KiwiStartUp.net Calls For Applicants

KiwiStartUp.net Calls For Second Round Of Applicants

AUCKLAND, July 26, 2001 - Applications close on 31 July for the second round of the KiwiStartUp.net, an initiative from Compaq, CLEAR and Microsoft to give Kiwi start-ups a free technology boost.

Launched last November, the KiwiStartUp.net programme aims to give nine start-ups per year a free technology package, which includes Compaq hardware, Microsoft e-commerce software, and a CLEAR high speed connection. The package is provided free for a period of three months to assist the venture while it seeks ongoing funding and support.

First round winners of the three-month technology package were Christchurch-based venture Traxium, Wellington/Queenstown-based venture Climate Dynamics and Auckland-based venture Nettec. The progress of these three companies over the last three months are being reviewed by KiwiStartUp organisers currently, with the three winners being given the option to continue with the technology solution at a substantially reduced price.

"The first round of the KiwiStartUp.net programme received a high level of interest," says Todd Irving, Director eBusiness, Compaq. "It's encouraging to see how the provision of the technology has helped the first round winners advance their plans. We're now in the process of reviewing second round submissions, so are hoping to find some great start up ideas to support."

"CLEAR places high priority on encouraging people to develop innovative and smart solutions so things can be done differently and better," says CLEAR Public Affairs Manager Ralph Little. "There is a wealth of talent in New Zealand and KiwiStartUp provides a unique opportunity for that talent to be tapped."

"We are pleased to be able to continue provide tangible support and encouragement to New Zealanders with great innovative ideas" says Michael Peters, eCommerce Solutions Manager, Microsoft New Zealand. "We hope our KiwiStartUp.net programme will in turn add impetus to government initiatives to assist start-up ventures locally."

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KIWISTARTUP.NET OVERVIEW The KiwiStartUp.Net packages will be tailored to the requirements of each successful applicant, but will include: * a Compaq High Performance Server, with hosting option at the Compaq Internet Service Centre. * Microsoft e-commerce software (Windows* 2000, Commerce Server 2000, BizTalk(tm) Server 2000, Exchange Server 2000, SQL Server(tm) 2000, Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000) * Microsoft's premier Developer Network Subscription (MSDN Universal) * a CLEAR high-speed internet connection. The package will be available to successful applicants for a period of 90 days, after which they can purchase the different elements. Applicants must be new start-ups seeking to pursue an e-Commerce solution. Applications should be made electronically via the web site at www.kiwistartup.net . The application process will include a review of business plans as well as an interview for selected applicants. Successful applicants will be selected during each 90-day period by a panel including representatives from Compaq, CLEAR and Microsoft. The solution must be based on technology from the KiwiStartUp.Net partners.

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ABOUT COMPAQ Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is a leading global provider of technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at www.compaq.co.nz ABOUT CLEAR CLEAR's focus on business, its innovation and its state-of-the-art fibre optic digital network set it apart as one of New Zealand's leading communications companies. Its product portfolio includes data, Internet, web hosting, email, network management, call centre, virtual private network, voice and ebusiness services. CLEAR is wholly-owned by BT (British Telecom), a world leader in telecommunications. More information is available on the CLEAR web site at www.clear.co.nz.

ABOUT MICROSOFT Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

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