Avnet Technology Solutions Introduces Think Software Business Development Tools

Think Software Helps IBM Business Partners Develop Strategic Plans to Increase
Their Software Business
SAN ANTONIO--(Business Wire)--
Avnet Ignition `09 - At its Ignition '09 conference for IBM business partners,
Avnet Technology Solutions, the solutions distribution leader and an operating
group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), introduced its Think Software business
development tools. Think Software is an integrated set of tools and
methodologies designed to help IBM-focused value-added reseller business
partners in the U.S. and Canada increase solutions-based sales by providing them
with business planning resources to develop new and expand existing software
business practices.

"Software plays a critical role in enabling partners to develop complete
solutions that address their customers` business needs," said Brad Wilson, vice
president of software sales, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, IBM Solutions
group. "Avnet`s new Think Software tools will help ensure our IBM partners have
the necessary strategies and certifications in place to accelerate their
software sales as we enter the new year. We`ll work hand-in-hand with our
partners to help them determine the opportunities that exist in the software
market and implement comprehensive strategies to capitalize on those
opportunities."

Through Think Software, Avnet provides partners with a comprehensive analysis of
IBM software opportunities, related investment requirements such as
certifications, and return on investment potential in expanding their software
practices. Additionally, partners can leverage the following to further
accelerate their success around software-related opportunities:

* Think Strategy: Avnet will work with the partner to create a detailed,
strategic business development plan mapped to the partner`s specific software
business goals. The plan details not only the investments that will need to be
made by the partner, but also pinpoints Avnet and IBM programs that can be
leveraged to reach business goals.
* Think Skills: This Web-based tool will help partners build and manage a
certification roadmap. It will allow partners to easily determine the skills
required to reach their software business goals, as well as IBM resources and
education development programs that can be leveraged to obtain the necessary
certifications.
* Think Sales: Avnet and IBM will provide partners with detailed marketing
collateral designed to assist partners in minimizing the time and cost to
generate leads.
* Think Portfolio: This tool is designed to assist partners in maximizing
annuity revenue by helping them manage renewals and upgrade opportunities within
their install base.

"Avnet`s new Think Software tools provide us with an easy-to-use resource to
manage all of the complexities of an IBM solutions practice. It can help us
quickly identify incremental areas of the software market that have strong
return on investment potential, validate our strategy, and ensure we are
positioned with the necessary certifications for IBM value-add partner
programs," said Devi Gupta, vice president, Prolifics.

For more information about Think Software, please visit
http://www.responseunit.com/AvnetMarketingCentral/ThinkSolna.cfm.

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.

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

Copyright Business Wire 2009