SCSC ScanSource Inc

ScanSource, Inc., (Nasdaq:SCSC), a leading international value-added distributor of specialty technology products, has announced major additions and enhancements to its RFID Edge (TM) program designed to help solution providers be successful in selling, installing and supporting RFID solutions. In addition to the RFID Edge website, an online RFID educational resource introduced in October 2004 and located at www.scansource.com/rfidedge, the program now includes a hands-on RFID qualification course, an RFID laboratory and demonstration center, the RFID Solution Partner Program, RFID Professional Services, an RFID Solutions Engineering Team, and a dedicated RFID Help Desk. As a result, solution providers can now receive assistance in every phase of the RFID process, from the beginning stages of learning about RFID all the way through actual RFID system installations and post-sale support. As a centralized source for training, technical support, business development and more, RFID Edge brings efficiencies and economies of scale to solution providers that will reduce training costs and increase the pool of qualified RFID solution providers throughout the channel. The enhanced additions to the ScanSource RFID Edge program are as follows: -- Weeklong Qualification Course - Eligible solution providers can participate in an RFID qualification course that will be taught in conjunction with leading RFID manufacturers in a classroom setting at ScanSource's 371,000-square-foot Distribution Center in Memphis, TN. The program makes it easier for solution providers to get certified to sell and install RFID products by providing them with a single location for continuing the education process and will dramatically reduce the number of manufacturer certification programs that they are required to attend. Graduates of the program will be prepared to take any further steps necessary to be certified to sell products from a variety of leading vendors. Most vendors will require no further coursework to be certified to resell product. Classes will be held monthly beginning in August. -- RFID Lab and Demo Center - Also located in the Memphis Distribution Center, the world-class RFID Laboratory and Demonstration Center will offer hands-on instruction in RFID solutions, allowing ScanSource customers to work with the technology and see first-hand how it operates. The lab is primarily for the hands-on portion of the qualification course. In addition, it will serve as a demonstration center for course graduates to display their own RFID solutions to end-user customers and will be available for compliance testing and tag placement services. -- RFID Solution Partner Program - Through the new RFID Solution Partner Program, ScanSource can help resellers offer complete, turnkey end-to-end solutions to their customers by linking them up with independent software vendors (ISVs) or a select group of integration partners who can assist them in delivering an RFID system. These partnerships will address all segments of RFID opportunities and will range from closed-loop and basic compliance applications all the way to enterprise RFID enablement solutions. -- RFID Professional Services - Resellers with qualified opportunities will have access to services such as RFID site surveys, compliance testing and tag placement, solution implementation design and planning, and client consulting. -- Solutions Engineering Team -This highly trained team of experts will be dedicated to helping graduates of the RFID Edge course successfully close business and support installations of RFID products. The team will assist solution providers in developing an RFID business plan, can be on-site during a graduate's first installation, and will provide telephone support for future implementations. -- Dedicated Help Desk - The RFID Edge Help Desk will assist solution providers in answering pre- and post-sale questions about RFID technologies. "We have designed the RFID Edge program to assist solution providers from the earliest stages of getting educated about RFID all the way through certification, installation and post-sale support," said Greg Dixon, chief technology officer, ScanSource, Inc. "We've created a single, centralized source for RFID qualification and hands-on training that will allow our customers to be confident with complete RFID solutions. RFID Edge is more than training. It's a comprehensive program that can help solution providers make RFID a permanent part of their business strategy for the future." In an effort to further champion RFID's adoption in the channel, ScanSource has become a member of the CompTIA RFID+ certification Cornerstone Committee, which sets the standards by which an individual's competency in RFID is measured. As a member of the Cornerstone Committee, ScanSource helps to determine the qualifications needed to become RFID+ certified, as well as the types of employment certified individuals can expect to qualify for. Greg Dixon is vice chairman of the committee. CompTIA is the leading global IT trade association with influence in all areas of the IT industry worldwide. About ScanSource, Inc. ScanSource, Inc. is a leading international distributor of specialty technology products, including automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) and point-of-sale (POS) products through its ScanSource sales unit; Avaya communications products through its Catalyst Telecom sales unit; communications products from Intel and NEC through its Paracon sales unit; and electronic security products through its ScanSource Security Distribution unit. The Company serves the North America marketplace and has an international segment, which sells AIDC and POS products in Latin America and Europe. Founded in 1992, the Company markets products from more than 100 technology manufacturers to over 16,000 value-added technology resellers and is committed to empowering them with tools and services designed to help them grow. For more information, call the toll-free sales telephone number at 800.944.2432 or visit www.scansource.com.