Air Force can buy Compaqs easier using credit card system. I like it.
Hughes Data Systems Announces IMPAC Government Credit Card on Desktop V Contrac
Date: 97-08-14 15:20:45 EDT
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 1997--Hughes Data
Systems, a unit of Hughes Aircraft Co., Thursday announced it is
streamlining ordering for federal buyers of the Desktop V contact by
allowing use of IMPAC credit cards.
IMPAC credit card orders can be placed using the Internet, by
phone, fax or e-mail. The ordering process is expected to cut the
transaction time for placing an order from several weeks to a matter
of hours.
For the past six months, the Air Force has been phasing in IMPAC
credit card ordering to ensure that the process of configuring an
order and receiving acknowledgment functions smoothly. The initial
roll-out demonstrated that orders could be placed for Desktop V
equipment in three hours and delivered within eight days.
The new process combines familiar and established procedures
with all the benefits of the IMPAC credit card. Buyers can log
directly onto the vendor Web site to configure an order or contact
Hughes via telephone, fax or e-mail.
"The time required to complete an order takes only a few hours
versus completing a DD form 1155 or 1449 that took weeks," noted
Pete Carrier, deputy program manager. "We are very pleased to be
able to offer this service to our customers and we know this
streamlined ordering process will make buying from Desktop V easier
than ever."
In addition, the Air Force has published new guidelines
increasing the IMPAC card limits to $25,000 from $2,500. This is
significant as it allows the use of the credit card to order several
computer systems.
"It's clear the Air Force is trying to do more business using
the IMPAC credit card because it's faster and saves money," said
Carrier. "We're responding to that desire."
Desktop V IMPAC credit card orders will be processed through the
dedicated 800 number (1-800-603-3639), the dedicated fax number
1-800-555-1186, or the e-mail address: sales@hughes-hds.com .
With a potential value of $924 million, Desktop V is a firm,
fixed-price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
contract, supplying systems to Air Force commands, bases, and other
worldwide users, including defense and civilian agencies. The
contract calls for a one-year ordering period, with two one-year
options, plus two additional years for upgrades.
The contract is now in its first one-year option and Hughes Data
Systems is the only prime contractor.
Hughes recently added several new products to the Desktop V
contract. These include Compaq Computer's new PCs Deskpro 2000
Series Pentium 200MMX and Pentium Pro 200; desktops, such as the
Micron Pentium 200, Pentium 200MMX and Pentium Pro 200; Compaq's
ProLiant 2500 server; portables, including Micron's Transport VLX
P133 lightweight Traveler's Portable and Transport XPE 166 MMX
high-performance notebook, along with a new Hughes Data Systems P150
portable, and printers from Lexmark and Hewlett-Packard.
Rapid delivery of products, free upgrades on software, ongoing
technical assistance and on-site 5-year warranty are basic benefits
of the contract.
Hughes Data Systems is a vendor-independent systems integrator.
Founded in 1990, Hughes Data Systems maintains offices throughout
the United States and across the globe. In addition to Desktop V,
Hughes Data Systems is the prime contractor on Air Force Workstations
(AFWS) and the Department of Commerce Patent and Trademark Office
(PTO) contracts. These contracts have a potential sales opportunity
of more than $2 billion.
Hughes Data Systems focuses on providing leading-edge,
commercial-off-the-shelf-based solutions to the defense and civilian
agencies of the U.S. federal government.
A full-service solution provider, Hughes Data Systems offers
government agencies a comprehensive line of the industry's leading
products, including award-winning hardware, from laptops to desktops
to workstations and servers, as well as top-rated software products.
The organization complements these product offerings with quality
integration services and industry-leading 24-hour/7-days-a-week
national and global on-site support. Federal offices of Hughes Data
Systems are in Herndon, Va., with company headquarters in Irvine.
Hughes Data Systems is a unit of Hughes Aircraft Co., which is a
unit of Hughes Electronics Corp. The earnings of Hughes Electronics
are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to GMH
(NYSE) common stock.
--30--TJJ/la* JAH/la
CONTACT:
Hughes Aircraft Co., Arlington, Va.
Dave Shea, 703/284-4245
Fax: 703/525-0540; e-mail: djshea@ccgate.hac.com |
