CNN Money: The ASCII Group, Inc. and Tech Data Corporation Form New Partnership

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/DC0856629112007-1.htm November 29, 2007

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ --- The ASCII Group, Inc. (ASCII), the nation's oldest and most established community of independent computer resellers, today announced a powerful new partnership with Tech Data Corporation , a leading distributor of IT products with more than 90,000 customers in 100 countries.

The partnership is designed to raise the visibility of Tech Data within ASCII's paying community of members while providing ASCII members expanded opportunities with the distributor. ASCII also will educate its resellers in the United States about the new programs and improved customer support that Tech Data is providing its customers, especially in the lucrative SMB market. The ASCII membership purchases over $1 billion of product annually.

One of the driving forces behind the new relationship is the desire to introduce ASCII members to opportunities that increase profitability and grow their business. "Tech Data has made great strides in reaching out to the SMB reseller. This new relationship reinforces Tech Data's commitment to that market, particularly to ASCII members," stated Doug Young, Vice President of Distribution Programs for The ASCII Group.

"Our goal at Tech Data is to become the SMB Destination of Choice," said Derrek Hallock, Tech Data's vice president, SMB Sales. "That starts by providing resellers with exceptional service and support through our dedicated SMB Sales Division backed by the channel's broadest array of business-building e-commerce tools, technical support, innovative financing options and logistics expertise. By partnering with ASCII, we will be able to engage many new SMB resellers, better enabling them to profitably grow their businesses."

About Tech Data

Founded in 1974, Tech Data Corporation is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. The company's business model enables technology solution providers, manufacturers and publishers to cost-effectively sell to and support end users ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 109th on the FORTUNE 500(R), Tech Data generated $21.4 billion in sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2007. For more information, visit www.techdata.com.

About The ASCII Group, Inc. (ASCII)

The ASCII Group, Inc., was established in 1984, and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Additional offices are located in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada; and Delhi, India. ASCII is the largest paying community of independent computer resellers in the world with more than 3,000 members and system wide end-user sales of approximately $10.5 billion. ASCII provides technology tools, products and services to assist independent information technology resellers to increase profits, reduce costs, and grow their respective businesses. ASCII offers resellers the leverage of the group's collective position in the industry to positively influence hardware manufacturers, software developers, IT service suppliers, distributors, the media, the government and the customer community. The Company can be reached at www.ascii.com.