Acer expands SMB channel base with Harris Technology

• Acer appoints Harris Technology as new Channel Partner • Acer strengthens its reach in the corporate and SMB segments

Sydney, 8 December 2003 – Acer Computer Australia, the number three PC brand and fastest growing PC vendor in Australia*, has appointed Harris Technology as a new Gold Channel Partner. The partnership will serve to strengthen Acer’s position in the corporate and SMB market. One of Australia's largest resellers of information technology and consulting services to SMB, corporate and government customers, Harris Technology will supply Acer’s award winning range of desktops, notebooks, handheld PC server and storage solutions.

Commenting on the partnership, Acer’s National Channel Manager, Greg Mikaelian, said that Acer is very pleased to be partnered with a leading reseller such as Harris Technology and looks forward to a strong partnership.

“The alliance is a mutually beneficial relationship in many ways. For Acer, the partnership extends our reach into the commercial and SMB markets, strengthening and building on Acer’s position in these segments. Conversely, Acer’s leading position in the Education and Government segments will open up significant opportunities for Harris Technology,” said Mr. Mikaelian.

Harris Technology will be able to leverage off the successful implementation of Acer’s industry-leading online trading hub, APec, an eCommerce system that empowers resellers to easily custom configure Acer products, create quotations, collaborate and place orders.

Furthermore, Harris Technology’s customers will benefit from Acer’s award-winning technology and support, such as the 2-Hour Commitment Warranty Express Service on notebooks and Instant Exchange Service on Acer Handheld PCs. Harris Technology’s Managing Director, David Foster said of the alliance, “Acer has a very strong brand presence in Australia and their warranty and service is highly regarded in the industry. We are excited about the opportunity this partnership presents to Harris Technology customers and look forward to maintaining an intimate relationship with Acer.”

* Number Three PC Brand for Desktop and Notebook PC and the Fastest Growing PC Brand for 2002, sourced from Gartner 2002.

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About Acer Computer Australia Established in 1990, Acer Computer Australia has 300 employees, a head office in Sydney and sales and service offices in Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart. Uniload, an award winning build-to-order facility located in Sydney, enables Acer to efficiently deliver high-quality customised systems such as ultra powerful multimedia desktop computers, ultra portable notebooks and industry-leading servers directly to its customers.

In line with its commitment to the Australian market, Acer made a property investment of approximately A$20 million in Homebush Bay, where the head office building is located. These premises include a 1,200-sqm-assembly plant, which has a current capacity of 24,000 PCs per month and a 3,000-sqm-warehouse facility.

Acer is a world leading PC manufacturer, with a strong commitment to total customer satisfaction. Acer continues to strengthen its reputation as an industry leader by consistently delivering high-quality products and services. According to Gartner Group’s 2002 report, Acer was the number three PC brand in desktop and notebook PCs in Australia, number one in Government and Education, and the fastest growing brand, recording over 140% shipment growth for 2002.

About Harris Technology Founded in 1986 by Ron Harris and acquired by Coles Myer Limited in 1999, Harris Technology is one of Australia's largest resellers of information technology and consulting services to SMB, corporate and government customers. The company's product range includes hardware, software, systems, peripherals, accessories and services, sold through multiple channels - face-to-face, business centre showrooms, call centres, fax, online at www.ht.com.au and via e-procurement. With its continuing national expansion, Harris Technology is experiencing strong annual revenue growth and employs more than 300 IT professionals in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Perth and the ACT. .

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