Compaq To Resume Internet Reseller Authorizations

Compaq Computer Corp. will begin authorizing Internet resellers as early as next month, reversing a decision in late February to deauthorize all resellers selling Compaq product via the Web.

Peter Blackmore, Compaq's vice president and general manager, North America, said Compaq will begin authorizing Internet resellers as early as mid-April, once new terms and conditions for the Internet channel are finalized.

"We deauthorized [Internet resellers] a few weeks ago, but it wasn't just because of pricing," he said. "It was how do you get warranty? How do you get support? It's important that the [Compaq] brand is looked after."

Since Compaq blocked sale of its product through Internet resellers, Blackmore said that Compaq has studied how to build an Internet reseller channel.

"We've learned how to work with those partners," he said. "It's a channel that we need and the customer needs. . . . Depending on the channel that you go to you need a specific business plan and specific terms and conditions."

Blackmore declined to say what those terms will be for Internet resellers but said details will be worked out toward "the middle or end of April."