Compaq Suspends Online Agreements

Compaq Computer Corp., the world’s No. 2 computer company, said it suspended agreements with 10 companies that sell Compaq’s Presario computers over the Internet as it looks to revamp its online marketing. Compaq said the companies, including Cyberian Outpost Inc. of Kent, Conn., weren’t selling the computers effectively. Compaq declined to be more specific. The Presario is the best-selling personal computer in the U.S. The move comes less than a month after Houston-based Compaq formed a business unit to focus on selling services over the Web. Sales of the Presario in retail stores won’t be affected, the company said. Compaq said it expects to reach new agreements with the Internet companies within 90 days. Compaq shares rose $1.56 to close at $42.69 on the New York Stock Exchange.