Business Services Industry

New Sony Corporate Program Expands VAIO PC Status From Executive Perk to Must-Have Management Tool; New Distribution Channel, New PC and New Service Program

Business Wire, July 30, 2001

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 2001

Having obtained a leadership position in the PC retail market and significant adoption within the corporate executive suite in five short years, Sony Electronics today is announcing implementation of an expansion into the commercial reseller market.

The company's new business-to-business offering includes:

-- Authorizing Tech Data Corporation, of Clearwater, Florida, as its first
commercial distributor for Sony's VAIO(R) notebook and desktop PCs, utilizing
an innovative non-stocking delivery mechanism to Sony authorized commercial
resellers;

-- Introducing a new delivery and customer support program; and

-- Unveiling a new notebook PC designed specifically for the business user.

"Sony's VAIO PCs have already been successful in the business market through direct marketing resellers (DMRs)," said Mark Hanson, vice president and general manager of VAIO PC marketing for Sony Electronics. "Commercial resellers have been clamoring to offer VAIO PCs to their end users. With Tech Data as our first commercial distributor, using a non-stocking model, we are now able to satisfy this demand for the first time in our five-year history."

Selected Tech Data resellers will be authorized to carry Sony's entire line of business-targeted VAIO notebook PCs, including the new GR notebook series designed specifically for the business user. In addition to VAIO notebook PCs, Tech Data will also offer Sony's VAIO Slimtop(TM) Pen Tablet PC (model PCV-LX910), which has a number of vertical market applications, including graphic arts, architecture, CAD/CAM and others. The company already carries Sony's digital imaging and computer display products, so resellers can now offer a complete Sony system to their customers.

Sony's initial service and delivery program for business customers includes:

-- Built-to-order products and delivery -- upon receipt of order --

targeted within three business days. A combination of advanced

manufacturing processes and special systems offered by Sony and

Tech Data will provide the real time pricing flexibility of a

build-to-order product without compromising the service standards

delivered by an inventory-carrying distributor.

-- A commercial reseller authorization program.

-- A three-year limited warranty for the new GR notebook series

(enhanced warranty programs for other Sony products will be

announced shortly).

-- A dedicated technical support line with highly trained technicians

(more than 70 Microsoft-certified professionals or

Microsoft-certified system engineers) and an average response time

of less than 90 seconds.

"We anticipate significant demand for VAIO PCs among staff and line management levels of the corporate world," said Joe Serra, vice president of systems product marketing at Tech Data. "As the industry's first distributor for Sony's line of VAIO notebook and desktop PCs, Tech Data is well-positioned to give Sony immediate access to a strong base of commercial resellers."

Editor's Note: Sony Electronics' Information Technology Products Division (ITPD) is based in San Diego and markets VAIO notebook and desktop computers, CLIE(TM) handhelds, Memory Stick(R) media and home digital image printers. For additional information about Sony computer products, consumers can call (888) 315-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.SonyStyle.com. For digital images and more press information, please visit Sony Electronics' news and information Web site at www.sony.com/news.>