Avnet Embedded Strengthens Offering

PHOENIX -- Avnet Embedded, a division of Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, a business region of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), announced today that it will deploy a team of technical experts in local markets to provide in-depth software advice to Avnet customers designing for today’s intelligent embedded systems. Supporting Avnet’s increased focus on the embedded software market, Avnet will also add products from two new suppliers to its Americas offering: InduSoft, an industry leader in leading-edge SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) software technology, and itSoftware, a software company offering innovative Windows security solutions.

“Avnet Embedded is committed to providing the right mix of products, services and support that work seamlessly to support our customers’ strategic growth objectives,” said Chuck Kostalnick, senior vice president, Avnet Embedded. “Expanding our embedded software services team and including software providers such as InduSoft and itSoftware enable our customers the opportunity to build best-in-class products that meet the demands of today’s user.”

Avnet’s embedded software and services group will provide advice on the various software options designed to differentiate and secure customers’ applications. As Microsoft’s leading embedded software partner, this team already has broad exposure to a wide range of product applications across distinct end markets and deep experience with all aspects of software and software development. This newly formed team of experts will assist Avnet’s customers in choosing and implementing the right software solutions to fit each unique need. Complementing Avnet’s own team are an extended team of service providers with developers who are ready to take on projects for implementation, auditing, testing, middleware and application layer solutions.

Avnet Embedded will also expand its portfolio of software providers to include InduSoft, a company that offers powerful HMI (human machine interface) and SCADA software for developing Windows®-based applications in industrial automation, instrumentation, OEE interfaces, dashboards, digital signage, and embedded systems. Through InduSoft’s software tools and technologies, personal computers, web browsers, and remote productivity devices such as cell phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are converted into industrial automation and test and measurement systems.

“InduSoft’s long-term expertise in providing software solutions to the industrial and embedded market, combined with Avnet’s strengths in providing a total hardware and service solution, offers a winning combination that enables Avnet to become a true, trusted advisor for customers,” said Marcia Gadbois, president of InduSoft.

To combat the surge of malware attacks against embedded systems, itSoftware developed proprietary technology that protects against even the most sophisticated threats. The itSoftware Security Suite is easy to maintain and eliminates the administrative hassle associated with constant security updates. It also integrates with Microsoft deployment technologies to simplify integration and maintenance. itSoftware solutions are well-suited for any device that handles sensitive information or uses software to control critical physical operations. Vulnerable devices include point-of-sale machines, medical devices, and digital signage.

“As a leader in the embedded market, Avnet Embedded plays a crucial role in assisting organizations with the development of their devices,” said Joseph Kovacic, chief executive officer, itSoftware. “Together, Avnet Embedded and itSoftware will increase adoption of the security technologies that are essential for modern devices.”