Dell Computer Names Xerox To Service Products

AUSTIN, Texas, March 3, 1989 -- PRNewswire -- As part of its on-going commitment to customer service and support, Dell Computer Corporation (NASDAQ: DELL) today announced that field service and on-site installation will be available to customers through Xerox Corporation. The announcement represents an added enhancement to Dell's highly rated and comprehensive customer support program and direct-to-the- customer marketing strategy.

Effective immediately, Xerox will service all Dell personal computers which are under existing service contracts with Honeywell Bull.

According to Michael S. Dell, Dell Computer's chairman and chief executive officer, Xerox's third party support offers excellent coverage and service for personal computer products. "As the market matures and PCs become more complex, service and support become increasingly more important. These factors play a significant role in the customer's buying decision. Xerox has made a strong investment in the support of our customers and a commitment to our business. Xerox provides the flexibility in service and cost competitive prices that our customers are accustomed to when they work with us in purchasing their PCs. We are very pleased that an organization that has such a strong and solid reputation in the industry will be servicing our products."

Dell added that the relationship with Honeywell Bull ended amicably and in the best interest of both parties. "We enjoyed a very good relationship with Honeywell Bull since they began servicing our personal computer systems in April 1987. We are very confident that there will continue to be a high level of customer satisfaction for Dell products."

Dell Computer will offer one-to-five year Xerox service contracts on all Dell personal computer systems. The cost of the contract for the first year is included in the purchase price of the computer; service contracts for the remaining years can be made at the time of purchase, during the first year, or after the first out-of-warranty service call.

Xerox guarantees next business day response for on-site service. This service applies to customers located within a 100-mile radius of Xerox service centers. Customers located outside the 100-mile radius can pay an additional service charge for on-site service. Xerox has approximately 200 service locations that provide service coverage throughout the continental United States.

Dell will offer an optional on-site installation of individual or multiple personal computers and system upgrades to all their customers as part of its new service contract with Xerox. "This area represents a new sector of business for us," said Dell. "We'll provide this installation for MS-DOS, MS-OS/2 and UNIX operating environments. This value-added service and support applies also to our current product line as well as to new and future products such as UNIX and networking.

"Utilizing these services will enable us to position our products more effectively for future marketing expansion," he added.

Dell customers without contracts can receive on-site service for their Dell personal computers by paying a labor and parts charges to Xerox for each call made.

"We are pleased to offer Xerox service to customers who have Dell computers," said David T. Kearns, Xerox chairman and chief executive officer. "We are committed to supporting Dell's customers by offering them the best and most comprehensive service contract in the PC industry."

Xerox will initially have 1400 technicians dedicated to servicing Dell personal computers.

In addition to Dell Computer's on-site service contract available from Xerox, Dell provides its customers with technical assistance through its toll-free telephone support number. The company also offers an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

Dell Computer's after-the-sale service and support program was recently rated the industry's most comprehensive and responsive by a survey of volume PC purchasers in PC Week Magazine.

Dell Computer Corporation and its subsidiaries design, develop, manufacture, market, service and support Dell personal computers. The company also sells a complete line of personal computer products including software, printers, monitors, peripherals and accessories.

/CONTACT: Brian K. Fawkes of Dell Computer Corporation, 512-338-4400; or Michelle Soleau or Ron Ricci of Neale-May & Partners, 415-967-4444, for Dell Computer Corporation/

(DELL) CO: Dell Computer Corporation ST: Texas IN: CPR AS -- LA020 -- 5591 03-03-89 17:48 EST