Avnet Recognized on the 2014 InformationWeek Elite 100 as a Top Business Technology Innovator

Global technology distributor Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT)today announced that it was named to the InformationWeek Elite 100 – a list of the top business technology innovators in the U.S. Avnet was recognized for automating the processes around one of the most critical sales areas for its enterprise computing operating group – performance-based incentive programs for its sales teams, customers and supply chain partners.

“Avnet constantly looks for new technology ideas that we can use to make the world a better place for our customers, employees and supply chain partners,” said Steve Phillips, senior vice president and CIO, Avnet, Inc. “By automating aspects of our incentive programs, we were able to make it much easier for Avnet’s customers, employees and supply chain partners to monitor their performance against key business goals. This enhanced visibility improves efficiency and accelerates the success of those we work with, and it is an honor to be recognized on the inaugural InformationWeek Elite 100 for this technology innovation.”

Additionally, Avnet was acknowledged for its use of technology to positively impact its employees’ work environment through its BYOD (bring your own device) program. The company experienced a significant increase in wireless network traffic at its global headquarters, driven by employees using personal tablets and smartphones for business purposes. As a result, Avnet expanded its network capabilities to securely accommodate traffic growth, empowering employees to work on the devices they find most efficient.

“The digital business movement is a force CIOs can't ignore,” said InformationWeek Editor-In-Chief Rob Preston. “Just as Amazon.com transformed the retail industry, Netflix changed the face of movie distribution, and Orbitz and others reinvented travel planning, new digital companies, technologies, and business models will shake up a range of other industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to higher education. Digital businesses are adept at using the web in conjunction with mobile, social, analytics, and other technologies to not only boost sales, but also change their relationships with customers. The 2014 InformationWeek Elite 100 highlights companies that are leading this digital business revolution, redefining business models and reshaping industries.”

This is InformationWeek’s 26th year identifying and honoring the nation’s most innovative users of information technology. For 2014, this assessment was narrowed to a more elite 100 organizations. The InformationWeek Elite 100 research tracks the technology-based investments, strategies, and results of some of the best-known organizations in the country. Unique among corporate rankings, the InformationWeek Elite 100 spotlights the power of business technology innovation.

Additional details on the InformationWeek Elite 100 can be found online at http://www.informationweek.com/elite100.

Read about Avnet's approach to IT on the Behind the Firewall blog: http://blogging.avnet.com/weblog/cioinsights/

Follow Avnet on Twitter: @Avnet

Connect with Avnet on Facebook or LinkedIn: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Avnet/111721912175548 or http://www.linkedin.com/company/avnet

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About Avnet, Inc.

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers globally. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 29, 2013, Avnet generated revenue of $25.5 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.