Ingram Micro Announces First Suite Of ASP Services For IT Channel

Largest global technology provider develops aggregated ASP package for Sun, Cisco and Citrix-authorized technology solution providers; provides ASP partners with IT channel market strategy

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 20, 2000

Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM), the largest global wholesale provider of technology products and services, today announced it will launch the first two-tiered application service provider (ASP) offering to enable technology solution providers to become ASPs for their customers, while providing ASP vendors with an effective market strategy to reach the information technology (IT) channel.

Initially available in the first half of 2001 to a limited group of Sun, Cisco and Citrix-authorized technology solution providers, Ingram Micro's ASP offering features ASP applications, training, technical support and a complementary group of ASP partners to provide services tailored to the needs of end users. The offering allows technology solution providers to become ASPs, while offloading infrastructure costs associated with hosting and delivering these applications and expanding their current ASP offerings. The program is particularly useful for solution providers delivering valuable services to small to midsized businesses (SMBs) reliant on outsourced IT solutions.

"A well-rounded ASP program is a vital component in helping technology solution providers compete in today's e-business environment, especially to better serve SMBs," said Kevin Murai, president, Ingram Micro U.S. "These customers often lack the financial resources and personnel to deploy critical IT services. Ingram Micro's ASP offering allows our customers to provide ASP services with a pre-packaged business framework at a low cost of capital."

Ingram Micro's strength in the IT channel also provides ASP, application infrastructure provider (AIP) and Internet service provider (ISP) vendors with the support and market strategy to potentially tap into more than 10,000 technology solution providers, including Sun-, Cisco- and Citrix-authorized solution providers.

"As the key partner between ASP vendors and technology solution providers, Ingram Micro will provide valuable training programs for our customers," said Pamela Bryson, vice president, business development, Ingram Micro U.S. "In this emerging ASP market, a critical success factor for our customers is to provide guidance on the technical and marketing aspects of delivering ASP services. This will enable them to rapidly execute a new ASP business model." Ingram Micro will also provide support from a technically trained sales team.

Ingram Micro's ASP package combines services from top ASP partners with participation options that depend on the technology expertise of the solution provider. Services include applications that can be resold to end user customers as well as infrastructure outsourcing services. Partners include:

• Exenet, an application infrastructure provider (AIP) that enables ASPs, independent software vendors (ISV) and technology solution providers with a high-performance, reliable and secure integrated technology infrastructure. Exenet AIP services offered through Ingram Micro include management services, storage services, bandwidth provisioning, directory services, database services and ASP Ecosystem services.
• FutureLink (Nasdaq NM: FTRL), a provider of application infrastructure to ISVs, systems integrators, technology solution providers and ASPs, creates customer-focused solutions by delivering "software as a service." Using the Ingram Micro channel, FutureLink will deliver the Microsoft Office suite of applications, Microsoft Exchange and WorkForceIQ, FutureLink's own online employee training services. Connectivity and home directory file storage will also be available as value-add services.
• Wizmo Inc., an outsourced network service provider that hosts, serves and supports entire networks of applications and data via the Internet, including virtually any mission critical or business productivity application a company requires. Wizmo services offered through Ingram Micro include a comprehensive set of standard and custom applications served through an ASP model, file storage options, live helpdesk support and best practice networking and architecture.

"Ingram Micro's entry into the ASP arena is creating a large marketplace for the delivery of hosted applications, providing a platform to help vendors such as Cisco reach this market with our products," said Tushar Kothari, vice president, channels, Cisco Systems. "Ingram Micro is a vital link in our efforts to reach the channel market, and we look forward to working with the company to help technology solutions providers deliver ASP services to their customers."

To further support this endeavor, Ingram Micro has recently formed the Emerging Technologies Group, which encompasses its Converging Technologies Group, Enterprise Solutions Group and the new ASP initiative under one division. The Emerging Technologies Group will focus on bringing together services and solutions, such as ASP offerings, to help customers meet the challenges and profit from the opportunities presented in a digital economy.

For information on how to participate in Ingram Micro's ASP initiative, complete the online ASP Profile. Resellers who submit this profile will be updated on the progress of the ASP initiative. Availability is limited.

For more information about Ingram Micro's ASP package, visit the ASP section on www.ingrammicro.com or contact Bobbi Jo Maxwell at (714) 382-2312.

About Ingram Micro Inc.

Ingram Micro Inc. is the largest global wholesale provider of technology solutions, products and services. The company operates in 34 countries with sales exceeding $30 billion for the past four reported quarters. Ingram Micro's global regions offer e-commerce solutions, logistics services, and technology product distribution and marketing to more than 175,000 technology solution providers and manufacturers. The company is focused on maximizing shareowner value and achieving customer satisfaction by continuously innovating the IT supply chain.

For more information, contact:

Ingram Micro Inc.:
Jennifer Marchetta
Media Relations
(714) 382-2692

Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide:
Carrie Brooks or Lisa Falcetti
(949) 260-1300, ext. 239 or 234