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April 4, 2002 New tool supplies enriched product data and enhanced functionality to IT solution provider Web storefronts. SAN FRANCISCO, April 4, 2002 - Tech Data Corporation in conjunction with CNET Channel, a business unit of CNET Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET), has launched a new, enhanced version of its SupplyXpert Lite business-to-business Web storefront application for technology solution providers. The tool, now powered by CNET Channel's ChannelOnline™, enables solution providers to extend online ordering, real-time customized pricing, and other dynamic supply-chain management capabilities directly to their end-user clients, while fully retaining the solution provider's unique brand identities. The introduction of ChannelOnline's technology and comprehensive specifications catalog to the SupplyXpert Lite tool gives Tech Data customers access to more than 100,000 U.S. technology products. Additionally, the enhanced Web tool intuitively displays related and accessory items, allows solution providers to perform side-by-side product comparisons, and store data in a customized "favorites" library. "This new partnership with CNET Channel allows us to significantly enhance our previous SupplyXpert Lite tool, based on the success and feedback from the program," said John Tonnison, vice president of electronic commerce. "With the enrichment of the product navigation and information pages it is also now ideally suited for its role as a reseller's communication and e-commerce vehicle to his own customers." "Tech Data has extensive reach into the small and medium size IT business market, and this partnership is a significant expansion into this market for ChannelOnline," said Albert de Heer, president, CNET Channel. "In addition to demonstrating CNET Channel's position as a top information resource to blue-chip companies in the IT channel, this move enables us to expand ChannelOnline beyond its current model as a popular online subscription service for VARs, providing co-branding services to IT providers who want to raise the bar for customer relationship management." "Tech Data's enhanced SupplyXpert Lite application provides a single source of Internet-based commerce tools that streamline the purchasing process and enable me to serve my customers more efficiently," said Jake Blum, president of Systems Plus. "We've been starting to strategically utilize the Web for product research and solutions procurement, and this technology offering affirms this business decision." SupplyXpert Lite is available to solution provider partners starting at $99 per month, and can be accessed by logging on to www.techdata.com/supplyxpertlite. For further information call 800-436-5345, or email to supplyxpertlite@techdata.com. Tech Data's E-Business Capabilities About Tech Data About CNET Channel About CNET Networks, Inc. # # # CNET Networks Media Contact: CNET Networks Investor Relations Contact: Tech Data Media Contact: |