Avnet Technology Solutions Launches VirtualPath University

TEMPE, Ariz.--(Business Wire)--
With Gartner predicting that virtualization will be the
highest-impact trend changing infrastructure and operations through
2012, Avnet Technology Solutions today furthered its commitment to
enable its value-added reseller partners to excel in this fast-growth
market. Avnet Technology Solutions, an operating group of Avnet, Inc.
(NYSE:AVT), announced a dedicated training program called
VirtualPath(TM) University for value-added resellers in the United
States. Based on Avnet's successful HealthPath University and GovPath
University programs, VirtualPath University provides partners with
virtualization market understanding, knowledge, technology drivers and
tools.

"VirtualPath University is a key element of our strategy to arm
partners with the expertise needed to accelerate their growth in this
exploding market," said Tim FitzGerald, Virtualization and
Consolidation solutions leader, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas.
"The curriculum includes information and resources that our partners
need to develop successful virtualization practices. They'll be
challenged in classes with labs and role-playing exercises aimed at
helping them execute more effectively when they return to their
companies."

VirtualPath University is designed to shorten the ramp-up time for
partners to develop virtualization practices and help them quickly
begin generating demand for their expertise. The three-day
comprehensive training program educates partners on:

-- The fundamentals of understanding virtualization and its place
in the market

-- Business trends affecting the IT marketplace

-- How virtualization solutions fit into the IT fabric of
companies

-- The features and compelling business benefits of
virtualization solutions

-- Aligning virtualization solutions with business challenges and
pain points

The class work will be supported by a step-by-step interactive
toolkit. This toolkit outlines each component of the virtualization
sales cycle and includes resource information on how to execute more
effectively on the workshop concepts.

"Virtualization is a booming market and holds a great deal of
opportunity; however, it requires a very unique skill set," said Steve
Giondomenica, president, CMI (Chouinard & Myhre., Inc.). "VirtualPath
University is a great way to get Avnet's partners quickly up to speed
on the market. Avnet's training programs provide a practical approach
to building our skills and also let us start identifying real-world
opportunities. We have been extremely impressed with Avnet's
university system and thank them for their continued investments in
these programs to enable our success."

VirtualPath University is one of many resources available through
Avnet's VirtualPath Practice, a dedicated portfolio of services,
programs, technology, and tools designed to provide partners with the
resources needed to succeed in virtualization and consolidation. By
providing market-specific training and resources, Avnet makes it
easier for partners to build virtualization practices in this market
and capitalize on new opportunities to grow their businesses.

The first VirtualPath University class is scheduled for September
8-10 in Roseland, N.J. For more information and to register, please
visit www.ats.avnet.com/virtualpathuniversity.

About Avnet Technology Solutions

Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Avnet, Inc.
(NYSE:AVT), representing US$6 billion in annual revenue for fiscal
year 2007, with locations in more than 30 countries. 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. Visit
www.ats.avnet.com.

About Avnet

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), is one of the largest distributors of
electronic components, computer products and technology services and
solutions with more than 300 locations serving more than 70 countries
worldwide. The company markets, distributes and optimizes the
supply-chain and provides design-chain services for the products of
the world's leading electronic component suppliers, enterprise
computer manufacturers and embedded subsystem providers. Avnet brings
a breadth and depth of capabilities, such as maximizing inventory
efficiency, managing logistics, assembling products and providing
engineering design assistance for its 100,000 customers, accelerating
their growth through cost-effective, value-added services and
solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Avnet generated
revenue of $15.68 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

Brodeur, for Avnet
Marcia Chapman, 602-808-1169
mchapman@brodeur.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008