STORAGE

CLEARWATER, FL -- Tech Data Corporation (Nasdaq: TECD), a leading provider of IT products, logistics management and other value-added services, announces a new partnership with IBM to sell the manufacturer's line of TotalStorage(TM) Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Ultrium drives and autoloaders. The products complement the range of high-end storage technologies available through Tech Data's Networking Solutions Specialized Business Unit, which provides technology resellers with consultative product solutions and services aligned to the specific needs of this market segment. Through Tech Data's newly launched Networking Services Organization, resellers will work closely with the distributor's dedicated field sales and vendor product representatives to develop IBM LTO backup solutions for their accounts. Tech Data will also offer value-added services that include dedicated technical support, educational roadshows, and comprehensive solutions packages. LTO technology, developed by IBM, Hewlett-Packard Company, and Seagate Technology Inc., provides enterprise-wide data protection by accommodating a range of tape storage requirements from single-server to complex networked environments in both fast-access and high-capacity formats. "IBM's line of LTO products allow businesses to store critical enterprise data without drastically increasing their operational costs," said Roy Appelbaum, vice president and general manager of high-end networking and storage technologies. "Resellers are looking to industry leaders like IBM to provide world-class products to develop storage solutions." The current tape storage environment is made up of a confusing array of formats and technologies that complicate customer-buying decisions. LTO tape formats benefit customers by offering multiple sources of product and media, and providing compatibility between products from different vendors. It is estimated that data centers experience an annual data storage increase of 50 percent, causing businesses to rely on multiple storage and backup methods. "IBM chose to work with Tech Data because of the tremendous growth opportunity with the distributor's established customer base in the storage and high-end networking arena," said Denise Buonaiuto, VP Worldwide Channel Sales. "This partnership gives us a valuable opportunity that will allow our products to embrace the reseller channel." Tech Data provides networking solutions to its customers through a specialized business unit that focuses on high-end networking, storage and telephony solutions. Services include business development support, education and training, logistics management, systems engineer support and vendor product representative support. For further information visit www.techdata.com or www.ibm.com