Alliance is First Step in Dell's Phased Entry Into Printer Market AUSTIN, Texas & LEXINGTON, Ky.--Sept. 24, 2002-- Dell and Lexmark today announced an agreement for the two companies to develop and produce Dell inkjet and laser printers and related aftermarket cartridges that will be sold directly to customers. "Our customers are asking Dell to improve the customer experience for printers," said Tim Peters, Dell vice president and general manager of Imaging and Printing, who is leading development of a portfolio of Dell imaging products. "Dell has a history of offering customers quality products that are easy to buy, install and use. We are confident our printers and ink and toner cartridge replacement experience will be no exception to what customers expect from Dell -- the industry's best value and customer relationship," Peters said. Under the first phase of the two-phased agreement, Dell has selected Lexmark as its preferred supplier for non-Dell imaging products during the important upcoming holiday purchasing period and beyond. By leveraging Lexmark's imaging technologies in the second phase, Dell and Lexmark will pursue initiatives aimed at producing workgroup, small business and personal imaging products with features and capabilities unique to Dell, aligning product development, manufacturing and sales to best serve the needs of customers. Dell imaging products will be launched in the market the first half of next year. "We believe Dell's selection of Lexmark as their initial imaging partner is reflective of our reputation for technology leadership, high-value products and customer-centricity," said Paul Curlander, Lexmark chairman and CEO. Terms of the agreement and product descriptions were not disclosed, and the companies have not set any volume levels relative to this agreement.