OPEN from American Express Expands Small Business Savings Program Offering Discounts on Computers and Related Products and Services

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- OPEN from American Express(SM) today announced the expansion of its OPEN Savings(R) program with the launch of technology partners Gateway and Symantec. OPEN Savings(1) gives small business owners automatic savings virtually every time they use an American Express Business Card to make purchases at any OPEN Savings partner.

Small business owners can now automatically reduce costs on computer equipment, software, and related services with these two new technology partners in the OPEN Savings program. Business Cardmembers receive an automatic 5% discount to a maximum of $1000 per year on Gateway products(2) and services, including desktop and notebook PCs, and server and storage solutions, when they make purchases through http://www.gateway.com/, or by calling 877-487-1129.

Recently named the top security software brand among small businesses by Forrester Research, Symantec is offering Business Cardmembers an automatic 10% discount on Symantec products(3) when they shop online at http://www.symantecstore.com/amex, featuring award-winning Norton(TM) products, and desktop and server solutions designed to help small business owners protect their critical data, enhance productivity, and keep their business up and running. Like all OPEN Savings discounts, Gateway and Symantec savings apply to the total purchase price, including taxes, shipping, and handling.

OPEN Savings has delivered more than $150 million in savings to American Express Business Cardmembers since 2004. OPEN Savings eliminates the need for offer codes, coupons or program enrollment and provides automatic savings from well-known brands. Savings can also be combined with other marketplace offers or volume discount pricing that businesses may already be receiving from program partners.

"Fifty-eight percent of small business owners plan to make capital investments on computers and systems software this year, according to the findings of our 2006 OPEN Small Business Monitor," said Raymond Joabar, senior vice president and general manager, OPEN from American Express. "With the addition of a technology category to our OPEN Savings program, we're giving small business owners the opportunity to save on the vital computer products and services they need to run their businesses."

"Helping small businesses succeed is one of our top priorities at Gateway," said John Costello, Gateway vice president - segment marketing. "We invest significant time determining the solutions our customers need to thrive in the marketplace. We're very excited to work with OPEN from American Express to offer small business owners a means to maximize their technology investment, often the backbone of small business."

"By partnering with OPEN from American Express to bring security and backup solutions at a discount to its customers, Symantec is making it easier than ever for small businesses to protect their infrastructure, information, and interactions," said Erna Arnesen, vice president of global SMB, industry and partner marketing for Symantec. "This is another valuable avenue to reach small business owners that need a means for easily acquiring and deploying solutions that will improve their business efficiency and scale as their business grows."

To learn more about automatic discounts with these new partners, or about the OPEN Savings program, visit http://www.opensavings.com/.

About OPEN from American Express

OPEN is the American Express team dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies. The OPEN Team supports business owners with exceptional service. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their business. Specifically, business owner customers can leverage an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings, including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities and savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more information about OPEN, visit http://www.open.com/, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a Card or loan. Terms and conditions apply.

American Express Company (http://www.americanexpress.com/) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

About Gateway

Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning PCs and related products to consumers, businesses, government agencies and schools. See http://www.gateway.com/ for more information.

About Symantec

Symantec is the world leader in providing solutions to help individuals, small businesses, and enterprises assure the security, availability, and integrity of their information. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in more than 40 countries. More information is available at http://www.symantec.com/.

(1) OPEN Savings(R): Payment must be made with an American Express(R) Business Card at the time of purchase. Savings will be credited to your American Express Business Card billing statement. All savings referenced are in addition to any offers made by participating companies. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit opensavings.com. (2) Valid only on purchases directly from Gateway. Maximum annual savings is $1,000 per Card account. (3) Valid only on purchases made at Symantec online store. Resellers are not eligible for the discount.