To: stock bull who wrote (128132 ) 5/24/1999 12:44:00 PM From: KS Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 176387
World's Second Largest Hotel Franchisor Choice Hotels Standardizes On Dell; Company Cites Business Flexibility and Total Computing Solutions as Key ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 24, 1999--Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems company, announced today that Choice Hotels International will lease servers, desktops, notebooks, printers and peripherals from Dell for its franchisees nationwide. Choice Hotels International, the world's second largest hotel franchisor, estimates it will lease up to $80 million worth of Dell systems over the next three years through Dell's integrated lessor, Dell Financial Services L.P. Flexibility, service and support capability and a single point of accountability for its technology and financing needs were key factors in Choice's decision to do business with Dell. "Dell proved to be more than a hardware vendor. They were able to deliver custom solutions and services coupled with remarkable flexibility, particularly in the area of financial services," said Janna Morrison, vice president for Property Systems at Choice Hotels International. "The seamless integration of Dell Sales and Dell Financial Services makes the sales process virtually painless." Choice needed a reliable partner in the deployment of Profit Manager by Choice Hotels(tm) and ChoiceLink for Windows(tm), that are new computing systems designed to handle the company's accounting and reservations. Choice recognized the benefit of standardizing on a single vendor's computing platform. According to Morrison, Dell's custom factory-installation further influenced the decision. "Dell's custom factory installation proved to be a valuable service as we were able to have systems arrive at their destination loaded with our proprietary software image and ready to go," said Morrison. "Dell was even able to install third-party products in the factory, adding significant convenience and saving us time and money. With Dell, Choice will be able to provide a complete solution to all our franchisees." Choice Hotels International is the second largest hotel franchisor in the world with more than 4,000 hotels, inns, all-suite hotels and resorts in 36 countries under the brand names Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Roadway and MainStay Suites. Ranked No. 78 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 363 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $19.9 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number 800/388-8542 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.com. Dell is a registered trademark and DellWare is a registered service mark of Dell Computer Corporation. Fortune 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. CONTACT: Dell Computer Corporation, Round Rock Media Contacts: Rob Crawley, 512/723-5512 rob_crawley@dell.com or David Graves, 512/723-5858 david_graves@dell.com or Investor Contacts: Don Collis, 512/728-8671 don_collis@dell.com or Rob Williams, 512/728-7570 robert_williams@dell.com