Partner Press Release
Sterling Commerce Enables RosettaNet-Based Information Exchange For Future Electronics And Pioneer-Standard

Sterling Commerce Furthers its Commitment to Ongoing Development of RosettaNet Standard

For Release October 10, 2000

SAN FRANCISCO

Sterling Commerce, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC), today announced it has enabled Pioneer-Standard Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: PIOS) and Future Electronics to successfully complete critical e-business transactions with key business partners using the RosettaNet standard. The implementations mark Sterling Commerce's successful completion of RosettaNet's 10.10.2000 goals. The announcement was made at RosettaNet's EConcert meeting in San Francisco.

Sterling Commerce provided the two leading electronics companies with an XML-based e-business integration solution using the RosettaNet standard. The solutions empower Future Electronics and Pioneer Standard to expand their e-business communities and introduce flexible, collaborative processes with business partners. Both companies are exchanging critical business information such as purchase order requests and acceptances.

"We are attuned to the value that e-business technology brings to our company," Art Rhein, president and COO, Pioneer-Standard Electronics Inc. and RosettaNet Electronic Component (EC) Board Member. "RosettaNet will enable us to further harness the global reach of the Internet and introduce highly flexible processes into our e-business programs. It made sense for us to select Sterling Commerce because of their reputation as a leading e-business solutions provider."

Bob Spence, project manager for Future Electronics noted, "We realized the benefits that RosettaNet XML-based messaging standard bring to our overall e-business strategy. We chose Sterling Commerce because they have been leaders in solving critical business problems."

Sterling Commerce is a solution partner of RosettaNet, an independent, self-funded, non-profit consortium dedicated to the development and deployment of standard e-business interfaces to align the processes among supply chain partners globally. The RosettaNet XML messaging standard provides a common language, enabling companies of all sizes to reach out via the Internet to business partners and expand electronic supply chain processes. EConcert, a RosettaNet term for its implementation initiative, encompasses the deployment of e-business standards such as Partner Interface Processes (PIPs), which define business processes between supply-chain partners, providing the models and documents for the implementation of standards.

"With our leadership experience providing e-business integration solutions globally for major worldwide companies including Wal-Mart, Pfizer and Daimler-Chrysler, we view RosettaNet as a critical strategic initiative both for Sterling Commerce and for our customers," said Brad Sharp, president and chief executive officer, Sterling Commerce. "As a leading e-business solutions provider, we're well-positioned to help Pioneer-Standard and Future Electronics and other customers implement and take full advantage of all RosettaNet Partner Interface Processes (PIPs) to enhance business-process efficiencies and maximize supply-chain effectiveness."

About Future Electronics
Future Electronics is a world-class leader and innovator in the marketing and distribution of semiconductors and passive, interconnect and electro-mechanical components. The company is also the world's largest capacitor distributor. Founded in 1968, the privately-held company has emerged as one of the most important entities in the electronics distribution industry and is recognized as a world leader, operating in more than 100 major market centers in North and South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Based in Montreal, Canada, the company employs over 5,500 employees in 220 offices in 35 countries around the world. For more information, visit the Future Electronics Web site at www.futureelectronics.com.

About Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc.
Pioneer-Standard is an international distributor of electronic components and computer systems, with revenues of $2.6 billion. Pioneer-Standard's Industrial Electronics Division provides a comprehensive offering of semiconductors, ICs, embedded computing solutions, passive components, interconnects, electromechanical products, power products and more. The company's Computer Systems Division is one of the largest distributors of mid-range computer solutions, selling through its distribution arm, KeyLink Systems, and its Enterprise Sales Group. Pioneer-Standard has operations throughout North America, and worldwide distribution to Asia and Europe through its equity investments in World Peace Industrial Co., Ltd. (WPI), headquartered in Taiwan, and Eurodis Electron PLC, headquartered in the U.K.

Additional information about Pioneer and its global operations can be found at www.MyPioneer.com.

About Sterling Commerce
Sterling Commerce, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC), is a worldwide leading provider of e-business solution for the Global 5000 and their commerce communities. The company provides a comprehensive suite of software and services designed to support the interaction of customers, suppliers, business partners and employees through its e-marketplace, e-business integration and e-business consulting solutions. For more information, visit the Sterling Commerce Web site at www.sterlingcommerce.com.