Avnet Enterprise Solutions Launches NetSafe IT Security Solutions; 'Question Everything' Strategy Helps SMB Customers Balance IT Security with User Access.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 2003

Avnet Enterprise Solutions has launched a portfolio of IT security solutions designed to help small to medium-sized enterprises negotiate the delicate balance between user productivity and network security.

Taking a modular, policy-based approach to each environment, Avnet NetSafe(TM) IT Security Solutions comprises the assessment services to identify network vulnerabilities along with the hardware, software and professional services designed to defend the IT infrastructure without compromising user access.

Avnet Enterprise Solutions recently completed an Avnet NetSafe assessment for North American Scientific Inc. (NASDAQ: NASI), an innovative developer of life-saving treatment solutions. The findings enabled the company to conform to policies involving third-party security audits of internal and external systems and applications.

"As we continue to grow rapidly, adding infrastructure, services and users, regular assessments such as NetSafe bolster our ability to successfully manage our growth, expanding user requirements and an evolving security model," said Chris Holbert, CIO of North American Scientific. "Avnet NetSafe provided a clear and robust set of methods to probe and document our security architecture. Ultimately, the results of our security assessment provided us a clear representation of where policies, procedures and infrastructure succeeded and where we must improve."

When assessing a company's security posture, Avnet NetSafe takes a "question everything" approach. That starts with a rigorous evaluation of its security policy, and just as important, its security partner.

"Although most companies have already installed some level of firewall or virtual private network technology, their IT infrastructures are still highly vulnerable given the high volume of Internet worms and the prevalence of sophisticated hacking tools," said Jim Teter, Avnet Enterprise Solutions president. "Through our NetSafe assessment methodology and best-of-breed tool sets, we work with customers to first identify their network vulnerabilities, both externally and internally. We then benchmark the gaps and set strategies to close them."

Avnet NetSafe's "question everything" approach also hinges on helping companies find the right partner, one that:

-- Starts with a comprehensive assessment

-- Takes a policy-based approach to security

-- Uses best-in-class scanning tools for electronic vulnerability

assessments

-- Does more than "scan and thud" -- that is, analyzes the data

from the scanning tool and makes recommendations, rather than

simply handing the customer a pile of reports

-- Assesses entire IT infrastructure -- the network and attached

devices

-- Is flexible, offering the customer options to purchase

individual assessment modules

-- Will build in regular audits to ensure the customer accounts

for infrastructure, user and policy changes

"In today's environment, every device is a point of attack, so every device must be a point of defense," said Teter. "The key to fortifying today's complex IT infrastructures is a sound, well-communicated security policy. NetSafe is designed to evaluate the enterprise's current deployment, its design and any existing standards against industry best practices."

About Avnet Enterprise Solutions

Avnet Enterprise Solutions is a solutions integrator specializing in enterprise server, storage and network solutions that power leading business applications. The company is listed 85th of the top VARs (value-added resellers) for the 2003 VARBusiness 500. The company leverages its unique suite of technical and financial professional services to minimize risk, maximize flexibility and optimize IT investment. Avnet Enterprise Solutions integrates hardware, software and services from industry leaders including HP, IBM, Cisco Systems, Oracle, Tivoli, CommVault, and VERITAS. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Avnet Enterprise Solutions (www.es.avnet.com) is a division of $4 billion Avnet Technology Solutions, an operating group of Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT). Avnet Inc. is ranked 206 on the Fortune 500 list and is a global technology marketing, distribution and services company with fiscal 2003 revenues of $9.06 billion.