Story Filed: Monday, December 13, 1999 10:15 AM EST

FREMONT, Calif., Dec 13, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In response to growing demand from Apple resellers for touch-based kiosk solutions, Elo TouchSystems Inc., a global leader in touch technology, has signed a distribution agreement with Pinacor Inc., a leading distributor of technology products and services.

Pinacor can now supply its resellers with both regular iMac computers from Apple Computer Inc. as well as iMac with iTouch from Elo. Elo is authorized as an Apple Direct Value Added Reseller (DVAR). The iMac with iTouch is the only kiosk-ready touch solution in the industry that preserves 100 percent of the iMac's image quality.

"Elo is the recognized leader in supplying touch solutions to the kiosk market," says Emily Liggett, president of Elo TouchSystems. "Pinacor has established its own outstanding reputation for delivering market-leading technology products and innovative services to more than 2,000 Apple resellers, VARs, dealers and systems integrators. By combining our strengths, we are able to broaden the product offering and provide Apple resellers with a single source for all their iMac purchasing needs, simplifying and reducing their administrative costs."

     iMac with iTouch: A Great Interactive Kiosk

In April this year, Elo introduced its new iTouch "touch-on-tube" surface wave technology on the iMac, marking a major breakthrough for kiosk solutions. iTouch technology transforms the CRT itself into a touch sensor, allowing 100 percent light transmission, resulting in the highest quality image possible. Durability, important for the public access environment, is improved greatly because the CRT faceplate is stronger than even a bonded touchscreen overlay.

"Because of iMac's stunning design, outstanding graphics and gorgeous screen, Elo's iTouch technology can turn the world's best consumer computer into a great interactive display solution," says Chris Lincoln, national business development manager at Apple Computer.

     Pinacor: Providing Interactive Display Solutions

"It's an integral part of Pinacor's distribution strategy to expand its solutions matrix in response to customer demand. We definitely see a market demand for interactive displays and kiosks," says Mike Seigfried, Pinacor's vice president of product marketing. "We have a very strong Apple reseller base that turns to us to meet its needs. Part of our Macintosh strategy is very much solutions marketing-based, so our resellers don't have to shop for all these products. Our relationship with Elo complements this strategy perfectly because their strength in the kiosk market helps us provide one-stop shopping solutions for our customers."

Opportunities for interactive displays exist in retail, real estate offices, car dealerships, cyber cafes, museums, trade show exhibits and many more applications. At the annual Pinacor Apple Reseller Forum, held November 4-7, 1999 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Elo's iMac with iTouch was voted by the resellers as "Best of Show."

"We all came away from the Pinacor forum really excited about selling Elo's iMac with iTouch," says Michael Koidahl, president of Westwind Computing. "We are convinced it is exactly the product we need to provide our customers with in order to penetrate the kiosk market. Now that Pinacor and Elo are working together, the future can only get brighter for Apple resellers like Westwind."

     About Pinacor, Inc.

Pinacor provides market-leading technology products and innovative services to resellers, VARs, dealers, and systems integrators from industry-leading suppliers. With a suite of technical, financial and account management benefits, the company offers convenient, simple and efficient services to more than 25,000 resellers. Using electronic commerce to streamline the delivery of efficient technology solutions and services, the company supports customers worldwide from strategic hubs in the United States and Latin America.

Pinacor has more than 20 years of experience in the information technology distribution channel and was founded as part of MicroAge, Inc., a Fortune 500 provider of global technology solutions. Based in Tempe, Ariz., the company is the third largest technology distributor in the United States and has a growing presence in Latin America. The company reported FY 98 revenue of $5 billion.

     About Elo TouchSystems, Inc.

Elo TouchSystems, Inc., global leader in touch technology, develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of touch products that simplify the interface between people and computers. Founded in 1971, Elo has headquarters in Fremont, California and offices worldwide. For more information on Elo's products and services, call 1-800-ELOTOUCH (1-800-356-8682) or visit Web site at http://www.elotouch.com.

Note to Editors: iTouch is a trademark of Elo TouchSystems, Inc. iMac, Macintosh and Apple are trademarks of Apple Computer. All other products and company names referred to herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.

Copyright (C) 1999 Business Wire. All rights reserved.

Distributed via COMTEX.

 
CONTACT: Pacifico, Inc. (for Elo TouchSystems)
Maritza Maldonado, 408/293-8600, Ext. 317
[email protected]
or
Pinacor, Inc.
Sonia Bovio, 480/366-7919
[email protected]

Newsbit furnished by:

A: NetShift Software Ltd.
A: Hughenden Yard, Marlborough, Wilts,SN8 1LT, UK
T: +44 (0)1672 511 094
F: +44 (0)1672 511 078
E: [email protected]
W: www.netshift.com

Thanks Anna!