ScanSource Continues to Enhance RFID Edge Program; ScanSource Adds a L

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors

    GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2005--ScanSource, Inc., {NASDAQ: SCSC}, a leading international value-added distributor of specialty technology products, has enhanced its recently announced RFID Edge(TM) program, which is aimed at helping resellers be successful and profitable in selling RFID solutions through educational events, best-of-breed vendor partnerships, leading products, internal expertise and a comprehensive web portal.
    To further strengthen its RFID offering, ScanSource has signed a distribution agreement with Alien Technology(R), a leading supplier of RFID hardware and services. Under the agreement, ScanSource will serve as a distributor of Alien RFID products, as well as education and service offerings, and the two companies will collaborate on joint marketing activities directed to resellers.
    Alien's EPC Class 1 tags and family of readers provide enhanced operating efficiency for supply chain, logistics, retail, transportation and brand authentication. These products enable improved inventory management and security, as well as greater cost-efficiencies. Alien's RFID tags are optimized for a variety of applications, including case and pallet tagging. Alien also provides a variety of high-performing, flexible reader solutions for a number of applications, such as dock doors, transfer tunnels, conveyors, palletizers and mobile carts.
    Alien's battery-assisted passive (BAP) tags extend the range over which a tag can be read. With a typical range of more than 30 meters, these products are ideal for many applications, such as vehicle asset tracking and cold chain management.
    "We're excited about the progression of our RFID program," said Bobby McLain, vice president of marketing, ScanSource, Inc. "RFID Edge is much more than a web site; it's a total commitment to helping our customers take advantage of RFID opportunities. This goes beyond the traditional reseller training and education offering. It includes the intensive training of our ScanSource staff, increased numbers of RFID-focused employees, partnering with the right vendors, and providing the broadest selection of the highest quality products. Thanks to RFID Edge, ScanSource offers all of this and more."
    In conjunction with the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM), CompTIA, and leading RFID manufacturers, ScanSource has played a key role in launching the effort to begin an RFID certification program for resellers. This program will help to create and train more resellers, as the compliance mandates that will be handed down over the coming years will significantly increase the demand for resellers trained and certified in RFID.
    In addition to the launch of its comprehensive, educational RFID EDGE web site (www.scansource.com/rfidedge), ScanSource will also have a primary, strategic position in the 2005 RFID World annual conference, March 1-3, 2005, which includes live RFID applications and in-depth information about the benefits, applications, architectures and technical challenges of the RFID technology. For more information about RFID World, visit http://www.rfid-world.com/rfid05/default.asp.
    For more information on ScanSource's RFID Edge initiative, visit www.scansource.com/rfidedge or call 800.944.2432.

    About ScanSource, Inc.

    ScanSource, Inc. is a leading international distributor of specialty technology products, including automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) and point-of-sale (POS) products through its ScanSource sales unit; Avaya communications products through its Catalyst Telecom sales unit; communications products from Intel and NEC through its Paracon sales unit; and electronic security products through its ScanSource Security Distribution unit.
    The Company serves the North America marketplace and has an international segment, which sells AIDC and POS products in Latin America and Europe. Founded in 1992, the Company markets products from more than 80 technology manufacturers to over 15,000 value-added technology resellers and is committed to empowering them with tools and services designed to help them grow. For more information, call the toll-free sales telephone number at 800.944.2432 or visit www.scansource.com.

    Alien and Alien Technology are trademarks or registered trademarks of Alien Technology Corporation in the United States and other countries.

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CONTACT: ScanSource, Inc. Melissa Andrews, 864-286-4425 melissa.andrews@scansource.com

KEYWORD: SOUTH CAROLINA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE RETAIL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: ScanSource, Inc.

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