Compaq Computer Corp looks set to extend its challenge to rival Dell Computer Corp in Europe in the virtual internet service provider space, with the roll-out of its CompaqNet branded service in several European countries. ComputerWire has learned that CompaqNet.co.uk is set to be announced next week, and will go live November 15. The move comes as part of Compaq’s gradual expansion of its online presence, which lags behind Dell to the extent that the direct seller is estimated to have sold more PCs to the US in the third quarter this year than its market-leading competitor (see related story).
In Europe, Dell’s DellNet virtual ISP is an alliance with infrastructure partner British Telecommunications Plc and its subsidiaries, and Excite. In the US, Snap.com provides the co-branded service. The access software comes pre-installed on all new Dell PCs, and is available in the UK, Germany and France among others.
Compaq’s first venture into the European ISP scene was the low-key launch of Compaqnet.be in Belgium almost two months ago, following the earlier US launch of Compaq.net. The company boasts it has signed up 20,000 users in 45 days – a significant figure in this relatively small nation. Its software is pre-installed on its Presario and Prosignia range of PCs. The ISP behind CompaqNet.be is Belgian telco Belgacom NV’s Skynet service.
