Avnet Technology Solutions Enables Partners to Deliver Virtual Desktop Computing Environment Based on HP Blade PC Technology

Business Wire, Nov 28, 2006

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Building on its expertise in IT consolidation solutions, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, a distributor focused on enterprise computing solutions and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), announced an expanded suite of services to help its value-added reseller partners deliver a virtual desktop computing environment using HP Blade PC technology. By leveraging Avnet's technical expertise and market experience, Avnet's partners can develop, assess, and implement complete Blade PC solutions to manage the desktop computing needs of the enterprise with less expense and complexity, and improved security.

HP's Blade PC solution centralizes desktop computing and storage resources into easily managed, highly secure data centers, while enabling end users to enjoy the convenience and familiarity of a traditional desktop environment. Avnet's broad range of services makes it easy for partners to enter the market for Blade PC opportunities. In addition to technical and sales support, Avnet services include solutions development, advanced integration services, logistics support, and marketing and demand generation services. Avnet will also help its partners conduct assessments and develop financial justifications for their customers.

According to Rick Alvarez, vice president and general manager, HP Business Unit, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, Avnet provides the tools necessary to develop a successful practice around Blade PCs. "The distributor's role in helping partners expand into new market areas is significant. In today's markets, it goes beyond simply providing telemarketing and glossies. By supporting partners with training and certification, lead qualifying and assessment services, Avnet can help partners achieve positive, repeatable results when delivering Blade PC solutions to customers. This, in turn, will lead to increased profits."

"Businesses with significant investments in hardware support or those with need to better address information security can benefit greatly from Blade PCs; however, these businesses often lack the expertise necessary to develop a successful solution," said John Snaider, vice president of Business PCs, Personal Systems Group - Americas, HP. "They look to solution providers to help them assess business needs and implement the right Blade PC configuration to provide the desired increase in uptime, reduction in overhead, and overall lower cost of ownership. Avnet supports solution providers with knowledge."

"We see increasing interest among our customers in creating a virtual desktop computing environment while minimizing IT maintenance costs," said Roger Olsen, CEO, Productive Solutions Group, Inc. "Avnet's comprehensive services will help us take advantage of this trend and build a Blade PC practice quickly and cost effectively."

About Avnet Technology Solutions

Avnet Technology Solutions is a distributor focused on enterprise computing solutions and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) representing $4.99 billion in annual revenue, with locations in more than 30 countries. As a global technology sales and marketing organization, Avnet Technology Solutions has sales divisions focused on specific customer segments and a select line card strategy enabling an exceptional level of attention to the needs of its customers and suppliers.

About Avnet

With more than 250 locations serving customers in 70 countries worldwide, Avnet (NYSE: AVT) markets, distributes and adds value to the products of the world's leading electronic component suppliers, enterprise computer manufacturers and embedded subsystem providers. Additionally, Avnet brings a breadth and depth of service capabilities, such as supply-chain optimization, logistics solutions, product assembly, device programming, computer system integration and engineering design assistance. For the fiscal year ended July 1, 2006, Avnet generated revenue of $14.25 billion. Visit www.avnet.com/.>

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