COMPAQ COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF
SHOPPING.COM BUSINESS EDITORS/TECHNOLOGY
WRITERS HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MARCH 10,
1999-- FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE, RELIABILITY
PART OF ALTAVISTA'S STRATEGIC PUSH
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1999--
Focus On Customer Service, Reliability Part
Of AltaVista's Strategic Push
Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ.N) today announced the
completion of its acquisition of Shopping.com (OTC:IBUY.O), a leading
online retailer of goods and services.
Shopping.com will become an operating division of AltaVista
Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Compaq. With the addition of
Shopping.com, AltaVista users can now access the integrated
capabilities of AltaVista's powerful Internet guide
( altavista.com ) with the robust e-commerce features of
Shopping.com ( shopping.com ).
AltaVista users will benefit from Shopping.com's 63 Warehouse
Power Stores, providing a comprehensive selection of over two million
name-brand products, backed by more than 1,000 merchandising partners.
Shopping.com also offers the Maximizer frequent shopping program,
where customers earn reward dollars on all purchases and services.
"Our goal is to make Shopping.com the most satisfying place to
shop on the Internet," said Mike Rubin, Vice President and General
Manager, E-Commerce of AltaVista Company. "Shopping.com hosts a
state-of-the-art transaction capability that best complements
AltaVista's content and customer traffic. This acquisition provides a
unique opportunity to combine these capabilities into one superior
experience for all levels of Internet users."
Updated Features, Focus on Customer Service
Under its new management, Shopping.com has begun implementing a
series of new features and policies focusing on high levels of
customer service. Customers can now receive answers to their questions
around-the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers can also
expect faster service through the integration of new internal support
systems and the doubling of the site's customer service staff.
For convenience, Internet users can expect a link from the
AltaVista Search Site to Shopping.com to be activated within the next
90 days. In addition, Shopping.com will offer customers who have a
complaint on file with the Better Business Bureau prior to March 1,
1999 a $250 Shopping.com gift certificate, good on future purchases.
As a leading online retailer of goods and services, Shopping.com
was recognized by "Computer Retail Week" as one of the top 100
retailers for 1998 computer retail sales.
AltaVista Leads the Industry
AltaVista is a pioneer in Web search technology and continues to
set new standards, from indexing the entire Internet, to providing the
first of their kind language translation, AV Photo Finder and AV
Family Filter search capabilities. With an extensive line-up of
content and services, AltaVista is now regarded as one of the top
destinations on the Internet.
Over the last several months, AltaVista has made extensive
enhancements to make navigating the Internet relevant, fast and
effective for Web users of all proficiency levels. For more
information, visit AltaVista's flagship site at
altavista.com or av.com.
Company Background
AltaVista Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Compaq Computer
Corporation. A Fortune Global 100 company, Compaq is the second
largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier
of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software,
solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise
computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions,
networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable
products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in
environmentally friendly programs and business practices.
Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries
through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer
support and information about Compaq and its products are on the World
Wide Web at compaq.com.
Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product
names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
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