Pracom and Compaq Deliver All- In-One Intelligent Network Solution for Enhanced Telecommunications Systems. Melbourne, Australia, September 28, 2000 /MediaNet International-AsiaNet/Pracom Limited and Compaq Computer Corporation have announced the commercial release of Compaq Indus, a new generation Intelligent Network (IN) Service Node solution to be distributed globally by Compaq. Compaq and Pracom have worked together to create Indus as an all-in-one solution for IN service development and management. Indus will allow the provision of new enhanced telecommunications services to be easier and faster than with traditional IN systems. It supports signaling, voice and switching functions all within the one fully integrated system and is believed to be the first in the world to support the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) CS2 standard. Examples of enhanced telecommunications services include unified communications, pre-paid communication solutions and transit switching. Compaq is a world-leading provider of telecommunications Intelligent Network systems with more than 700 installations in over 60 countries. Indus is built around the Alphaserver Intelligent Peripheral (IP) platform, which has become the preferred telecommunications hardware solution for major carriers around the world and incorporates middleware developed by Pracoms Technologies Division. Indus uses Pracoms powerful telephony scripting language, which reduces time to market with the provision of a flexible graphical user interface. Mr David Paranthoiene, Managing Director Pracom Limited, commented: We are delighted to make this announcement with Compaq. Indus is the result of extensive joint development and we are very proud to be delivering such cutting edge Australian technology to the global market. This flexibility allows customers to achieve rapid development and deployment of enhanced telecommunications solutions at a very competitive price, with the ability to meet growing customer demand through Indus' scalable architecture. We know this is a key factor in ensuring long term success in this growing yet competitive marketplace. Massive growth Following rapid growth over the last 3 years, the IN and Enhanced Telecommunications Services market is currently worth US$7 billion per year. According to the International Telecommunications Union, this market will grow to US$14 billion per year by 2003. "Our technology will directly address the demands of this market, ensuring our customers have the necessary tools to take full advantage of this massive growth," said Mr Paranthoiene Pracom and Compaq Deliver "All-In-One" Intelligent Network Solution For Enhanced Telecommunications Systems. "Compaq has a proven and impressive track record in delivering leading-edge technology solutions to the global telecommunications market. Their coverage and relationships will be integral to Pracom's stated global distribution strategy he said. "The result of this partnership between the two companies ensures Indus can be delivered, implemented and exploited throughout this entire market." Some pre-selling activity has been occurring within most regions and now Compaq is planning formal education sessions for each of the relevant Compaq customer facing teams as part of its global rollout plans. Early demand numbers have not been released, however strong interest has been evident from Asia, Europe and Latin America. Pracom Limited Pracom Limited delivers innovative telecommunications and technology solutions globally. Founded in 1988, it is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange as PCO and employs more than 1000 people in Australia and New Zealand. The companys Web site is located at www.pracom.com.au Compaq Background Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the largest supplier of computing systems in the world. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets h ardware, 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 authorised Compaq marketing partners, and directly to businesses and consumers through Compaq's e-commerce Web site at http://www.compaq.com.au 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.au or by calling +61 1 300 36 83 69. Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This release 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 implementation of new distribution systems; changes in product mix; unanticipated component shortages; increased competitive factors and pricing pressures; market responses to pricing actions and promotional programmes; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; volatility of certain equity investment; and instability in developing countries that may affect operations. Further information on the factors that could affect Compaq's financial results are included in its SEC filings, including the latest annual report on Form 10-K, and the latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q. For further information, please contact: David Paranthoiene S.H.Lee Joint Managing Director Director, Telecommunications LoB Pracom Limited Compaq Computer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd [email protected] [email protected] Tel + 61 3 9677 8878 Tel + 65 580 5142 SOURCE: PRACOM LIMITED AND COMPAQ COMPUTER ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD