Vertrees: Compaq Is Committed To The Channel

Hewlett-Packard Compaq Computer

"This is a marriage," Vertrees said in an interview before the Solution Provider XChange kickoff session here. "We are not going anywhere."

Vertrees said he is "optimistic" that the merger will be approved. "I am always very positive. I am hoping for the best."

There is strong partner support for Compaq, noting that the company's channel satisfaction numbers are up dramatically in the past several months, Vertrees said. "These guys are behind us like never before. They are telling us that they are with us through thick and thin."

Compaq has just rolled out a new "adopt-a-partner" program in an effort to re-engage solution providers. Under the program, 300 Compaq marketing and sales personnel will "adopt partners and help them obtain additional support from Compaq," Vertrees said. "Every partner will have a personal technology consultant that will work with them for 90 days and ramp them back up. We want to win back their trust and confidence."

Glen Jodoin, vice president of operations at solution provider GreenPages, Kittery, Maine, said he is glad that the cloud of uncertainty hanging over HP and Compaq because of the merger will soon be lifted. "This is killing the quarter for Compaq and HP in certain product segments, mostly the commodity [Windows NT space. Some customers are holding off. I'm glad it's going to be over. These are good partners of mine and I like them."