Status: U From: Encompass <Encompass(a)SBA.COM> To: "'jhellige(a)earthlink.net'" <jhellige(a)earthlink.net> Subject: Encompass' Update on HP-Compaq Merger Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 16:08:04 -0500 Dear Jeff It is with confidence that I write to assure you of Encompass'continued commitment to serve the needs of our membership in the wake of the announced merger of Compaq with Hewlett-Packard. Through our strong partnership with Compaq, Encompass is uniquely positioned to be your advocate on the Itanium Platform conversion and to work closely with Compaq's senior management team as plans regarding this proposed union unfold. For those who remember the acquisition of Digital by Compaq, these recent events must seem like deja vu. But while times have changed, our commitment to deliver forthright information as quickly as possible has not. We are poised and ready to offer Hewlett-Packard and Compaq recommendations on how to make the merger beneficial for you, a valuable segment of their existing, installed customer base. Should the merger become realized it would create a new global technology leader and untold opportunities for Encompass, our Enterprise Computing Association. Compaq's recent decision to migrate all enterprise level systems to IPF, coupled with Hewlett-Packard's standing commitment to the platform will position the newly-formed powerhouse to drive IPF as the "next core platform" for IT. As such, this will ultimately provide us, the end-customers of the new company with new levels of stability and application/solution availability more so than ever before. We originally banded together forty years ago as users of Digital Equipment Corporation computers and then a year ago had the foresight to evolve into Encompass, an Enterprise Computing Association. Our ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the information technology industry is one of the core reasons that our organization has remained vital for so long. Now as Encompass, it is our mission to help you and your organization be more successful by providing an open, objective knowledge exchange network. While the players may change, our guiding principle of meeting your needs remains unaffected. Encompass will work tirelessly to share your concerns with Compaq and Hewlett-Packard, to provide on-going information about how this merger may affect you, and to make this newest transition successful for all of us. We appreciate your continued support in these revolutionary times. Sincerely, Joe Pollizzi President Encompass