Elektra and Compaq Announce Strategic Alliance
- Will Create Largest NetPC Network in Mexico and in Latin America - More than
5,000 PC's and Servers in More than 819 Stores
LA JOYA, Mexico, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Elektra (NYSE: EKT; BMV: ELEKTRA), the largest
specialty retailer in Mexico, and Compaq Computer (NYSE: CPQ - news) the world leader in personal
computers and the second largest computer company in the world, announced today a strategic
alliance. Compaq will be Elektra's exclusive provider of the personal computers and mission critical
servers required for the new ADN (Business Administration) system, designed by Elektra, to operate
throughout its stores in Mexico and Latin America.
The Elektra-Compaq relationship began three years ago, and has helped create one of the leading
technological infrastructures in Mexico. Today, each Elektra store has on average ten personal
computers and one server. The more than 819 Elektra and Hecali stores and their 11 distribution
centers are linked by a satellite network. With daily generation of more than 8,000,000 of monthly
transactions among invoices, credit requests, deposits and money transfers (''Dinero en Minutos'' and
''Dinero Express''), the use of technology has become a critical factor in the development of Elektra's
business.
''An operation of Elektra's magnitude requires leading-edge systems that are reliable, compatible, and
robust, which integrate the latest technology and which can count on the best technical support,'' stated
Cesar Nieves, Elektra's Systems Director. ''Compaq provides us with the best possible solution for our
needs.''
Gustavo Vega, Elektra's Vice President of Corporate Services, added, ''The new ADN system is the
only one of its type; it was created to meet our customers' needs more rapidly, and to increase the
efficiency of our operations. The system has the flexibility to accomodate all our existing businesses
and also to expand in the future, by adding new products and services at no incremental cost.''
This new merchandise system is capable of providing real-time information via satellite, ranging from
billing information, finance and accounting data, to the sales comissions earned on each sale, in every
one of the stores. In addition, the system employs a graphical-user interface, which will permit simple
operation and a user friendly operation.
In terms of hardware, Gustavo Vega stated that, ''The alliance will allow us, as a first step, to deploy
more than 5,000 machines, including mission-critical servers and the PC's needed sustain and improve
our client service.''
The hardware solution to be installed in each store is also innovative; all the mission-critical servers that
Elektra will use take advantage of new technologies that, by building in redudant systems, guarantee
uninterrupted client service. In addition, the new point of sale terminals in each store will create the
largest personal computer ''NetPC'' network in Mexico. These PC's embody new technologies for
security, administration, and advanced maintenance which will allow Elektra to dramatically reduce its
total costs for the equipment.
''Over the past three years our business relationship has prospered; and both companies have been
successful in their respective markets. We currently believe that it is important to deepen and
strengthen this alliance. Leaders always make alliances with leaders,'' stated Alexis Langagne, Director
of Sales for Compaq Computer de Mexico.
Gustavo Vega added, ''Compaq has the most advanced technology and has demonstrated excellent
performance and compatibility with the ADN system. Elektra will acquire the equipment through a
financial lease, with a refresh option, to take into account future development of new and better
technologies.''
Barbara Mair, the General Director of Compaq Computer de Mexico concluded, ''This alliance will bring
together the best of Elektra and Compaq.'' She added, ''Elektra has proven to be one of the cutting edge
companies in Mexico, being the first to take advantage of new technologies and successfully combine
them with its business strategy; as a consequence, Elektra has increased its market share in Mexico
and its presence in Latin America. This new alliance represents a great opportunity for us to build an
even stronger and more powerful relationship with Elektra.''
Elektra -- Progress through affordable goods and services.
Grupo Elektra is Latin America's leading specialty retailer of goods and services that meet the needs
and preferences of most Latin people. It specializes in electronics, household appliances and furniture,
serving customers through 819 stores in 287 cities. In addition to Elektra merchandise, the Company's
business units include CrediFacil, which extends financing credit to Elektra's customers, Hecali, a
family clothing merchandiser, and Dinero en Minutos/Dinero Express money transfers. TV Azteca,
although not an Elektra business unit, is an integral element of Elektra's strategy.
Compaq: ''#1 in Personal Computer Sales and the Second Largest Computer Company in the World''
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is one of the Fortune 100 companies. Compaq is the
second largest computer company in the world, and the leader iin the sale of personal computers,
mission-critical and ''Non-Stop''servers. Compaq develops and markets information technology solutions
including: hardware, software, services, network products and communications, as well as household
personal computers. Compaq is the industry leader in environmental programs and business practices.
SOURCE: Grupo Elektra, S.A. de C.
More Quotes
and News:
Compaq Computer Corp (NYSE:CPQ - news)
Grupo Elektra SA de CV (NYSE:EKT - news)
Related News Categories: computer hardware, computers, retail
|
