The other case is Sterling Computers, which undercut everyone else consistently in the late '80s, and then one day disappeared in the wake of its ever-thinning price tags. Zenith's Saraf, having spent nearly two decades in the computer industry, is only too aware of the PCL and Sterling stories. "We are not asking for any advance," he says. "You have the system delivered at your place and only then make the payment." Some industry observers say Compaq's move to start a price war may have been triggered off by the gloom surrounding its global operations. The company last month announced that sales had fallen short of its forecasts and profits may end up shorter by nearly 25 per cent compared to the last financial year. So, Compaq's Indian operations may also have been pushed to spike sales up. Also, after more than three years of setting up shop in India, Compaq may be getting impatient to grab the No 1 slot from HCL. HCL sells nearly 88,000 PCs a year; Compaq won't reveal its sales figures, but industry estimates peg it at around 30,000.