Compaq Launches
E-Commerce System for
Asia-Pacific Region
Compaq launches e-commerce system for Asia-Pacific region
SINGAPORE, Sept 22 (AFP) - Compaq Computer Corp.
launched here Tuesday two
Internet-based sales and support networks as well as a
telephone call center for the Asia-Pacific
market despite uncertain conditions in the region.
One Internet site, called Club Compaq, will provide on-line
sales and product information and
allow customers to register warranties. Buyers can order their
own combination of hardware,
software and peripherals.
The other site, Compaq Partner Network, will provide a secure
electronic commerce system for
sales partners of Compaq in the region.
With the move, Compaq will combine its normal sales
channels with direct marketing, a field
pioneered by US rival Dell. Last month, Hewlett-Packard also
launched an Internet-based order
system in Asia.
Compaq officials said pricing on its Internet-based sales
system would be close to the advertised
price, and customers will have the option to have their orders
delivered only, or set up for them.
"Despite the uncertain conditions in Asia, we will continue to
provide the widest array of products
and solutions, combined with the extensive capabilities of our
channel partners, to offer customers
the best value in the industry," said Mike Heil, senior vice
president and general manager for
worldwide sales.
Compaq, the world's largest personal-computer maker, also
announced the setting up of a regional
call center in Singapore which will allow customers to phone a
toll-free sales and assistance
number with local-language capabilities.
Over 15 million US dollars is to be invested by Compaq in
Singapore over the next five years to
support the new initiatives.
"With a single contact number, customers are able to access
a wide range of support services, as
well as place and track order," said Paul Chan, vice president
and managing director for
Singapore-based Compaq Asia-Pacific.
Chan told a news conference without giving figures that
regional sales in terms of units would be
flat or show slow growth this year, while revenues would be off
because of the regional slowdown.
Singapore's Economic Development Board welcomed the
launch of Compaq's new services,
hailing them as part of the city-state's drive to position itself as
a regional electronic commerce hub.
Singapore has passed an Electronic Transaction Bill in
parliament outlining the rights and
obligations of those involved in E-commerce deals, and has
put in place infrastructure to ensure
secure transactions and on-line payment.
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