Media Relations

Ogilvy & Mather Teams With PeoplePC to Offer Home Computers, Internet Access to Employees

12/11/2000 6:39:00 AM

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2000--Furthering its goal to become the most tech-savvy shop on Madison Avenue, Ogilvy & Mather Advertising and OgilvyOne announced today that it is teaming up with PeoplePC (NASDAQ: PEOP), the company that makes it easy and affordable to get online and participate in the digital economy to offer its U.S. employees the opportunity to buy an IBM home computer with unlimited Internet access, full technical support, personal e-mail and a suite of applications at a subsidized cost.

Ogilvy is the first advertising agency to invest in building a truly wired workforce and to provide the means to enable its employees and their families to get into the digital age at an affordable cost and with the greatest of ease. The agency's move follows that of PeoplePC's corporate clients Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), The New York Times (NYSE: NYT), Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Visa U.S.A. who introduced similar programs to their employees or channel customers this year.

"Ogilvy has a long tradition as a technology innovator, not only on behalf of our technology clients, but in the advertising industry. We were the first agency to create an interactive unit and to lead the advertising industry in adopting new media tools," said Tro Piliguian, CEO of Ogilvy North America. "This groundbreaking program will enable us to give our employees the benefit of having access to technology that can truly enhance their lives."

According to Ogilvy, the new program is not intended to provide a way for employees to work from home but rather to become wired outside the workplace and experience the many benefits that Internet access provides. The agency will roll out its program to all U.S. Ogilvy offices in early December 2000.

"Providing Ogilvy's U.S. employees with our full home computing package enables even more people to take part in the digital economy without the traditional hassles of computing and getting online," said Nick Grouf, founder and CEO of PeoplePC. "Through this and other similar partnerships, PeoplePC continues to extend the wiring of vast numbers of companies and individuals into the Internet economy."

Through the program, Ogilvy's 2,500 U.S. employees will be able to pay for one home PC or laptop over 36 months, with a subsidy provided by Ogilvy. The base hardware configurations will be IBM, with add-on options such as Workpads, larger monitors, and color printers. PeoplePC will also provide Ogilvy employees the other elements of its offering to all PeoplePC members: unlimited Internet access, a three-year limited warranty with 24/7 customer service, and deals with a variety of leading online and offline retail partners.

About PeoplePC

PeoplePC (NASDAQ: PEOP), launched in October 1999, provides a hassle-free and more affordable way to get online so that everyone can have access to and participate in the digital economy. PeoplePC offers its unique end-to-end solution both to individual consumers and to major corporations interested in wiring their workforces and creating deeper relationships with customers through PeoplePC real estate. A PeoplePC(TM) membership comes complete with a new, brand-name computer system, unlimited Internet access, and high-quality customer support and service. There's also a unique, customizable online community that fosters long-term, substantive connections with PeoplePC members and ongoing revenue possibilities. PeoplePC offers its services on a global basis, allowing people across the world to reap the rewards of the digital age. For more information, visit http://www.peoplepc.com.

About Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide

Ogilvy & Mather, a subsidiary of WPP Group plc (NASDAQ: WPPGY), is the world's ninth largest agency network, with 1999 billings totaling over $11 billion. It is a communications and marketing company specializing in advertising, direct marketing, interactive with public relations, sales promotion, and related services available from 483 offices in 106 countries. For more information, visit www.ogilvy.com http://www.ogilvy.com.

(c)2000 PeoplePC, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PeoplePC and its logos are among trademarks of PeoplePC, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

CONTACT:
Media for PeoplePC:
Edelman Public Relations for PeoplePC
Serena Tesler, 212/704-4545
serena.tesler@edelman.com
or
Investor Relations for PeoplePC
PeoplePC, Inc.
Kelly Close, 415/901-6731
kelly.close@peoplepchq.com
or
Media for Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide
Ogilvy & Mather
Toni Lee, 203/761-1292
tlcomm@snet.net