Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Compaq -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: hlpinout who wrote (71754)	11/12/1999 4:12:00 PM
From: Night Writer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 97611

COMPAQ: Internet low on retailers' shopping list NOV 12, 1999, M2 Communications - Industry analysts are insisting that retailers, regardless of size and business, cannot afford to ignore the Internet if they want to remain competitive in the digital age. In the US, retailers are falling over themselves to get online and 'do an Amazon,' but, according to independent research launched today by Compaq, this message is falling on deaf ears with UK retailers. The study conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres found that only three per cent of small and medium-sized retailers see making the move to doing business online as the highest priority issue for their business. According to this fresh evidence, retailers are simply not taking advantage of their existing technology. Despite over one third of small and medium-sized retailers having invested in a web site and more than two thirds having Internet connectivity, UK retailers are still not prepared to make the move to do business online. Marisa Kacary, marketing manager, Compaq's Small and Medium Business Group said: "Surprisingly, although 60 per cent of businesses surveyed across the small business sector as a whole1 see the Internet as key to business survival, the retail sector in particular appear to be showing a lack of commitment to e-commerce and the Internet. The 140,000 small and medium sized retailers in the UK are acknowledging that a digital revolution is taking place, but are failing to take full advantage of it." She continued: "Compaq is keen to help retailers realise the potential benefits that the adoption of an e-strategy may bring to their businesses. Compaq's NonStop e-business solutions can help small businesses such as retailers have an e-business presence that is not only fast and simple to implement, but is also a low risk growth strategy." The research indicates that small and medium-sized retailers in the UK are more concerned with short-term problems than longer-term IT strategies. The most prevalent issue being addressed by UK retailers today is the Year 2000, with nearly one quarter citing this as the key issue their business is currently addressing. Case study - Harwoods of Sussex Greg Jones, company accountant of the hugely successful, luxury car garage Harwoods of Sussex says "both IT and the Internet are vital to our company". Greg is part of a flourishing garage business that employs 230 people and is based across five sites around the south east of England. "We are working in an increasing global market, and are often asked to send car parts to Europe and further, as the cars that we sell are top of the range and not always easy to get parts for. We decided to build a website to provide customers with all the information they required about our business, the products we sell and any job opportunities that are available. We felt the Internet is a valuable business tool in an expanding market place. Currently the site does not allow you to buy any of the cars but we will be looking into making e-commerce part of our IT strategy in the future." Greg continues: "Our current IT infrastructure is a network that links all the sites, especially the accounts department. We have installed Compaq Deskpro PCs on the network as well as some dumb terminals. We have also installed Kalamazoo, a piece of integrated software that links the parts, services and the sales sides of the business. Harwoods is an organisation that wants to keep up with the times, and we will make sure that IT systems work for us in such a way that we can provide our customers with outstanding service. We chose Compaq for this very reason, so that they could make sure we have the most up to date technology on the market". Visit the Harwoods site at www.harwoods.uk.com Company Background 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 programmes and business practices. Compaq was established in the UK in 1984 and is headquartered in Richmond, Surrey. Its products and services are sold and supported through a network of marketing partners across the UK. Customer advice, reseller locations and information about Compaq and its products can be found at compaq.co.uk or by calling the Compaq Call Centre on 0845 270 4000. This is the Compaq UK telephone number for publication (all calls are charged at local rates). -0- (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTDCONTACT: Clare Plaisted, Firefly Tel: +44 (0)207 386 1429 e-mail: clare.plaisted@firefly.co.uk M2 COMMUNICATIONS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN M2 PRESSWIRE. DATA SUPPLIED BY NAMED PARTY/PARTIES.