Avnet Enterprise Solutions Recognized by Cisco Systems as Rich Media C

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors

    TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2005--Avnet Enterprise Solutions, a division of Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT) that specializes in Network Lifecycle Management solutions, announced today it has achieved the Rich Media Communications (RMC) Advanced Technology Provider (ATP) status from Cisco Systems(R). This ATP designation is by invitation only and recognizes Avnet Enterprise Solutions for its ability to provide the core knowledge and skills required to successfully deploy Cisco(R) Rich Media Communications solutions targeted to the high-end enterprise marketplace. This program enables partners to offer customers a business solution incorporating IP-based voice, video and Web-conferencing capabilities that will allow them to collaborate more effectively, reduce travel costs and improve productivity.
    "ATP partners are instrumental in helping Cisco penetrate new growth markets," said Paul Mountford, senior vice president, Worldwide Channels at Cisco Systems. "The new Rich Media Communications ATP status indicates that Avnet Enterprise Solutions is able to successfully deploy one of the most advanced technologies Cisco offers, Cisco RMC solutions, to the enterprise marketplace."
    "Achieving this status further proves that Avnet Enterprise Solutions has the expertise and capabilities to deploy complete IP Communications solutions to customers wanting to efficiently and cost-effectively enhance communications, improve productivity and transfer knowledge," said Jim Teter, president, Avnet Enterprise Solutions.

    Resource Requirements

    Attaining the RMC ATP status required Avnet Enterprise Solutions to achieve the IP Communications Specialization as a prerequisite. In addition, Avnet Enterprise Solutions was required to fulfill the following job roles with qualified individuals who have met specific testing requirements: an account manager, responsible for RMC sales methodology; a system engineer, responsible for Cisco RMC project coordination, solution planning and design; and two field engineers responsible for the configuration, implementation and integration of the Cisco RMC solutions.

    Lab Requirement

    The RMC ATP also requires Avnet Enterprise Solutions to build a lab for proof-of-concept demonstration, application development, customer fault replication and internal training. The lab must contain current, upgraded and maintained Cisco RMC solutions, each configured for "real-world" testing to simulate actual end-user conditions.

    About Avnet Enterprise Solutions

    Avnet Enterprise Solutions specializes in Network Lifecycle Management solutions for IP Communications, Security, Wireless and LAN/WAN. The company leverages its unique suite of technical and financial professional services to optimize a company's network performance and security posture. Avnet Enterprise Solutions integrates hardware, software and services from industry leaders including Cisco, APC, TANDBERG, Top Speed Data and IPcelerate, utilizing its assess, design, implement and manage methodology for full lifecycle solutions. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Avnet Enterprise Solutions (www.es.avnet.com) is a division of Avnet Inc. Avnet generated more than $10 billion in revenue in fiscal 2004 (year ended July 3, 2004) through sales in 68 countries.

    Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems Inc. in the United States and certain other countries.

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CONTACT: Avnet Enterprise Solutions, Tempe Brenda Thoren, 480-794-6642 brenda.thoren@avnet.com

KEYWORD: ARIZONA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE NETWORKING SOURCE: Avnet Enterprise Solutions

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