Avnet Technology Solutions and IBM Help Appliance Vendors, ISVs and OEMs Capitalize on the Industry-Standard Server Market

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avnet Technology Solutions, an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) and a distributor focused on enterprise computer products and embedded subsystems, and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a unique program to help appliance vendors, embedded original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) capitalize on the growing industry-standard server market. Focused on IBM System x and System Storage technologies, the Embedded Solutions Initiative, available through Avnet Technology Solutions North American and European businesses, enables appliance vendors, ISVs and OEMs to integrate IBM branded technology products into their customized single-purpose computing solutions.

“Embedded computing resellers drive innovation into the marketplace and strive to incorporate leading-edge technology into their solutions”

“Hardware standardization is changing the way embedded computing partners approach technology solutions development,” said John Paget, president, Avnet Technology Solutions Global. “Avnet and IBM worked together to develop the Embedded Solutions Initiative to help address the unique needs of this multi-billion dollar market. Program participants can now integrate IBM’s industry-leading server and storage technology into customized solutions that are designed to support specific business computing needs, such as medical or industrial applications. Additionally, Avnet provides the resources and value-added services required to cost-effectively accelerate our partners’ time to market.”

As part of the program, Avnet will provide Embedded Solutions Initiative partners with configuration, integration, global logistics, post-sales support, software loading, and supply chain management services. Embedded Solutions Initiative partners will also benefit from Avnet’s deep product expertise based on its global $2 billion annual relationship with IBM, as well as Avnet’s global inventory management and integration facilities. Also, Embedded Solutions Initiative partners will be able to ship their solutions internationally to their end user customers to further increase their geographic reach, and can leverage reseller and distribution channels in North America.

“Embedded computing resellers drive innovation into the marketplace and strive to incorporate leading-edge technology into their solutions,” said Bill Zeitler, senior vice president, IBM Systems and Technology Group. “By including IBM products in their solutions, Avnet’s partners can shorten their development cycles by leveraging industry-standard technology, but with the confidence they are using technology world-renowned for its high performance and quality. Avnet is uniquely situated to help us create and manage a program developed specifically for embedded computing partners due to its deep market expertise and proven track record in developing new routes to market.”

Avnet will assist partners in developing customized single-purpose computing solutions based on IBM’s technologies, ranging from network and VoIP monitoring solutions to complex vertical market solutions such as medical imaging and patient diagnostics. Markets served by the program include communications, industrial control, medical, military/aerospace, networking, security and testing equipment.

“ISDS chose to engage in the Embedded Solutions Initiative because the solutions we provide our customers are mission critical to their businesses, and the initiative provided us with a way to leverage IBM’s world-renowned technology and Avnet’s industry-leading supply chain expertise,” said Alan Booth, Commercial Director, Intelligent Surveillance and Detection Systems Ltd. “As a primary integrator of world-class intelligent surveillance and security solutions in North America and EMEA, it is imperative that we draw on leading-edge technologies from a trusted, world class brand like IBM. The value-added services Avnet delivers are instrumental and vital to our ongoing success in this fast moving field of technology, and Avnet helps us provide complete solutions to our customers and stay ahead of our competitors. By providing design, supply management, integration, logistics and support, the Embedded Solutions Initiative allows us to concentrate on our core expertise -- supplying top level surveillance and security systems to our clients globally.”

Embedded Solutions Initiative participants will have access to Avnet’s dedicated team of engineers focused on assisting partners with server design, prototype development, system integration and software loading. Avnet assists embedded computing partners in creating solutions based on validated and leading commercial off-the-shelf components that can be customized with its partners’ brands. This allows appliance vendors, ISVs and OEMs to focus on and invest in their core competencies and market differentiators, while Avnet’s engineers and technical experts support other aspects of solutions development and delivery. Avnet’s embedded computing partners are also supported by Avnet Logistics for warehousing, supply chain and other value-added services.

About Avnet Technology Solutions

Avnet Technology Solutions is a value-added distributor of enterprise computing products, software and services with locations in more than 30 countries. As a global technology sales and marketing organization, Avnet Technology Solutions has sales divisions focused on specific market segments and a select line card strategy enabling an exceptional level of attention to the needs of its customers and suppliers. An operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), Avnet Technology Solutions posted US$6 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. Visit www.ats.avnet.com/.

About Avnet

With more than 250 locations serving customers in 73 countries worldwide, Avnet 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 June 30, 2007, Avnet generated revenue of $15.68 billion. Visit www.avnet.com.