NEC Wins FOCUS Contract Used by Government Entities; Newly Formed NEC Organization to Concentrate on Government and Educational Voice, Data and Video Equipment

Business Wire, July 13, 1998

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 1998--NEC Business Communication Systems (West), a subsidiary of NEC America, Inc. (NEC) was awarded the Fast Open Contracts Utilization Services (FOCUS) contract for communications equipment on May 5, 1998. The FOCUS contract allows government entities to enjoy the advantages of a pre-approved, competitively-bid purchasing vehicle while accelerating NEC's responsiveness to the rapidly changing requirements of the public sector. This comprehensive contract contains the wide breadth of NEC solutions, such as data networking, PBX, video and ATM systems.

The FOCUS contract, an innovative public purchasing program, is a two year contract, renewable for an additional two years. The program originated in and is administered by Merced County in California. Through the use of FOCUS contracts the purchasing process for government entities, including K-12, higher education, local, county, state agencies and special districts, is streamlined. This relationship brings together government and business to offer other government and education entities, nationally, the opportunity to purchase their technology needs through a pre-established, flexible, competitively-bid procurement contract.

"The FOCUS program has been specifically designed to be a long-term alliance that encourages partnering while minimizing costly and protracted bid processes," stated Kathleen Crookham, chairman of the Merced Board of Supervisors.

"The FOCUS contract has an excellent reputation for facilitating the ability of public entities to procure products and services at very competitive prices," said Bob Bliss, president of NEC Business Communications Systems (West). "We're confident NEC's advanced technology systems will help government entities serve its citizens and education institutions in meeting the challenges of preparing students for the technological workplace."

NEC also announced the formation of a government system sales unit within Business Communication Systems (West) to be headed by Susan Leonard, marketing manager for government systems. This new unit will "focus" its attention to the rapidly growing communications needs of the government and education markets.

"Advanced technology is needed by government agencies to meet the increased demand for streamlined services in a 7 day/24 hour climate. In educational institutions, it provides the environment that allows educators to prepare the students for work in tomorrow's marketplace," continued Bliss. "NEC's products, services, and programs are designed to enhance the unique challenges of the public sector. Our reputation and quality products prove our commitment to meet their needs."

NEC Business Communications Systems (West) is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC America, established to sell, install and service a complete line of data, voice and video communication systems throughout 13 states in the western U.S.

For additional information on NEC America, Inc. www.nec.com or 800/TEAM-NEC.

For additional information on the FOCUS program: 888/85-FOCUS.

    CONTACT: NEC Business Communication Systems (West), Inc.
              William Holman, 310/636-2430
              william.holman@cng.dl.nec.com
              or
              Michael & Partners
              George Michael, 972/248-6300
              gmichael@cbq.com