Avnet Technology Solutions to Distribute Elitegroup Computer Systems Complete Line of Motherboards, Graphics Cards and Personal Computing Products

Business Wire, Sept 4, 2007

New Relationship Expands Avnet's Component Offerings for Desktop Computing Solutions

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Avnet Technology Solutions, a value-added distributor of enterprise computing products, software and services and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) and Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), Inc. (TSE: 2331), the world's leading motherboard, VGA, desktop, notebook and PMP manufacturer, today announced a new distribution agreement. Avnet's Embedded Solutions group will provide ECS' complete line of computing components to original equipment manufacturer, value-added reseller and system builder partners throughout the Americas. The new relationship expands Avnet's ability to provide its partners with compatible central processing unit (CPU), motherboard and graphics components for desktop computing solutions.

"By collaborating with Avnet and its channel community, ECS' products can be sold as part of a complete desktop computing solution," said Steven Cheng, sales director at Elitegroup Computer Systems. "Motherboards and graphics cards from ECS lead the industry in price and performance, and are complementary to the other products available through Avnet, such as CPUs, memory and storage technologies."

Headquartered in Taiwan, ECS is one of the top three motherboard manufacturers in the world. The company's computing components provide a powerful and economical PC platform that answers the needs of a wide range of users. ECS' motherboards are designed for multi-display, multimedia devices, enhancing computing functionality and performance. Avnet's partners can now purchase ECS' products as components or as part of a validated embedded computing solution developed by certified Avnet engineers.

"ECS' technology provides the building blocks of many of today's custom-built personal computers," said George Condon, senior vice president, Avnet Embedded Solutions. "The new relationship with ECS leverages Avnet's strength with AMD processors, as well as other complementary technologies. With ECS on board, we intend to further penetrate the high performance desktop components market by delivering the best technologies, along with extensive services designed to help our channel partners drive sales growth."

Avnet understands the unique needs of the system design and development community. The company is a prime source for current and next generation AMD and complementary desktop, server and storage technology products, information and services. Avnet's deep technical knowledge and support helps reduce system developers' engineering time and costs. They provide a broad range of product lifecycle management services that support channel partners from solution development through delivery. These services include concept design, engineering, manufacturing, systems integration, order management, warehousing and logistics.

"ECS' technology improves the quality and performance of the systems we design for our customers," said Imad Boukai, president of General Procurement. "The distribution relationship between Avnet and ECS will make it easier for me to source ECS' products along with all of the components we need to develop desktop, notebook and server technologies. Avnet's supply chain and technology services improve our sales cycle and help us continue to deliver excellent customer service."

About ECS Elitegroup

Elitegroup Computer Systems, Inc. (ECS[R]) is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of desktop PCs, notebooks, servers, motherboards, video cards, wireless solutions and handheld devices. Dedicated to driving the New PC Era, ECS Elitegroup has concentrated on delivering an unmatched portfolio of innovative PC products to the market.

Founded in 1987, ECS Elitegroup is headquartered in Taiwan with operations in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. With intensive R&D, and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, ECS Elitegroup has been recognized as one of the industry quality leaders. ECS Elitegroup R&D efforts are channeled towards user satisfaction while at the same time keeping customer profitability in mind. ECS Elitegroup's mission is to commit a win-win strategy of identifying and meeting the customers' needs, and sharing a mutual success with them.

For two consecutive years, ECS Elitegroup was chosen and featured in BusinessWeek Magazine's exclusive Information Technology 100 list. In the "Computer and Peripherals" category, ECS Elitegroup was ranked the world's 12th and the top leading Taiwanese-based motherboard manufacturer.

About Avnet Technology Solutions

Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) representing US$6 billion in annual revenue for fiscal year 2007, 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. Visit www.ats.avnet.com.