Compaq To Launch Global Offensive

Compaq Computer Corp said on Thursday it was launching a world-wide offensive to capture a large share of the fast growing market for PCs for small and medium-sized business.

Compaq said that market is increasing 18 per cent a year, and that it aimed to grab 20 per cent of the business by the year 2000, chief executive Eckhard Pfeiffer said at a news conference at the CeBIT trade fair.

By packaging products, financing, help services and electronic commerce advice for small companies, Compaq expected its sales to these customers to reach $16 billion, he said.

Our strategy is to offer tailored, integrated computing solutions that will help these companies compete in todays global marketplace, Pfeiffer said.

As part of its Entrepreneur Solutions programme, Compaq unveiled a new portable PC and a server loaded with software for small companies. It also introduced low-cost networking products, and said it would release a hand-held PC designed for travelling business people.

Along with these products, it said it would offer special leasing and financing options, and telephone support where customers can get help setting up products from Compaq and other suppliers.

Compaq said the small business segment would make up more than 50 per cent of the total PC market by 2000, and would play a major role in its effort to lift sales to $50 billion in two years from $24 billion in 1997.