Avnet Successfully Implements RosettaNet E-Business Standards with Suppliers.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2000

Avnet has successfully implemented new e-business processes with several B2B trading partners based on industry standards developed by the RosettaNet consortium.

The suppliers, General Semiconductor, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi Semiconductor (America) and Philips Semiconductors, in cooperation with Avnet, have defined their system-to-system e-business transactions and have developed Partner Interface Processes(R) (PIPS), a common language based on XML, for various electronic interactions such as the sharing of supply-chain information.

The implementation of RosettaNet standards have created efficiencies and reduced process times. Avnet cites that cycle time has been reduced by one week for the receipt of new product information and administrative efforts have been reduced and cycle time improved on the exchange of design engineering information.

"We've all worked in concert, and have worked feverishly to implement the PIPS and to meet the corporate readiness deadline of 10/10/2000, set by RosettaNet," said David Cruse, vice president of supply-chain integration, Avnet Electronics Marketing.

"In our design engineering efforts, working with suppliers, we've combined multiple integrated PIPS. Part of Avnet's leadership role in supply-chain integration is due to the industry standards set forth by RosettaNet, making it easier for trading partners to share information."

Avnet has embraced RosettaNet standards for both its computer marketing (box business) and electronic components marketing supply chains. The company was a charter member of the RosettaNet consortium and its Chief Executive Officer, Roy Vallee, serves on RosettaNet's electronic components board.

Phoenix-based Avnet Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company with annual sales exceeding $9 billion, is one of the world's largest distributors of semiconductors, interconnect, passive and electromechanical components and computer products from the leading manufacturers.

Serving customers in 60 countries, Avnet markets, inventories and adds value to these products and provides world-class supply-chain management and engineering design services.