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Arrow Launches New Features to Online Search Engine– Greater Access to Product Data, Improved Efficiency– MELVILLE, N.Y. – Apr. 23, 2009 –Arrow Electronics, Inc. now offers new online features providing greater access to product data and simplifying the search and ordering process within its expansive electronic components database. Building on the strength of FAST (Microsoft), Arrow’s new parts search engine, the enhancements represent the next step to provide greater tools and information via Arrow’s online resources. “In the development of these new tools, Arrow surveyed a global audience of over 10,000 purchasing and engineering professionals to better understand how we can reach and support them, both online and offline,” said Martin Rohde, vice president of eBusiness for Arrow Electronics. “Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we will continue to work together with our customers in the months ahead to further fine-tune our eBusiness offerings.” The new features, now live at components.arrow.com, include online access to manufacturer part change notifications (PCNs), which provide critical, up-to-the-minute information such as end-of-life notifications and updates on environmental compliance data. When searching parts, customers can now download the most current PCN in a .pdf format across Arrow’s broad portfolio of parts. With Arrow’s PCN database updated daily, customers can be assured they are receiving the most current, up-to-date product data. Additionally, Arrow now offers enhanced guided navigation enabling customers to search for parts based on supplier or product categories. In addition to keyword searching, customers can narrow their search requirements quicker and more effectively with guided navigation. “The recent rollout of FAST is enabling us to offer greater resources and increased efficiencies for customers,” Rohde said. “As a distribution partner, Arrow actively identifies new ways to simplify the jobs of our valued customers. We invite their feedback so that we can continue to offer enhanced online resources attuned to their needs.” Launched in fall of 2008, FAST offers enhanced site functionality, a greater range of user options and improved search speed and accuracy. Since the launch, search effectiveness on components.arrow.com has increased by 75 percent - giving customers faster, easier access to Arrow’s expansive parts database with readily available product and inventory data, enhanced filtering and cross-referencing capabilities. Customers are sharing positive insights on the upgrades to Arrow’s search engine, commenting on the advanced search functions and ease-of-use. “Arrow offers a very simple, yet powerful tool that enables in-depth analysis without even picking up the phone,” said a buyer for Creation Technologies in Mississauga, Ontario. “Seeing the standard lead time is essential and saves me time and work,” says Karen Kelly, NPI buyer for Micro Power Electronics in Redmond, Wash. “This has always required either a phone call or e-mail to ask the question.” Richard Hosner, buyer for Time Domain Corp. in Huntsville, Ala. adds, “Thanks for making it easy.” Visit components.arrow.com for more information, to provide feedback or to take a tour of Arrow’s new and improved search features. About Arrow Electronics, Inc. Arrow Electronics (www.arrow.com) is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for approximately 800 suppliers and 130,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 340 locations in 53 countries and territories. Contacts
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