Big Blue brands Compaq server ads ?misleading?

Compaq has been accused of misleading customers after it ran a series of ads stating that a Prosignia 200 PC server would cost #995, but failed to stress that it came without a hard disk.

According to IBM, the entry-level Compaq server is not suited to mission-critical work. The Prosignia 200 is shipped without a hard disk and uses technology more at home in a standard desktop PC.

Mike Lunch, UK MD of the IBM PC Company, said: ?Compaq wants to be a major worldwide computer company, but this isn?t the sort of behaviour you get from a genuine computer company.?

Compaq responded by saying IBM had launched a ?desperate attempt? to damage the server?s reputation. Compaq systems product manager Helen Twelvetree said: ?IBM should look at its own entry-level products before criticising others.?