Avnet Technology Solutions Teams with Utimaco to Deliver Enhanced Network Security Offerings

Business Wire, Feb 13, 2007

Provides Partners with Opportunities to Grow Their Businesses with Data Encryption Security Solutions

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, a value-added distributor of enterprise computing products, software and services and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), today announced that it will distribute enterprise-class data security encryption products from Utimaco, a leading supplier of data security solutions. By expanding its portfolio of network security offerings, Avnet is providing its value-added reseller (VAR) partners with access to innovative technologies and solutions that solve business problems for their customers.

Through this agreement, Avnet and Utimaco will jointly help partners in the United States and Canada take advantage of new sales opportunities for Utimaco's solutions by providing informal lead generation, training and other supporting programs designed to accelerate growth.

Utimaco's SafeGuard Solutions help Avnet's partners secure their customers' business assets against data theft, loss of intellectual property and other critical security risks. By employing strong encryption technology to keep data on desktop computers, laptop computers, removable media and PDAs safe from identity theft, Utimaco's solutions provide dependable security solutions for enterprise assets.

"The market for solutions that securely protect enterprise computing, mobile and wireless devices represents an exciting growth opportunity for our partners," said Scott Zahl, vice president, Emerging Technologies, Access Division, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas. "Utimaco's SafeGuard Solutions offer partners an opportunity to generate profitable growth fueled by the need for reliable security solutions that protect valuable business assets."

As a result of its new partnership with Avnet, Utimaco will continue to expand its reach in the United States and Canada, and build a base of experienced enterprise-class VAR partners that specialize in selling security solutions. Utimaco will leverage Avnet's deep technical expertise and dedication to superior customer service to help ensure that its partners have the resources to be successful in selling its solutions. Avnet's partners will also benefit from its comprehensive portfolio of enterprise technology products, enabling the development of comprehensive solutions that meet their customers' business needs.

"The use of laptops, PDAs and removable media has become commonplace, and the associated risks cannot be ignored by the corporate world," said Craig Bumpus, general manager, Utimaco US. "The information being carried, transferred and stored on these devices is both valuable and vulnerable. The Utimaco SafeGuard Solutions makes it easy for users and the corporation to secure their data and protect valuable corporate assets."

The addition of Utimaco further strengthens Avnet's full range of network security resources, expertise and best-of-breed technology from leading suppliers. Avnet's team of security specialists work with partners to assess and address end-user customers' needs to protect business infrastructures, secure their networks and facilitate secure connections to data and applications.

"As a company that is highly focused on the security industry, we are constantly looking for leading-edge technologies with unique value propositions that can help us open the door to new opportunities," said Lou Rubbo, principal, DirSec. "The enterprise security solutions and services provided by Avnet and Utimaco present an ideal way for us to effectively meet our customers' needs and drive incremental business. Furthermore, Utimaco provides a solid, mature solution that meets the growing demand for hardware encryption."

About Utimaco U.S.A.

Based in Foxboro, Mass., Utimaco U.S.A. is a business unit of Utimaco Safeware, AG. The company provides technical, sales and marketing services throughout North America and Canada for Utimaco's extensive line of platform-independent, mobile, desktop, and network security solutions. Utimaco has technology partnerships with market leaders such as IBM Lenovo, Microsoft, RSA, Cisco and Siemens. A full list of technology partners as well as reseller partners can be found at www.americas.utimaco.com. Utimaco is a founding member of the SecureIT Alliance created by Microsoft.

Utimaco Safeware - The Data Security Company

Utimaco is the leading provider for data security solutions. The Data Security Company enables mid-sized to large organizations to safeguard their data assets against attacks and to comply with privacy laws by protecting their confidentiality and integrity. In response to twenty-first century threats - the new world of Data Security 2.0 - Utimaco's complete range of solutions provide full 360 degree protection unlike free, end-point or built into encryption solutions which only cover specific security needs. Its advanced SafeGuard Solutions help to manage and secure data in whatever conditions: during storage (data at rest), during transmission (data in motion) and during processing (data in use). Utimaco offers its customers comprehensive on site support via a worldwide network of partners and subsidiaries in Europe, the USA and Asia. Utimaco Safeware AG, with headquarters in Oberursel, near Frankfurt, Germany, is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN DE0007572406). For more information, visit our website at www.utimaco.com.