Singapore, 17 August 2000  -- Gateway, one of the world’s leading integrators of personalized IT solutions, and StarHub, Singapore’s new info-communications services company, announced today that they have extended their alliance to make it easier for consumers to buy PCs and get on the Net.

 

StarHub’s shops -- located in StarHub Centre, Orchard Road, and in OUB Centre, Raffles Place – will, with immediate effect, feature Gateway sections that carry Gateway’s line of award-winning desktops. In addition, StarHub will offer Gateway PCs through an on-line shopping counter at its "e-shop" portal site (located at www.starhub.com.sg).

 

Earlier this year, the companies initiated their business cooperation, with Gateway offering PCs loaded at the factory with Internet service provided by StarHub Internet. This has allowed customers to access the Internet moments after plugging in their Gateway PC for the first time.

 

Peter Rossdeutscher, Gateway’s Managing Director for North and South Asia, said: "Gateway and StarHub are natural partners because of their shared strategy of helping consumers and businesses to meet their full IT and communication needs in a simple, hassle-free, cost-effective manner. Both companies strongly believe that what customers really want is a one-stop shop where, in a single purchase, they can get all their high-tech needs taken care of. Our alliance delivers that."

 

Said Mr K.C. Lai, General Manager, Personal Info-Comms, StarHub: "As convergence continues between fixed, mobile and Internet technologies, customers are becoming increasingly demanding when shopping for mobile and Internet-ready devices. This alliance is in line with StarHub's objective of offering integrated communications solutions to our customers."

 

"StarHub is confident that we will add greater value to the customers’ purchase experience for their growing communication needs," added Mr Lai. "Under one roof, customers can experience shopping convenience, value for money, personalization, and friendly, knowledgeable advice."

 

Building on the success of similar alliances with best-of-breed partners around the globe, the Gateway sections in StarHub’s stores average about 100 square feet and showcase a wide range of Gateway’s systems, from the entry level Performance 667 through to the warp-speed Performance 933. Customers will be guided through the process of customizing their PCs with the exact configuration that suits their needs by specially trained StarHub staff.

 

To mark the official launch of the store-within-a-store at OUB Centre on 18 August and StarHub Centre on 19 August, special bundles will be offered when clients purchase Gateway computers. These include free processor upgrades, mobile phones or PC cameras. Other activities to celebrate the alliance include a full-day entertainment program at StarHub Centre on 19 August featuring the Flying Dutchman from Class 95FM, 'On the Spot' lucky dips, appearance of Gateway’s 20-feet cow balloon and plenty of gifts to be given away during the games segment.