Ingram Micro's New 'System ArchiTECHS' Community Increases Visibility for System Builders and Brings Exclusive Member Benefits to Partners


SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Strengthening its support for the U.S. components market, world's largest technology distributor, Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM), today announced the formation of a new customer community designed exclusively for U.S. system builders, and IT vendors called System ArchiTECHS.

"The components business is getting more complex. System builders require additional resources, partner support and services to grow profitably," says Justin Crotty, vice president, channel marketing, Ingram Micro North America. "System ArchiTECHS addresses the needs of these specialized customers by providing a network for stronger partnerships, and bringing forward proven sales and marketing practices, as well as, targeted training and education."

As the IT Channel leader in developing and sustaining powerful customer communities, Ingram Micro's new System ArchiTECHS is primed for success says Crotty. "Following the framework of our other industry-leading channel partner programs, System ArchiTECHS will provide our customers with the tools, resources, and alliances they need to enhance and grow their business."

In addition to offering more direct access to Ingram Micro's partner support, sales teams and online business resources, Ingram Micro's System ArchiTECHS will also help its members:

o Increase Overall Industry Expertise within the Components Space.
o Learn About New Technologies and Business Strategies.
o Strengthen Ties with Leading Market Vendors and Generate NewRelationships with Emerging Vendors.
o Capture Additional Revenue Opportunities within the Mainstream Commercial and Vertical Markets.

"Our vendors, especially Intel, see the value in our System ArchiTECHS community," says Mike Beyersdoerfer, director, components, Ingram Micro U.S. "In their eyes it's about targeting the right customers with the right product solutions. System ArchiTECHS will provide and recognize a pool of pre-qualified system builders that can expand and grow a vendor's market reach. The White Box market is very strong, and Ingram Micro is improving our support to partners on both sides of the system building fence."

To date, Ingram Micro System ArchiTECHS community has garnered the attention and sponsorship of several industry leading vendors including Intel, AMD, Western Digital, Kingston Technology, Hitachi GST, Microsoft, Antec, Adaptec and Supermicro. Ingram Micro sales and marketing teams are working together to recruit and qualify interested system builders.

"We're excited to participate in System ArchiTECHS," said John Ball, general manager, U.S. System Builder Channel, Microsoft. "Programs like these provide value differentiators for system builders and allow Microsoft to gain efficiencies in reaching out to this important partner base."

Exclusive Benefits for System ArchiTECHS Partners
In addition to increased visibility and partnership opportunities, active members of System ArchiTECHS will receive a number of exclusive benefits including:

o Preferred Pricing on System Component Products - Everyday lower pricing on key products that are core to your business.

o Manufacturer Exclusive Offers - Special incentives, exclusive discounts and programs, in addition to the preferred pricing.

o Sales Growth Rewards Program - Members will receive rewards for quarterly sales growth.

o Member Starter Kit - Packed with resources, and documentation that will help members get the most out of ArchiTECHS.

o Monthly Newsletter - An e-newsletter focused on manufacturer information, technology tips and market trends.

o Dedicated Sales Resources - Sales support that is focused on system integration needs.

o Annual System Builder Partner Seminar - Brings together the community members and key vendor partners for a two-day training and educationevent.

o Access to Channel Community Discounted Services - Annual CompTIA membership; FedEx, Sprint and OfficeMax discounts; business insurance; telecommunications services; D&B reports.

o Technical Support and System Builder Help Desk - A dedicated technical support team that is trained and qualified to resolve theunique technical support needs of system builders and integrators.

o Financial Services - Including a wide range of leasing, finance and flooring options, including 60-day free flooring programs and 60-day revolving credit.

Enrollment in System ArchiTECHS Community
Solution providers and vendors who would like more information on Ingram Micro's new System ArchiTECHS community, please email IM-SystemArchiTECHS@ingrammicro.com, or contact their Ingram Micro sales representative at 1-(800) 456-8000 today.

To become an active member of Ingram Micro's System ArchiTECHS community solution providers must submit an application and meet specific qualifications and criteria set forth by the distributor.

About Ingram Micro Inc.
As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves 100 countries and is the only global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.

©2006 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Ingram Micro Inc.

CONTACT:+Chris Kelly of Ingram Micro Inc., +1-714-382-3355, chris.kelly@ingrammicro.com

Web site: www.ingrammicro.com/

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