Comdisco Provides $7 Million in Managed Network Services to Pier 1 Imports; Devises Multi-service Solution for 763 Pier 1 Imports Stores.

ROSEMONT, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 1999--Comdisco, Inc. (NYSE:CDO), a technology services company, announced a $7 million agreement to provide managed network services to Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR). Comdisco is furnishing 763 Pier 1 Imports retail stores around the world with wide area network design, wide area network implementation, Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO) product procurement, and ongoing network management.

Pier 1 Imports is modifying its network to support a real-time bridal and gift registry service and email system, as well as enhance access time from point-of-sale terminals to the Pier 1 mainframe. Pier 1 Imports required the upgraded environment be operational in time to support the excessive sales volume associated with summer weddings and events. Comdisco engineered a solution with which the company could not only meet the deadline, but do so at a reasonable cost.

"As a continuity services customer of Comdisco for seven years, we knew we could rely on the company to deliver a resourceful response to our changing technical and business needs," said Fred Gaitan, Vice President, Sales and Store Support, Pier 1 Imports. "We awarded Comdisco the managed network services transaction because they offered a strategic, customized plan that was backed by extensive technical capabilities."

"Comdisco's network solutions are designed to address real-world challenges in the deployment and management of today's complex network infrastructures," said Jeff Keohane, President of Comdisco's Technology Services Division. "Pier 1 Imports is rapidly expanding and is relying on IT to help them meet their business initiatives. Recognizing this, Comdisco structured an adaptable, cost efficient network that can support existing as well as future applications."

Comdisco's multi-service solution featured a terrestrial network that allows for voice, video, and data communications.

As one of the industry's leading network services providers, Comdisco designs, delivers, manages, monitors, and supports enterprise networks. This includes performance-enhancing, cost-efficient WAN and LAN management-level services such as network consulting, network implementation, and network management.

About Pier 1 Imports

Pier 1 Imports is North America's largest specialty retailer of imported decorative home furnishings, gifts, and related items with stores in 47 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Mexico.

About Comdisco, Inc.

Comdisco, Inc. is a technology services company and a leader in providing infrastructure management and optimization services, which are the underlying technological components and services necessary to deliver information and applications anytime, anywhere, without delay or disruption. Comdisco provides the key elements of infrastructure management, including desktop management services, managed network services, business continuity services, leasing and remarketing services, and the software tools to support these areas. Comdisco's revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998, was $3.4 billion. For more information, call 800-272-9792 or visit Comdisco's Web site at www.comdisco.com.

Comdisco is a registered trademark of Comdisco, Inc. Other company names are trademarks of their respective organizations.