UPS, 4 Computer Makers to Offer PC Plan

United Parcel Service Inc., the world’s largest package delivery company, said it has teamed up with four leading computer manufacturers to provide its customers fast and cost-effective ways to buy or lease new personal computers. Atlanta-based UPS said the new program, dubbed UPS Online Advantage, would allow customers the hardware necessary to use the company’s automated shipping software. Compaq Computer Corp., Dell Computer Corp., Gateway Inc. and International Business Machines Corp. are UPS’ partners in the program. UPS said computers provided under the program would come with preloaded software, including UPS OnLine WorldShip, the company’s automated shipping software. UPS also announced a new financing program, called Next Day Leasing, to help small businesses lease equipment such as copiers, office furniture and computers. UPS Capital Corp., a subsidiary, will finance business equipment purchases up to $250,000. UPS fell $1.69 to close at $61.50 on the Big Board.