HP Partners With Louis Vuitton Cup

HP Partners With Louis Vuitton Cup

For immediate release

HP PARTNERS WITH LOUIS VUITTON CUP TO BRING RACING TO THE WORLD AUCKLAND,

Sept 24, 2002 - HP New Zealand has today announced that it has partnered with the Louis Vuitton Cup to be the Official Technical Computing Supplier for the America's Cup Challenger Series which begins on October 1.

As an official technical partner of The Louis Vuitton Cup, HP has designed and implemented the technology infrastructure for the America's Cup Louis Vuitton Media Centre.

"Using experience gained from the last challenge, HP is confident that in partnership with the other official technical suppliers the visiting media will have smooth seamless access to the internet to post stories and photos around the globe," said Russell Hewitt, Managing Director HP New Zealand.

The America's Cup Louis Vuitton Media Centre will host 1,800 accredited media helping to deliver the Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup to the world. The media centre will allow 225 journalists to be connected at the same time.

''The media centre is on the edge of technology and will help the 1,800 journalists coming over during the period to file their stories. 57,000 articles where written worldwide about the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America's Cup last time! Thanks to the strong support and advanced technology from HP the media center will be extremely efficient," said Bruno Trouble, Louis Vuitton Cup.

HP's sponsorship of the Louis Vuitton Cup is a significant part of the company's involvement in the overall America's Cup programme which also includes sponsorship of Oracle BMW Racing team. As with past sponsorships, such as AC2000 and the NZ Golf Open 2001, HP is working to provide innovative solutions that help our partners reach their goals.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for HP New Zealand to showcase our technical capability and experience on the world stage. We are delighted to be involved and supporting the Louis Vuitton Cup for what we hope to be the best event yet" said Hewitt.

About HP HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corp. on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.co.nz

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Editorial Contact: Ken Erskine Director Corporate Communications and Brand HP New Zealand Phone +64 9 918 9570 Mobile +64 21 848 383

Kirsten Blanchard Account Director Consultus New Zealand Phone +64 9 913 1824 Mobile + 64 27 434 7977

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