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CDW Launches 'Tech Twister' Makeover Program Featuring Technology From IBM, Intel and Linksys; Small Businesses To Benefit From New PC, Server and Wireless Solutions

Posted on: Monday, 15 November 2004, 12:00 CST

CDW today announced "Tech Twister," a new technology makeover and mentor program designed for small businesses of fewer than 100 employees and featuring technology solutions from IBM, Intel Corporation and Linksys. Five companies will be selected to receive a technology makeover, each valued up to $75,000. The makeovers help small businesses benefit from the latest technology, allowing them to enhance competitiveness and growth by enabling better customer service, business processes and employee productivity.

Many small businesses, that often don't have dedicated IT staff, understand the benefits of technology but are challenged by the extensive array of solutions and evaluating the return on investment. Tech Twister aims to help small businesses explore the innovative technology available today and how it will help them operate more efficiently.

"Tech Twister is an example of our ongoing desire to be more responsive to customers' needs," said Norm Lillis, vice president of small business and emerging markets at CDW. "We chose the name Tech Twister because technology changes at such an extraordinary pace. The technology and advice from an advanced technology makeover can help a small business embrace change and be more competitive quickly."

The technology solutions offered by the Tech Twister makeover program will focus on enhancing mobility, enabling wireless computing, improving productivity with desktop PCs or growing business with servers. The program creates a platform to exchange lessons learned and showcase the benefits of new technologies for small businesses.

In addition to receiving technology, the chosen companies will receive mentors, who will help each business evaluate its unique challenges and determine the right technology solutions. Mentors will range from technical engineers to senior executives who have experience building businesses.

Finally, the small businesses will be featured on a website that chronicles how the makeover impacted their company. The Web site will feature video, blogs and expert commentary.

The Tech Twister program will select businesses with unique challenges and obstacles that can be solved through the deployment of new technologies. Depending on their current technology environment, small businesses may receive replacements for their aging PCs with systems from IBM including new ThinkPad notebooks or ThinkCentre desktops, a wireless network from Linksys or a new server from the IBM eServer xSeries system family. The IBM ThinkPad notebook features Intel(R) Centrino(TM) mobile technology, which delivers outstanding mobile performance and integrated wireless LAN capability, with energy saving technologies to help extend system battery life in a choice of sleek form factors.

The IBM ThinkCentre desktop features Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor with Hyper-Threading Technology(1), which can help maximize employee productivity in multitasking environments and when conducting processor-intensive tasks such as video production and financial analysis. IBM notebooks and desktops come equipped with IBM ThinkVantage Technologies -- tools that help customers manage the cost of deploying end-user systems, implement new technologies such as wireless computing, and ensure that these technologies can be implemented securely.

The Linksys wireless network, featuring Intel(R) XScale(TM) technology, offers the latest Wireless-G (802.11g) technology, with advanced security to protect the small business network. The built-in VPN solution lets users securely connect up to 20 remote or traveling users to an office network.

The IBM eServer xSeries server features the Intel(R) Xeon(TM) processor, which can deliver dependability, value, growing room, and performance to a business.

Applicants not chosen for a technology makeover may be selected to receive a new IBM ThinkPad notebook computer.

Small businesses may "audition" for a makeover by completing an online application located at www.cdw.com/techtwister. The application deadline is February 15, 2005.

About CDW

CDW(R) (NASDAQ:CDWC), ranked No. 376 on the FORTUNE 500, is a leading provider of technology products and services for business, government and education. CDW is a principal source of technology from top name brands such as APC, Apple, Cisco, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Sony, Symantec, Toshiba and ViewSonic.

CDW was founded in 1984 today employs approximately 3,700 coworkers. In 2003, the company generated net sales of approximately $4.7 billion. CDW's direct model offers one-on-one relationships with knowledgeable account managers; purchasing by telephone, fax, the company's award-winning CDW.com Web site, customized CDW@work(TM) extranets, CDWG.com Web site and macwarehouse.com Web site; custom configured solutions and same day shipping; and pre- and post-sales technical support, with more than 100 factory-trained and A+ certified technicians on staff.

Additional information can be found by visiting CDW.com.

About Intel

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

About Linksys

Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the global leader in Wireless and Ethernet networking for consumers and small businesses. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products backed by award-winning technical support. For more information, visit the Linksys web site at www.linksys.com.

Intel, Pentium, Intel Centrino and XScale are marks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

(1) See www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading/ for more information including details on which processors support HT Technology.

Source: Business Wire

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