ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov 14, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions (ECS), a comprehensive solutions channel enabler for more than 4,000 computer resellers and solution providers, has been named the No. 1 "Most Sourced Specialty Distributor" in the 2006 Sourcing Study by CRN, an industry trade publication, announced M. Catherine Morris, president of Arrow ECS.

"In a survey of nearly 2,000 solution providers, Arrow ECS was the most often cited specialty distributor, or channel manager, that partners have purchased from in the past year," said Morris. "The fact that solution providers repeatedly give us their business is a testament to Arrow ECS' ability to not only meet the needs of our partners but also identify new opportunities in the IT marketplace to help grow their business."

Arrow ECS also ranked highest in "business management planning/support" services when solution providers were asked to cite their primary reason for doing business with each of the companies from which they purchase. Anticipating the growing trend among solution providers toward offering solutions to business IT end-user needs, as opposed to hardware reselling, Arrow ECS has been at the forefront of providing solutions-focused services to resellers and solutions providers. In addition to being an authorized channel manager for the world's leading hardware and software vendors -- including Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sun Microsystems, EMC, NetApp, Hitachi, BEA Systems, Computer Associates, and others -- Arrow ECS also offers comprehensive services to help partners grow their business.

Arrow ECS' value-added services include solutions centers offering hand's on equipment testing with certified engineers and opportunities to create demonstrations for end-users; financial services and support; quote, order management and licensing tools; education support and training programs; and proactive contract renewal notification system.

Now in its 21st year of tracking purchasing trends among IT solution providers, the CRN Sourcing Study is the most respected and comprehensive study of its kind in the industry. The 2006 study was conducted online in August 2006 and included purchasers of small, medium and large resellers and system integrators.

About CRN

CRN provides Solution Providers and Technology Integrators with the crucial information and analysis they need to drive their company's sales. As an advocate for and voice of the Channel, Solution Providers turn to CRN first for immediate information. With more than 20 years of experience, CRN is the most trusted source for 117,000 channel professionals. CRN can be found on the Web at http://www.crn.com.

About Arrow ECS

Arrow ECS, a business unit of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW), provides enterprise and midrange computing products, services and solutions to value-added resellers, system integrators, and independent software vendors (ISVs). Based in Englewood, Colo., Arrow ECS connects its customers to an exclusive network of the world's foremost technology suppliers, including HP, IBM, Sun Microsystems, EMC, NetApp, Hitachi Data Systems, and other leading storage networking, software, and security suppliers. Arrow ECS reported $2.1 billion in worldwide computer products sales in 2005. Visit us at http://www.arrowecs.com.

SOURCE Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions

Media: Dawn Small, Communications Manager of Arrow ECS, +1-303-824-4188, dsmall@arrow.com

http://www.arrowecs.com