Merisel Launches E-Commerce Web Site for Software Licensing

Business Wire, Sept 18, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2002

Merisel, Inc. (Nasdaq:MSEL), one of the industry's fastest-growing software licensing solution providers, which offers products from major developers such as Microsoft, Macromedia, Network Associates and Symantec, has launched an all-new version of its SELline online license configuration and procurement tool for resellers.

"When SELline was originally launched in 1995, it was among the first online e-commerce tools in the channel," said Merisel president and CEO Timothy Jenson. "The new SELline is a reflection of everything we've learned from customers about what they want in an online configuration tool. I expect that, within five years, a substantial portion of our business will be generated online."

With Merisel's understanding that the needs of today's resellers have outgrown traditional online order-entry systems, SELline was completely redesigned and re-engineered to offer quick and easy order placement, real-time pricing status information and e-mail. The site also provides an entirely new level of interactive, online information services, including marketing programs, storage of quotations, trial downloads, detailed product information and product news and promotions.

According to Traci Barnett, Merisel vice president, sales and marketing, "SELline has reduced the software-license ordering process for our customers to three easy steps, with its sophisticated wizard that guides the customer through the system. SELline automatically configures various tiers of licensing programs for the most efficient quantities, in addition to calculating the media and documentation needs of each order."

"SELline offers my business a great advantage by helping us to navigate pricing tiers while we suggest software solutions to our clients," said Risa Stolly, president of A-Prompt Corporation, a leading Merisel partner and reseller into the education and healthcare markets. "We were among the first to promote software licensing to our customers and it now represents a large percent of our business. SELline saves us time when preparing licensing quotes and we look forward to its continued use."

About Merisel

Founded in 1980, Merisel, Inc. (Nasdaq:MSEL) is a leading provider of software licensing sales and support products to resellers throughout the U.S. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Merisel delivers flexible, focused software solutions and a superior level of customer service, offering more than 15,000 products from leading manufacturers such as Corel, Macromedia, Microsoft, Network Associates and Symantec. Visit Merisel at http://www.merisel.com.