WASHINGTON and SAN DIEGO, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Under an agreement
announced today, more than 34 million AARP members will have the opportunity
to receive discounted technology training from Gateway Inc. (NYSE: GTW).
Members of AARP also will be entitled to purchase Gateway PCs at a discount.
AARP has designated Gateway as its technology hardware and training
provider. In addition to its expertise in built-to-order PCs, Gateway is the
nation's leading provider of non-vocational technology training, with
5,000 training seats in 300 Gateway Country stores as well as online and
CD ROM-based training classes.
"Gateway is dedicated to personalizing our customers' technology
experience with the right combination of products, services and training --
and working with AARP, we'll be able to meet the specific needs of the
over-50 population like never before," said Cliff Holtz, senior vice president
of Gateway's consumer division. "AARP has an unmatched record of serving its
members' needs, and we hope to further enhance their ability to do so as the
technology hardware and training provider for AARP members."
"In growing numbers, AARP members are active online," said Laura Rossman,
director of new product development at AARP Services, Inc. "Many of our
members who don't own PCs are interested in buying one, and those already
online are eager to explore emerging possibilities. Gateway brings AARP
members a compelling combination of great products, excellent training and
outstanding value, in addition to its unique philosophy of putting people's
needs before technology's capabilities."
Gateway officially launches the program to AARP members today. AARP
members are entitled to a $50 discount on Gateway Select, Performance, and
Profile desktop PCs as well as Solo notebook systems, and a 10 percent
discount on Gateway training when purchased separately from a PC. AARP
members can get full program details at http://www.aarp.org/gateway.
Gateway for some time has focused on serving the needs of customers aged
50 and over. The company has marketed packages of software, training and
peripherals designed specifically for their needs. In addition, customers
aged 50 and over comprise a significant portion of Gateway customers shopping
for PCs and enrolling in its training classes in Gateway Country stores,
online and via CD-ROM based instruction modules.
Gateway recently launched a grassroots effort to leverage Gateway Country
stores as community centers for demystifying technology for customers,
including people aged 50 and over. The initiative includes:
-- Free weekly clinics in all 300 Gateway Country stores, teaching
customers everything from PC and Internet basics to digital
photography, digital music, online investing and business network
planning.
-- An "Ask-a-Tech" program in each store to make technicians available
once a week to provide free guidance, answer questions and analyze
problems.
-- A developing network of Gateway Technology Ambassadors whose sole
mission is to provide localized outreach to community groups and help
demystify technology with free mobile clinics, in-store advice sessions
and other activities tailored to their needs.
-- Additional training offerings, leveraging Gateway's 5,000 training
seats in Gateway Country stores nationwide.
About Gateway
Gateway (NYSE: GTW), a Fortune 250 company founded in 1985, focuses on
building lifelong relationships with consumers and businesses through complete
technology personalization. Gateway ranked number one in U.S. consumer PC
revenue in 1999(1) and was rated among the top ten best corporate reputations
in America according to a survey conducted in August of 1999 by Harris
Interactive and the Reputation Institute and published in The Wall Street
Journal. Gateway employees worldwide provide clients with services and
built-to-order computers that consistently win top awards from leading
industry publications. Gateway had total global revenue of $8.65 billion in
1999 and shipped 4.68 million systems. For more information, visit our Web
site at http://www.gateway.com.
(1) According to GartnerGroup/Dataquest US PC Quarterly statistics.
About AARP
AARP is the nation's leading organization for people 50 and older. It
serves their needs and interests through information and education, advocacy,
and community services which are provided by a network of local chapters and
experienced volunteers throughout the country. The organization also offers
members a wide range of special benefits and services, including Modern
Maturity magazine and the monthly Bulletin.
SOURCE Gateway Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.aarp.org/gateway
http://www.gateway.com
CONTACT:
media, Brad Williams, 858-799-2511,
brad.williams@gateway.com, or Greg Lund, 858-799-2512,
greg.lund@gateway.com, both of Gateway Inc.
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