Softchoice Optimus Solutions Achieves U.S. Cisco Gold Status

TORONTO, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Softchoice Corporation (TSX: SO), a leading North American technology provider, is proud to announce that Optimus Solutions has achieved Cisco Gold Certification Partner Status in the U.S. Softchoice acquired Optimus Solutions on January 2nd 2008 to complement its expertise in asset management and large volume purchasing fulfillment with consulting, advanced solution design and implementation capabilities. The Cisco Gold designation allows the Company to support the delivery of all tiers of Cisco solutions on behalf of customers across the U.S.

“This is a major milestone for the Optimus team and in our journey to expand the breadth of our solutions and services offerings, both technically and in terms of market reach,” said David MacDonald, President and CEO of Softchoice Corporation. “With the integration of Optimus nearing completion, and rollouts of combined Softchoice Optimus facilities underway in Florida, Texas, Illinois, Georgia and Toronto, we look forward to helping more customers benefit from our expertise in the design and delivery of integrated, end-to-end Cisco solutions.”

Cisco Inc. is a recognized growth leader within the IT industry. To earn the certification, Optimus Solutions was required to meet stringent standards for technical competency, customer service and satisfaction. For example, the Company has increased the depth and breadth of pre-sales and engineering resources to support the delivery of the most advanced Cisco offerings, including top tier Unified Communications, Security, Wireless and Data Center solutions. The Company also provides customers with access to post-sales resources, including 24 hour Cisco technical support, problem handling and resolution services.

“Softchoice’s scale combined with our newly minted gold certified sales and engineering resources has enhanced our ability to service new markets while expanding Cisco solutions coverage for our existing national customers,” said Steve Johnson, President of Optimus Solutions and Sr. Vice President of Softchoice. “We will continue to augment our proficiencies in unified communications, wireless and date center offerings with new services focused on mobility, video collaboration, video learning and digital signage – all rapidly growing segments of IT investment. “

Cisco Certified Partners are recognized for having the industry’s best trained networking technicians. With this certification, Softchoice Optimus Solutions has enhanced its ability to provide organizations with industry leading consulting, implementation and ongoing support in conformance with Cisco’s highest standards for internetworking expertise.

About Softchoice

As one of North America’s leading providers of technology solutions and services, Softchoice helps businesses and organizations of all sizes to select, acquire and manage their software and hardware technology resources. Softchoice offers a full range of capabilities, including face-to-face consultations and IT asset management services designed to help customers save time, money and risk in IT procurement. Softchoice currently has 958 employees operating from 45 branch offices located in major cities across the U.S. and Canada.

Softchoice stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the trading symbol “SO.” The Common Shares of Softchoice are not registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and are not publicly traded in the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, operating expense savings, future realignment charges, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “expect”, “will” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, change in technology and general market conditions, many of which are set out or incorporated by reference in the Company’s latest Annual Information Form. Due to the many risks and uncertainties, Softchoice cannot assure that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Softchoice Corporation