Ingram Micro Joins CompTIA HTI+™ Advisory Committee; Company's Investment in North American Consumer Electronics and Home Markets Signals Importance of These Growing Segments

Business Wire, Sept 28, 2005

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced today that Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM), the world's largest distributor and a leader in technology sales, marketing and logistics, has joined the CompTIA HTI(TM) advisory committee.

Ingram Micro's participation in the CompTIA HTI advisory committee is part of the company's efforts to extend its involvement in the consumer electronics and home technology markets in North America. Over the last two years Ingram Micro has built its product portfolio, enhanced its in-house expertise and acquired AVAD, the leading U.S. distributor of home technology products and services. Ingram Micro is now positioned as the only distributor offering a solutions portfolio ranging from the high-end home technology market to mainstream consumer electronics.

"Increasingly, our Ingram Micro value-added resellers are being asked to apply their computer networking and security expertise in home integration applications," said Irene Chow, category manager, digital home and digital signage, Ingram Micro U.S. "By participating in the CompTIA HTI advisory committee, Ingram Micro will be able to shape the future of the home integration market and provide support and expertise to assist customer installers and networking VARs in capturing new, highly profitable growth opportunities."

Ms. Chow, who is CompTIA HTI certified, will represent Ingram Micro on the committee.

CompTIA HTI is a cross-industry, vendor-neutral credential that validates an IT professional's skills in integrated home networking technologies. Attaining this certification demonstrates mastery of core competencies in the installation, integration and troubleshooting of home security, audio/video, computer networks, electrical wiring, heating/air conditioning systems, cable/satellite, broadband, telecommunications, structured wiring, and other home sub-systems.

"A certification's industry acceptance and usage depends on the commitment and support of leading organizations," said Neill Hopkins, vice president, skills development, CompTIA. "That is why we are pleased to have Ingram Micro contribute its expertise to the CompTIA HTI advisory committee. Ingram Micro's commitment serves to benefit suppliers, VARs and most of all, the consumers who desire the advantages of integrated technology within their home."

Ingram Micro will offer its VAR customers online training on CompTIA HTI certification. Marcraft International Corp., a leading producer of technical textbooks, hardware, software and courseware for over 30 years, will provide course content. Marcraft International also is a member of the CompTIA HTI advisory committee.

CompTIA is the world's leading provider of vendor-neutral certifications for the IT industry. More than one million individuals worldwide hold CompTIA professional certifications.

About Ingram Micro, Inc.

As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves 100 countries and is the only global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology (IT) industry. For more than 23 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its 20,000-plus members in 102 countries. The association is involved in developing standards and best practices, and influencing the political, economic and educational arenas that impact IT worldwide. More information is available at www.comptia.org.