Avnet Applied Computing Enters Agreement with Computer Associates to Provide OEMs Integrated Embedded Software Solutions.

PHOENIX, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 23, 1999--

Avnet Applied Computing to Distribute New Software

Solutions Based on CA's Advanced Edition Products

Avnet, Inc.'s newest operating group, Avnet Applied Computing, and Computer Associates International (NYSE:CA) announced today they have entered into an agreement to provide OEMs integrated embedded software solutions based on CA's Advanced Edition products.

The agreement marks a milestone for both companies. Computer Associates' products are normally targeted to traditional VAR/reseller markets, and to large end-user clients, including Fortune 100 companies, while the products to be distributed by Avnet Applied Computing are being developed exclusively for the OEM market.

Avnet formed its Applied Computing group to focus exclusively on the needs of electronic OEMs, one of the company's largest customer segments. Avnet Applied Computing offers off-the-shelf solutions including platforms and servers, boards and modules, mass storage, peripherals, microprocessors, flat-panel displays and embedded operating systems.

Supported by a highly trained, dedicated technical staff, Avnet Applied Computing provides engineering services, software, leadership products, supply-chain management solutions and systems integration services. For Avnet Applied Computing, the agreement significantly broadens the company's offering of software solutions in the critical embedded arena.

"Computer Associates' advanced enterprise products have long been recognized in the VAR marketplace as being some of the best of class," said Ed Kamins, president of Avnet Applied Computing.

"Now we will be able to offer some of those same software solutions to our OEM customers building for the embedded marketplace. It marks a real first for both companies, and we're excited about the depth these products bring to the Avnet Applied Computing offering."

Computer Associates' Advanced Edition products enable VARs, system integrators and other CA channel partners to address the increasingly sophisticated IT management requirements of mid- to large-sized organizations.

The CA Advanced Edition product line provides the channel with enterprise-class solutions for these challenges at a price point that makes sense for their target customers/clients. The new embedded line being developed for Avnet Applied Computing will provide the same advantages for the OEM market.

Advanced Edition products targeted for inclusion under the terms of the agreement includes CA's highly respected line of workstation software products.

Also included for development in the agreement will be an embedded offering from CA's Platinum line of IT solutions, including application lifecycle, consulting services, database management, data warehousing, education, Internet commerce and security.

Its Disaster Recovery product will also be offered in an embedded version that allows OEMs to develop, maintain, and test comprehensive disaster recovery plans in an embedded environment.

"The OEM market represents an arena where CA has traditionally been underrepresented with our products," said Mike Ragusa, senior vice president of channels for Computer Associates.

"By partnering with Avnet Applied Computing--the recognized leader in this segment--we can be assured our products will find a strong presence in the market, supported by a distribution organization with the resources to ensure our customers succeed in designing embedded products utilizing CA software solutions."

Computer Associates International, Inc. (NYSE: CA), the world leader in mission-critical business computing, provides software, support and integration services in more than 100 countries around the world. CA has more than 17,500 employees and had revenue of $5.3 billion in fiscal year 1999. For more information about CA, please call 516/342-5224 or e-mail [e-mail]. CA's World Wide Web address is www.cai.com.

Avnet Applied Computing is an operating group of Phoenix, Ariz.-based Avnet Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company with annual sales exceeding $6.4 billion ($8.3 billion proforma, including acquisitions).

Avnet is one of the world's largest distributors of semiconductors, interconnect, passive and electromechanical components and computer products from the industry's leading manufacturers.

Serving customers in 60 countries, Avnet markets, inventories and adds value to these products and provides world-class supply-chain integration services. The company's web site is located at www.avnet.com.