Partner Press Release
Viking Components Joins RosettaNet to Improve Global Efficiency of IT Supply Chain

For Release June 7, 1998

Rancho Santa Margarita -- Viking Components, one of the world's leading manufacturers of computer memory, flash and modem products, today announced its support of RosettaNet, a global initiative to adopt common business processes to advance IT supply chain interaction worldwide. The goal of the organization is to enable businesses to operate more effectively.

"Viking is already active in electronic commerce utilizing EDI, PcOrder.com, customized configuration tools and online ordering through key customers," said Finney Gilbert, vice president of worldwide marketing, Viking Components. "As a user and supporter of e-commerce, we believe RosettaNet will become a strong foundation for the establishment of future purchasing channels within the IT industry."

RosettaNet is supported by industry-leading manufacturers, resellers, distributors, financial institutions, software publishers, shippers, and logistics companies. As a RosettaNet Partner, Viking is responsible for contributing its expertise to define new business processes and to help identify existing ones that should be adopted into the supply chain. Viking will also be responsible for promoting and implementing the agreed upon business processes through its own company and IT supply chain partners. The structure of the organization includes a managing board of directors and four individual group partners: architect, coalition, execution, and solution.

Viking is currently a member of the Architect Partner group. As an Architect Partner, Viking will provide technological expertise and contribute to the standards development process by voting to approve standards specifications, and championing them within the industry.

"We are very pleased to have secured executive ownership for this endeavor from such key influencers in the IT supply chain," said Fadi Chehadé, CEO of RosettaNet. "This executive ownership, which stems from the clear understanding of the need for standards and their ensuing business impact, is our strongest guarantee that RosettaNet business processes will cross the chasm for specifications to widespread implementation."