Avnet Partner Solutions Unveils EPIC Program to Support Novell's SUSE Linux on IBM

Avnet Partner Solutions, Americas, a value-added distributor of enterprise servers, storage, software and services, today announced a new channel program, EPIC, designed to support Novell's SUSE Linux solutions with value-added resellers (VARs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) who have demonstrated commitment and skills in Linux-based solutions and services. Together, Avnet Partner Solutions and Novell will enable this select group of partners to develop targeted approaches for delivering SUSE Linux-based solutions on the IBM eServer platform. EPIC, which stands for Enablement, Partnership, Incentives and Co-Marketing, is comprised of certification, sales and technical training; market development and planning services; and additional margin-based sales incentives for Novell-based solutions.

"IBM Linux for Leaders partners have demonstrated tremendous success and commitment to the Linux market," said Sara Jensen, vice president, Product Marketing, Avnet Partner Solutions, IBM Business Unit. "Avnet Partner Solutions is dedicated to helping them reach the next level in profitable growth. We developed the EPIC program with Linux industry-leader Novell to provide our partners with the resources and tools needed to develop tailored solutions for emerging market segments."

The EPIC program will help partners grow their Linux practices with sales support, education and training, and market development resources. Through the program, partners will have direct relationships with Novell's Linux Impact Team and local Novell account management and sales teams to assist them through the pre-sales process. EPIC also includes education and training for certifications such as Certified Linux Sales Person (CLS 2005), Certified Novell Sales Person (CNS 2005), and Certified Linux Professionals (CLP). In addition, partners will be provided with sales development funds and additional margin-based sales incentives for Novell content.

"The Linux market offers VARs and ISVs significant growth opportunities, and Novell recognizes that our business partners are at a critical juncture in their growth cycle," said Mark Hardardt, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Channels and Partners, Novell. "We are investing in our partners' businesses to help accelerate their success with SUSE Linux-based solutions for the IBM eServer platforms and ensure that they are positioned to prosper in the Linux arena. As the clear value-added distribution leader in this area, Avnet Partner Solutions was the ideal company to help us offer the program because of their market understanding and expertise."

Avnet Partner Solutions distributes Novell's full range of Linux solutions to the IBM partner community, including SUSE Linux products. Among the products in Avnet Partner Solutions' Linux portfolio are the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, based on the Linux 2.6 kernel, and the Novell Open Enterprise Server, which incorporates both NetWare and SUSE Linux into the same operating system.

"Avnet Partner Solutions and Novell consistently provide our company with the unique services and solutions needed to target the Linux market," said Jaime Gmach, president, Evolving Solutions, an IBM Premier Solution Provider. "The new EPIC program exemplifies their foresight in offering the resources required to profitably grow our business now and address emerging opportunities for Linux solutions."

About Novell

Novell Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) is a leading provider of infrastructure software and services to more than 50,000 customers in 43 countries. With more than 20 years of experience in data center, workgroup and desktop solutions, Novell's 6,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world are meeting customer requirements for identity-driven computing and Linux solutions. By providing enterprise-class software and support for commercial and open source software, Novell delivers increased operating flexibility and choice at a lower total cost of ownership. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com.

About Avnet Partner Solutions, Americas

Avnet Partner Solutions, Americas, is an industry-leading, value-added distributor and provider of enterprise servers, storage, software and services, with operations in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Avnet Partner Solutions provides solutions from industry-leading manufacturers including Computer Associates, EMC, HP, IBM, Microsoft, NEC Solutions America, Network Appliance, Oracle, StorageTek and VERITAS -- driving growth for partners and manufacturers. Avnet Partner Solutions is a division of the Avnet Technology Solutions operating group of Avnet Inc. For more information, visit www.aps.avnet.com.

Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT) enables success from the center of the technology industry, providing cost-effective services and solutions vital to a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and 250 suppliers. The company markets, distributes and adds value to a wide variety of electronic components, enterprise computer products and embedded subsystems. Through its premier market position, Avnet brings a breadth and depth of capabilities that help its trading partners accelerate growth and realize cost efficiencies. Avnet and the company it acquired in July 2005, Memec Group Holdings Limited, together generated more than $13 billion in revenue in the past year through sales in 68 countries. Visit www.avnet.com/.

Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

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