Avnet Wins Best Practices Award from The Data Warehousing Institute

Business Wire, Sept 2, 2008

Avnet Recognized for Innovative, Results-Driven Enterprise Data Warehousing Capabilities

PHOENIX -- Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a leading global technology distributor, announced that it received a Best Practices Award in enterprise data warehousing from The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI). TDWI's Best Practices Awards program identifies and honors companies that have demonstrated excellence in developing, installing, and maintaining business intelligence and data warehousing applications.

"As business intelligence continues to evolve, it becomes more and more imperative that business intelligence/data warehouse practitioners share best practices and lessons learned with the industry," said Richard Zbylut, general manager of TDWI. "By recognizing and honoring these innovative implementations through the Best Practices Awards program, we hope to provide a platform that fosters information sharing and ultimately the advancement of the business intelligence industry."

TDWI recognized Avnet for this award based on its adaptive data warehousing strategy that meets the needs of the fast-paced technology industry. As part of its data warehousing strategy, Avnet created flexible reporting environments that enable sales teams to create business intelligence reports in minutes rather than weeks. Avnet also developed a revolutionary data stewardship model, which allows data to be controlled by the subject matter experts within the business.

"Information is a vital component of the technology distribution industry. Suppliers and customers of all sizes rely on Avnet to provide supply chain and business data quickly and efficiently," said Steve Phillips, chief information officer, Avnet, Inc. "Avnet's IT team works closely with our businesses to create unique business intelligence solutions, drawing from the strength of our data warehouse. It is an honor to be recognized by such a well-known industry authority in data warehousing."

Avnet recently implemented a business intelligence project for its Avnet Electronics Marketing operating group that exemplifies the adaptability of its data warehousing strategy. Avnet leveraged the information it stored regionally to create a global data warehouse. The new global data warehouse and accompanying business intelligence tools provide Avnet's electronic components team with daily global insight into inbound purchasing, supplier-level sales, and inventory levels.

"Responsive and effective customer service is our top priority," said Linda Love, senior vice president of business process and operations, Avnet Electronics Marketing. "Accurate, centralized data is critical for supporting customers and suppliers doing business in multiple countries. Avnet's new global data warehousing capabilities provide a great benefit to our sales team, with in-depth supply chain information they can access 24/7. This business intelligence helps us provide strategic, global reporting that assists our customers and suppliers in achieving their business goals."

About The Data Warehousing Institute

TDWI, a division of 1105 Media, is the premier provider of in-depth, high-quality education and research in the business intelligence and data warehousing industry. Starting in 1995 with a single conference, TDWI is now a comprehensive resource for industry information and professional development opportunities. TDWI sponsors and promotes quarterly World Conferences, regional seminars, onsite courses, a worldwide Membership program, business intelligence certification, resourceful publications, industry news, an in-depth research program, and a comprehensive Web site: www.tdwi.org.

About Avnet

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers in more than 70 countries worldwide. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008, Avnet generated revenue of $17.95 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.