It is a perfect example of harnessing the latest thinking in wireless technology to deliver an innovative solution for this important group of mobile executives.”

About Accenture
Accenture is the world’s leading management and technology services organization. Through its network of businesses approach – in which the company enhances its consulting and outsourcing expertise through alliances, affiliated companies and other capabilities – Accenture delivers innovations that help clients across all industries quickly realize their visions. With more than 75,000 people in 47 countries, the company generated net revenues of $11.44 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2001. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

About Compaq
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, and desktop and portable personal computers that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at www.compaq.com.

About Microsoft
Since its founding in 1975, Microsoft’s mission has been to continually advance and improve software technology, and to make it easier, more cost-effective and more enjoyable to use computers.

The company is committed to a long-term view, reflected in its significant investments in research and development. Microsoft Research, with labs in Redmond, Wash., San Francisco, Calif., Cambridge, England and Beijing, China, focuses on innovative solutions to the computer science problems of today and tomorrow, including natural user interfaces, advanced software design techniques, and other technologies that make computers more powerful and intuitive.

The foundation of Microsoft’s business is the philosophy that people can accomplish great things if provided the resources they need. In keeping with this philosophy, the company gives over $200 million in cash, software and technical support to non-profit organizations worldwide. In addition, the Microsoft employees donate over $40 million each year through the company’s matching gift programs.

About the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is an independent organization committed to improving the state of the world. Funded by the contributions of 1,000 of the world’s foremost corporations, the Forum acts in the spirit of entrepreneurship in the global public interest to further economic growth and social progress. The Forum serves its members and society by creating partnerships between and among business, political, intellectual and other leaders of society to define, discuss and advance key issues on the global agenda. Incorporated in 1971 as a foundation, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit, and is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. In 1995 the Forum was awarded NGO consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

About the Pocket PC
The iPAQ Pocket PC, a Windows-powered Pocket PC, offers customers the best way to connect to their most essential information while away from their desk, yet is flexible enough to satisfy the personal demands of today’s busy mobile lifestyle. Pocket PCs were designed to be a secure extension to the enterprise, with core security processes and technologies.

About AvantGo Technology
AvantGo mobile enterprise solutions automate business processes and improve the exchange of information between companies and their employees and customers, resulting in improved business efficiencies and more effective customer interactions. AvantGo solutions include the best-of-breed mobile software platform for creating and deploying enterprise applications, proven customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM) and personal information management (PIM) mobile business applications, and professional services to assist in the strategy, design and delivery of end-to-end mobile solutions.

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Compaq and the Compaq logo are trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that the Hewlett-Packard/Compaq merger does not close or that the companies may be required to modify aspects of the transaction to achieve regulatory approval or that prior to the closing of the proposed merger, the businesses of the companies suffer due to uncertainty; the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development of these products and services may not proceed as planned; that Compaq and Hewlett-Packard are unable to transition customers, successfully execute their integration strategies, or achieve planned synergies; other risks that are described from time to time in Compaq and Hewlett-Packard’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports (including but not limited to Compaq’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, HP’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2000, and subsequently filed reports). If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, Compaq’s results could differ materially from Compaq’s expectations in these statements. Compaq assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

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Darienne L. Dennis

+44 (0) 776-433-9792
+1(917) 452 7760

darienne.l.dennis@accenture.com

Roger Frizzell

+1 (281) 514 2352

roger.frizzell@Compaq.com

Tamara Pesik

+1 (425) 705 6594

tpesik@microsoft.com