IBM and CompUSA to Offer Complete e-business Solutions for Small Businesses
Initial Offerings Available Through CompUSA Business Centers
New York (November 02, 1998) – IBM and CompUSA today announced a far-reaching marketing initiative to provide comprehensive computing solutions for small business owners. The first small business packages from this joint effort are two flexible solutions – PC and server-based – designed to address different stages of growth for an emerging e-business. Customers visiting CompUSA Business Centers nationwide will be able to consult with trained specialists and choose from a wide range of IBM hardware, software and service options, receiving a system customized to their individual needs.
“By combining IBM’s solutions with CompUSA’s expertise and direct access to the growing small business market, both companies are in an ideal position to serve the e-business needs of small businesses – the fastest growing part of our economy,” said Judy Smolski, Vice President, Global SMB Marketing, IBM Personal Systems Group.
According to a recent study by Dataquest, the small business market is expected to grow at a rate of 31.7 percent in 1998, the strongest growth of any major market segment. This growth is expected to translate into shipments approaching eight billion units, or more than $18 billion in factory revenue.
“Through the CompUSA Business Centers, customers will have access to these IBM product offerings and knowledgeable CompUSA staff trained in serving the small business community – an important customer and growing market segment,” said Tony Weiss, CompUSA executive vice president of business solutions.”
IBM’s Small Business Internet Solution
The base package for IBM’s small business Internet solution includes an IBM PC with monitor and modem; IBM Internet Connection Services, IBM’s Startup for e-business and Home Page Creator software applications. It is designed to allow small businesses make an easy transition towards becoming an e-business and to allow small businesses to connect to the Internet, e-mail their customers, post information on the Web and accept orders and payments electronically.
IBM’s Client/Server Network Solution
Designed to provide a turn-key networking solution for growing small to medium-sized business, IBM’s client/server network solution features an IBM Netfinity server and as many IBM PCs or ThinkPads as needed. This offering also includes the Lotus Domino Intranet Starter Pack software and all the necessary IBM network interface cards, hubs, tape backup drives, modems for each customer’s specific business needs. This solution allows the employees of small businesses to collaborate via e-mail, manage their systems centrally and share files, printers and peripherals.
CompUSA’s Business Centers
Included in 45 locations nationwide, each CompUSA Business Center is designed to be a separate “store within a store” that showcases computer solutions for growing businesses and provides in-store consultation on system purchases. Custom orders placed at each Business Center are fulfilled within five business days from CompUSA’s headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
IBM’s small business solutions also can be purchased from any of CompUSA’s 208 stores in the United States. Customers also can purchase IBM products through CompUSA’s mail order catalog, CompUSA Direct or through CompUSA’s Web site: http://www.compusa.com.
Source: IBM