IT Resellers Build Profits with Tech Data U.S. and IBM Global Financing SMB Leasing

Business Wire, August 30, 2006

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Helping resellers more profitably sell IT solutions to their small-to-midsize business (SMB) customers, Tech Data Corporation today announced a comprehensive leasing program available through IBM Global Financing (IGF). Resellers can leverage this latest addition to Tech Data's Credit Services offering to finance solutions comprising hardware, software and services from any of Tech Data's vendor business partners.

"Leasing is an extremely valuable sales tool that resellers should be taking advantage of every time they present a solution to an SMB customer," said Mike Zava, Tech Data's senior vice president, Credit and Customer Services, the Americas. "A solution in the tens of thousands or even thousands of dollars may be too large of a one-time expenditure for a small-business owner. However, that same proposal financed via a lease with regular monthly payments is an easier sell, as well as a profit-building opportunity for resellers."

Resellers can enhance margins by earning fees for solutions financed through the IGF leasing program. Tech Data and IGF also will offer reseller fee incentives and end-user financing promotions, while resellers can earn more fees by attaching asset disposal services to the solution. Additionally, solutions financed through IGF leasing do not impact resellers' Tech Data credit lines, freeing those resources for additional purchases.

"Financial versatility is the key," added Zava. "In the SMB market especially, resellers often find themselves running against credit limits and shying away from larger, business-building opportunities. By leveraging all the financing tools available to them through Tech Data, our customers do not have to scramble to find the purchasing power they need to close deals and grow their businesses."

"Our growth throughout the years has had as much to do with quickly finding adequate financing as it has with being able to provide our customers with the products, solutions and expertise they require," said Dave Gilden, COO, Acuity Solutions Inc. "Tech Data's Credit Services team has always been there for us, ensuring we have access to financing opportunities tailored to the IT market and our business model."

"SMB clients want simple, complete, affordable solutions that can be refreshed economically," said John Molloy, vice president SMB and Channel Financing, IGF Americas. "Our resellers want assistance tying all the solution components together and packaging it in a competitive, yet profitable manner. A cohesive Tech Data and IGF program, leveraging the capabilities and innovative approach of each organization, allows us to exceed both resellers' and their clients' expectations."

Tech Data will provide dedicated resources to support resellers leveraging IGF leasing. An automated credit assessment process will approve application submissions within an hour and electronically deliver financing quotes and proposals to resellers. A streamlined, two-page leasing contract and online payment calculator will help resellers quickly develop proposals.

To learn more about IGF leasing options available through Tech Data, call (888) 464-5429, e-mail techdata@financingadv.com or visit www.techdata.com.

About Tech Data

Founded in 1974, Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ: TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. The company's business model enables technology solution providers, manufacturers and publishers to cost-effectively sell to and support end users ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 107th on the FORTUNE 500(R), Tech Data generated $20.5 billion in sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2006. For more information, visit www.techdata.com.