Avnet Technology Solutions Expands Demand Generation Events for IBM Channel Partners

SAN ANTONIO, Oct 13, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
TSCC | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Avnet
Ignition '09 -- Based on the success of its Road2
Virtualization seminars, Avnet
Technology Solutions, the solutions distribution leader and an
operating group of Avnet,
Inc. (NYSE: AVT | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating),
announced that it has expanded its demand generation offerings for IBM
business partners to include Road2
Security and Road2 Information Optimization events. The new events
are designed to enable Avnet's IBM value-added reseller (VAR) business
partners in the U.S. and Canada to quickly and effectively make
connections with end users and secure new business leads in the
high-growth markets of security and storage.

"The Road2 events present a tremendous opportunity for our partners to
get in front of new customers, while reducing the amount of their own
time and resources required to manage events of this caliber," said Mark
Martin, vice president of product marketing, Avnet Technology Solutions,
Americas, IBM Solutions group. "Not only does Avnet provide our partners
with the industry insights needed to develop new prospects in
high-growth markets such as virtualization, security and storage, but we
also enable them to make the end-user connections they need to identify
opportunities for growth, and ultimately close new business."

The one-day events, managed by Avnet on behalf of their partners, help
VARs establish relationships with new customers and detail how
technology solutions address a variety of end-user business challenges.
The events feature insights from industry leaders, such as Asa
Hutchinson -- the first U.S. undersecretary of Homeland Security.
Additionally, the events include applicable market trend information
developed through Avnet's solutions practices, such as Avnet
VirtualPath(TM), Avnet
SecurePath(TM) and Avnet
StoragePath(TM), coupled with business assessments and real-world
examples. Each event is designed to enable Avnet's partners to assist
end-user customers in effectively preparing for their future technology
needs. Avnet also facilitates the event management process, including
content development, meeting planning, invitations and recruitment,
post-event lead generation and attendee follow up.

"Avnet's Road2 events have significantly accelerated our sales cycle by
putting our team at the table with our top prospects," said Michael
Ritsema, president, i3 Business Solutions, llc. "Avnet's Road2
Virtualization and new Road2 Security events have created new customer
relationships for us and deepened our relationships with existing
customers. They've been a true home run, resulting in more than $300,000
in sales and pipeline opportunities. These events have been so effective
that we're focusing our marketing efforts moving forward on high-end
education events."

For updates on Avnet Ignition '09 via Twitter, follow: http://twitter.com/avnetignition.

About Avnet Technology Solutions

Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet,
Inc. 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. For fiscal
year 2009, the group served customers in more than 30 countries and
generated US $7.04 billion in annual revenue. The group's Web site is www.ats.avnet.com.

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest
distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded
technology in the world. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by
connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of
more than 100,000 customers and providing cost-effective, value-added
services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 27, 2009, Avnet
generated revenue of $16.23 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

SOURCE: Avnet Technology Solutions

Brodeur Partners, for Avnet 
Marcia Chapman, 602-224-4047 
mchapman@brodeur.com

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