Pfastship Logistics International and Dickens Data Systems Form Strategic Alliance; Alliance will provide Pfastship's shipping software solutions to Dickens' solution providers

Business Wire, Nov 4, 1997

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 1997--Dickens Data Systems, a leading IBM midrange distributor in the United States and California-based Pfastship Logistics International, the world leader in state-of-the-art shipping software, Tuesday announced an agreement to jointly market IBM hardware and Pfastship's shipping software for the IBM AS/400 and other IBM product lines.

This partnership follows Dickens' recent announcement of its Alliance Marketing Program.

Through this alliance, Pfastship offers Dickens' solutions providers access to the Pfastship Business Partner Program. The program will allow Pfastship to work with Dickens' solution providers to best determine customers' shipping logistics requirements. Pfastship's software will ultimately drive the necessity for IBM hardware when solution providers choose the Pfastship shipping software applications.

The goal of the alliance marketing organization is to establish the program offerings best suited for Dickens' solutions providers, manage the relationships, and assist with marketing programs to increase awareness and lead generation. Through the Alliance Marketing Program, solution providers will have the opportunity to strengthen portfolios and their business by building new skills, increasing service offerings and developing a closer alliance with the IBM industry segments.

"Because of Dickens' market position as a leading IBM midrange value-add distributor, Pfastship realized Dickens would be building a truly nationwide presence in the AS/400 market," said C. Eugene Cook, chairman and chief executive officer, Pfastship Logistics International. "A primary focus for Pfastship is to provide shipping software solutions for the AS/400. This alliance will enable the solution providers to concentrate with their customers on their shipping requirements by providing them with the necessary 'state-of-the-art software.'"

"As a member of Dickens' Alliance Marketing Program, Pfastship will give Dickens' solution providers access to a leading-edge shipping software solution to add to their portfolio of offerings, and a complimentary offering to revisit existing accounts," said Jerri Garcia, vice president of strategic alliances and corporate marketing, Dickens Data Systems. "Dickens anticipates helping our solution providers meet their end users' AS/400 and shipping software needs."

Dickens Data Systems Inc., founded in 1981, is an IBM Premier Business Partner and has been recognized by IBM as one of their largest nationwide midrange distributors and their leading worldwide RISC System/6000 distributor. Dedicated to developing total IBM business solutions as a value-added distributor and systems integrator, Dickens provides services both directly and indirectly through its solution providers located throughout the United States.

Dickens has proven expertise in virtually every IBM platform and product line, including RISC System 6000, AS/400, Advanced Systems, networking, Professional Services, RS/600 Scalable POWERparallel, software, storage and System/390.

Pfastship Logistics International, the "world leader in state-of-the-art shipping software," has its international headquarters located in Irvine, Calif. Having major installations throughout the United States and Canada and key strategic alliances in place, the company is experiencing rapid growth and broad market penetration.

Its Client Server version was just recently announced and Windows NT and RISC System/6000 will be available soon. For more information on Pfastship Logistics International, visit the company's Web site at http://www.pfastship.com, or call Pfastship at 714/221-0200.

CONTACT: Pfastship Logistics International, Irvine

Charlotte Newman, 714/221-0200, Ext. 334

cnewman@pfastship.com