INGRAM MICRO TEAMS WITH PROTEON AND NETCOM TO BRING COMPLETE INTERNET ACCESS PACKAGE TO VARs
Innovative kit includes high-performance Proteon router, Internet service from NETCOM, dedicated lease line and DSU/CSU connection device

SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 9, 1996
Ingram Micro Inc. announced today the launch of a new Internet access package designed to help value-added resellers (VARs) provide a complete solution to customers looking for Internet and intranet connectivity.

The ProConnect Internet Access package is available exclusively through Ingram Micro starting Sept. 16. The kit includes a Proteon high-performance GlobeTrotter 60 remote access router; Internet access through NETCOM On-Line Communication Services Inc. and a Digital Service Unit/Channel Service Unit (DSU/CSU) connection device.

According to Amy Hoffman, vice president of product marketing for Ingram Micro: "Internet and intranet connectivity is becoming increasingly important to the distribution business. We've teamed with Proteon and NETCOM so we can better offer VARs the best connectivity solutions at a competitive price. These packages are flexible, powerful and easy to use. ProConnect will help VARs serve the millions of small businesses and organizations that have yet to tap into the Internet."

To meet the wide range of needs for small- to medium-size businesses, Ingram Micro will offer VARs six packages that vary by connection option and subscription length. Available options include full T1, 128 Kbps or 256 Kbps service with six or 12-month subscriptions. Prices range from $8,995 to $18,905. Ingram Micro will also offer NETCOM service extensions at reduced prices.

"This is a very exciting option for our VARs. They can now offer end-users everything they need to access the Internet, World Wide Web -- and even intranet -- all in one box," said Lori Snow, Ingram Micro's senior director of product marketing and general manager of its Technical Products Division (TPD).

According to Elizabeth Vanneste, NETCOM director of VAR programs, the partnership will play a key role in expanding NETCOM's reach to this specialized market.

"This is a combination that makes sense for customers being serviced by regional VARs. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to expand NETCOM services through Ingram Micro's vast distribution network," she said.

"ProConnect packages offer VARs one-stop shopping," said Dale Rensing, Proteon product marketing manager. "Ease of purchase, installation and service is our primary goal.

"The Internet and intranet are expanding markets with great revenue potential for VARs. Many users are calling on VARs to provide Internet access for everything from simple information gathering to more complex remote office connections. With ProConnect, the VAR simply sets up the router and the DSU/CSU and hooks them up to the NETCOM service. It's that easy," Rensing explained.

Proteon Inc., located in Westborough, Mass., offers a comprehensive family of award-winning Internet, remote and local access products that deliver reliable, high-performance networking to users worldwide. Proteon products are found in more than 70 percent of Fortune 100 companies.

NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. is a leading international Internet service provider based in San Jose, Calif. Leveraging its own high-speed nationwide TCP/IP-based network, NETCOM provides a wide range of value-priced Internet services for individuals and businesses, including local access, software options, personalized services and 24-hour customer service. NETCOM also offers business-minded communications solutions such as high-speed connectivity, intranet services, Web site hosting and content development.

Ingram Micro Inc., headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., is the world's largest wholesale distributor of microcomputer products, with 1995 sales of $8.617 billion. The company's inventory includes 36,000 products from more than 1,100 of the world's leading hardware and software companies. Affiliates in 15 countries sell to more than 100,000 resellers in 120 countries. Ingram Micro is the leading provider of advanced value-added services including technical support, field services, configuration and fulfillment.

Contacts:

Cindy Vergets

Joe M. Grillo
Proteon, Inc.
(508) 898-2800