The world's fifth largest computer company, Compaq Computer Corporation, has selected Sterling Commerce to supply an end-to-end electronic data interchange (EDI) solution for 900 distribution channel partners in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This large-scale implementation of EDI software and services will help the computer manufacturer enhance customer service.

"Our system will help Compaq automate trading with its channel partners, streamlining the supply chain and accelerating business transactions," said Colin Campbell, director of marketing for Sterling Commerce. "It will also simplify the collection of order and inventory data, resulting in faster delivery cycles and reduced inventory. The increased efficiencies of this process are expected to help meet the company's overall goal of improved customer service."
"Automating business between trading partners in 19 countries is no small task," said Ian Robertson, manager, electronic commerce, Compaq Europe, Middle East and Africa. "As well as the sheer scale of such a project, we had to consider the vast number of applications already used by our channel partners, the differences in EDI standards from country to country as well as language differences. Given its solid experience in this market and its global presence, we chose Sterling Commerce as the exclusive supplier for this project."

Accommodates Partners' Multiple Existing Systems
The system includes several elements that are designed to allow full communication with the wide range of computer systems in place at Compaq's partner companies:
· A message processing service called COMMERCE:Network lets Compaq receive data from the various messaging formats used by its channel partners.
· EC message management and EDI translation software for Windows 95, called GENTRAN:Director, allows communication with all channel partners that use PCs, avoiding additional hardware investment by partners. This product translates incoming data into the company's EDI standard and allows its channel partners to integrate EDI into their legacy systems and business application software, avoiding the need for manual intervention.
· The system includes message mapping software that will allow the company to exchange order, invoicing, sales and inventory data with channel partners in formats that comply with the Computer Trade & Industry Association definitions.
The software firm will provide a comprehensive support package, including a 24-hour hotline offering assistance in all major European languages.
With 20 years experience, Sterling Commerce is a leading, global provider of business-to-business electronic commerce software and services. It has 36 office locations and more than 40 distributors worldwide. The company had 1997 revenues of over US$350 million, and has 37,000 customers worldwide and 1,700 employees.
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, is the fifth largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. With worldwide sales of US$24.6 billion in 1997, 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.
Sterling Commerce, GENTRAN and COMMERCE are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sterling Commerce, Inc.


For additional information, please see list of contacts on following page:
[all countries not listed below]
Colin Campbell, Director of Marketing
Sterling Commerce
4600 Lakehurst Court, P. O. Box 8000
Dublin, OH 43016-2000 USA
Tel +1-614-793-7381
Fax +1-614-793-7092
email Colin_Campbell@stercomm.com

[Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic]
Tomas Martoch, Sales Director
EDITEL CZ a.s., Member of the Deloitte Touche Group
Tyn 5/638
110 00 Praha 1
Czech Republic
Tel +420-2-248-95-100
Fax +420-2-248-95-110
email tmartoch@editelas.mail602.cz

[India]
A. Srinivasagopalan (Gopal), Sr. Vice President
Satyam Infoway Private Limited
35 Velacheryt Road
PLA Complex
Little Mount, Madras 600 015
India
Tel +91-44-235-4770
Fax +91-44-235-4771
email A_Srinivasagopalan@maaln.satyam.net.in

[Indonesia]
Sebastian Ong, Owner
PT Wipra Andhika
Menara Betavia, 27th Floor
JL K.H. Mas Mansyur Kav. 126
Jakarta 10220 Indonesia
Tel +62-21-574-7500
Fax +62-21-574-7557
email Andi_wpr@scientek.co.id

[Taiwan]
Fred Li, President
Vanguard Information Group
4F, 7, Lane 50 Nan-Kang Road, Sec. 3
Taipei 11510
Taiwan, R. O. C.
Tel +886(2) 2785-8900
Fax +886(2) 2785-2055
email Fred@exchange.vig.com.tw