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CMP Media's CRN and VARBusiness Launch First-of-Its-Kind Online Community For System Builders Called TechBuilder.org

Posted on: Monday, 27 October 2003, 06:00 CST

MILPITAS, Calif. and MANHASSET, N.Y., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CMP Media's CRN and VARBusiness today launched the first-of-its-kind community Web site for system builders, integrators, VARs and white-box solution providers called TechBuilder.org. Designed as a peer-to-peer community destination, TechBuilder.org provides news, reviews, and system solution ideas to help resellers, builders and integrators build products, increase margins and better serve their customers.

TechBuilder.org was inspired by Maxtor, and is created and owned by CMP Media, publisher of CRN newsweekly, VARBusiness magazine and producer of the XChange solution provider events. Affiliate sponsors for the launch include Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Adaptec, NVIDIA, Shuttle and ViewSonic.

"System builders and integrators design and install IT solutions for about half of small- to-medium-sized businesses worldwide. They also reach almost every corner of the customer spectrum including vertical markets, government organizations, enterprises, end-users and a variety of other segments," says Robert DeMarzo, CMP vice president and VARBusiness editorial director. "These people are critical to the IT market and they need one site where they can go to get the information to be successful. TechBuilder.org is that site."

Available for the first time in one interactive community, TechBuilder.org allows system builders to easily pool resources, exchange ideas, seek advice and collaborate with their peers on the creation and installation of a variety of IT systems and solutions for residential, industrial and commercial markets. With direct feedback from "tech builders" and leading IT vendors, TechBuilder.org offers system recipes that include lists of components, downloads, installation tips and support documentation.

"Our goal for the TechBuilder.org community is to provide easy access to valuable data, tools and information allowing resellers to interact with one another, build new IT solutions and improve existing ones," says Stephen DiFranco, vice president of corporate marketing and branding at Maxtor Corporation. "Being a system builder or integrator is challenging from both a technical and financial standpoint. These IT professionals need a trusted community site where they can get 24/7 access to information, speedy diagnostics and ideas for creating affordable systems. Maxtor is committed to helping the channel community and it is a pleasure to work with CMP and other industry leaders on this project."

To kick off TechBuilder.org, CRN, VARBusiness, Maxtor and the affiliate sponsors will be hosting a "Silicon Chef: Recipes for Success Build-off" event at XChange Tech Innovator's conference in Scottsdale at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. today in the Solutions Pavilion, three teams -- a team of system builders (Tampa Systems and Mimictech); a team from Scottsdale Community College; and a team of technical editors -- will compete to build a micro ATX system with an LCD flat panel

display. The teams will be judged on criteria such as speed of assembly, accuracy/operation of system, and team identity.

The winning team will be donating $1,000 to their favorite local charity, and will be able to keep components from the created system. Each team will receive a sponsor package of products, services and discounts. Complete coverage of the event will be posted on TechBuilder.org.

TechBuilder.org is both a public and private site; no subscription fee is required. System builders, integrators, VARs and white box solution providers are encouraged to become a member by signing up at http://www.techbuilder.org/. Today, the first 100 to register on TechBuilder.org will receive a free T-shirt. All who register today will also be entered into a drawing to receive components from the micro ATX form factor PC system created during the Silicon Chef event.

About CMP Media LLC

CMP Media Inc. LLC (http://www.cmp.com/) is a leading integrated media company providing essential information and marketing services to the entire technology spectrum -- the builders, sellers and users of technology worldwide. Capitalizing on its editorial strength, CMP is uniquely positioned to offer marketers comprehensive, integrated media solutions tailored to meet their individual needs. Its diverse products and services include newspapers, magazines, Internet products, research, direct marketing services, education and training, trade shows and conferences and custom publishing.

About Maxtor Corporation

Maxtor Corporation (http://www.maxtor.com/) is one of the world's leading suppliers of information storage solutions. The company has an expansive line of storage products for desktop computers, storage systems, high-performance Intel-based servers and consumer electronics. Maxtor has a reputation of being a proven market leader by providing consistent high-quality products, service and support for its customers. Maxtor and its products can be found at http://www.maxtor.com/ or by calling toll-free (800) 2-MAXTOR. Maxtor is traded on the NYSE under the MXO symbol.

Note: Maxtor is a registered trademark of Maxtor Corporation.

This announcement relating to Maxtor may contain forward-looking statements concerning future technology, products incorporating that technology, and Maxtor's execution. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which could materially affect the company's results, including, but not limited to, market demand for hard disk drives, integration of the company's products with products produced by others, the company's ability to execute future production ramps and utilize manufacturing assets efficiently, pricing, competition, and the significant uncertainty of market acceptance of new products. These and other risk factors are contained in documents that the company files with the SEC, including the Form 10-K for fiscal 2002 and its recent 10-Qs. Maxtor is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to update or alter, its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

CMP Media LLC

Technology Solutions Group

Ellen Lalier

(516) 541-1893

elalier@optonline.net

Maxtor Public Relations

Erin Hartin

(303) 678-2022

erin_hartin@maxtor.com

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