Avnet Partner Solutions to Distribute NEC's Channel Family of Servers, Software and Storage Technologies

Business Wire, July 26, 2005

PHOENIX & SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Avnet Partner Solutions Expands its Line of Business Technology Offerings for Value-Added Resellers through NEC's Express Partner Program

Avnet Partner Solutions, Americas, a value-added distributor of enterprise servers, storage, software and services, today announced that it will begin distribution of NEC's advanced technology line of products under a new channel partner program offered by NEC Solutions (America) Inc., a premier provider of integrated solutions for the connected enterprise in North America. By joining NEC's Express Partner Program, Avnet Partner Solutions has expanded its supplier product portfolio for North American value-added resellers (VARs) to include highly innovative Fault Tolerant and Itanium 2(TM) servers, software, and storage solutions developed by NEC, which are sold through the value technology channel.

"NEC Solutions America selected Avnet Partner Solutions as its value-added distributor for our full family of products because of Avnet's proven expertise in supporting enterprise technologies and creating complete business solutions," said Larry Sheffield, executive vice president of the Solutions Platform Group for NEC Solutions America. "Avnet Partner Solutions and NEC are closely aligned in our methods for building strong channel communities with geographic and industry-specific expertise. NEC's Express Partner Program provides Avnet's value-added resellers with a true competitive edge."

Announced under separate cover today, NEC's Express Partner Program will provide authorized North American resellers with access to Intel-based Fault Tolerant and Itanium 2 servers, software, and storage solutions. Along with the participating VARs' unique, market-specific services, these products combine to create turnkey business solutions. Avnet Partner Solutions will provide dedicated sales and certified solutions engineering personnel to support the NEC product lines. Avnet and NEC Solutions America will create growth opportunities through certification and sales training, demand generation and rewards programs. VARs will also be able to take advantage of Avnet's browser-based demonstration capabilities to showcase the ease of use and innovative technology of NEC.

"NEC is investing significantly in its North American channel community, and Avnet Partner Solutions is excited to be chosen as its value-added distributor for the Express Partner Program," said Jeff Bawol, senior vice president and general manager of Avnet Partner Solutions Enterprise Software and Storage business unit. "Avnet Partner Solutions made a strategic decision to distribute NEC Solutions America's full family of products because of the business value it offers our reseller partners. NEC recognizes that the channel, comprised of the manufacturer, distributor and reseller, thrives on innovation and is the best path to market for its technology solutions."

"As a value-added distributor, Avnet Partner Solutions provides unique services and support that help me grow my business, profitably," said Benjamin S. Woo, AMC System Integration Inc. "The addition of NEC's highly innovative technology to the Avnet Partner Solutions supplier line card expands the value Avnet offers my business. I can now expand my business into exciting new areas by building NEC-based solutions that take advantage of my market-specific services differentiating my business from competitors."

NEC's complete family of server, software, and storage solutions is available immediately from Avnet Partner Solutions. For more information and a partner information kit, visit http://aps.avnet.com/.> About NEC Solutions (America) Inc.

NEC Solutions (America) Inc. is a premier provider of integrated solutions for the Connected Enterprise in North America. As an affiliate of NEC Corp. (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.1), NEC Solutions America taps into a global resource network to help clients leverage technology to achieve a competitive edge. From corporate performance management and biometric security solutions to digital cinema and in-theater advertising systems, visual displays and server solutions, the expertise is delivered with the personal attention needed to address individual situations. With headquarters in Rancho Cordova, Calif., NEC Solutions America serves a wide range of markets, including the healthcare and public safety, financial services, cinema, retail and manufacturing markets. For more information on the NEC Express Partner Program, please visit: http://www.necsam.com/ExpressPartners. Information regarding NEC Solutions America can be found at www.necsam.com or call 866-632-3226.

About Avnet Partner Solutions, Americas

Avnet Partner Solutions, Americas is an industry-leading, value-added distributor and provider of enterprise servers, storage, software and services, with operations in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Avnet Partner Solutions provides solutions from industry-leading manufacturers including Computer Associates, EMC, HP, IBM, Microsoft, NEC, Network Appliance, Oracle, StorageTek and VERITAS -- driving growth for partners and manufacturers. Avnet Partner Solutions is a division of the Avnet Technology Solutions operating group of Avnet Inc. For more information, visit www.aps.avnet.com.