ELSA Signs Distribution Deal with Tech Data

Leading International Distributor Tech Data to Handle High-End Video Graphic Cards from ELSA, Inc.

San Jose, CA -- May 19, 1997 -- Video graphics pioneer ELSA, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement with Tech Data Corporation for the North American distribution of its professional, high-end GLoria and WINNER 3000 lines of video graphics boards. This agreement will allow Tech Data, a leading international distributor of personal computer products, to expand its high-end, professional graphic hardware offerings. The deal will also include ELSA's program of aggressive value-added reseller promotions to VARs across the continent. The agreement is effective immediately; financial details were not disclosed.

ELSA, Inc., which has developed all of its GLoria cards with advanced, custom developed drivers for heightened performance, sees conditions as ideal for expanding the presence of its cards and drivers for the professional 2D and 3D markets.

"ELSA graphics cards are a good fit for a broad range of fast-growing markets," said Tech Data's Jeff Marinangel, Vice President of Peripherals Product Marketing. "We see an excellent opportunity in high-performance applications ranging from 3D graphics, CAD and modeling to desktop publishing, document imaging and animation."

ELSA signed with Tech Data in response to VAR requests for ELSA's professional, workstation-based graphics cards. ELSA management responded quickly, acknowledging the move would allow them to reach a burgeoning market of value-added resellers of graphics, CAD and imaging solutions. "We're very pleased the high-end, professional graphics market continues to recognize ELSA's advanced video accelerator technology. We are targeting these users through our OEM relationship with Compaq and now, our newly expanded VAR presence," said Thomas Neubert, VP/General Manager of ELSA, Inc. "There is no doubt that the advanced demands of today's sophisticated graphics software require the high performance peripherals ELSA provides."

Video graphics cards to be distributed by Tech Data include ELSA Inc.'s high-end GLoria-L card, which upgrades Intel or DEC-Alpha Windows NT systems into high-end 3D workstations. The GLoria-L, which offers combined 2D and 3D performance, is designed for applications like 3D Studio MAX, Softimage 3D, AutoCAD, 3D authoring, virtual reality with texture mapping and many other advanced, 3D applications. Tech Data will make available the ELSA WINNER 3000 graphics accelerator cards, which are outfitted with the latest in technology in 2D and 3D graphics for CAD and DTP applications. All GLoria cards are equipped with proprietary, custom developed drivers for heightened performance.

Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ: TECD) is a leading distributor of personal computer products serving more than 55,000 value-added resellers and retail dealers throughout the United States, France, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. A Fortune 500 company with sales in its most recent fiscal year ended January 31, 1997 of $4.6 billion. Tech Data offers comprehensive product lines in software, networking and communications, mass storage, peripherals and computer systems. In addition to distributing more than 45,000 products from over 900 manufacturers and publishers, Tech Data provides extensive pre-sale and post-sale training, service and support.

Company Information:

ELSA Inc. is a subsidiary of ELSA AG, a company based in Aachen, Germany. Founded in 1980, ELSA has built a world-class reputation in high-performance 2D and 3D graphics solutions in addition to a wide ranging ISDN and videoconferencing product family.

ELSA is a registered trademark of ELSA, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks previously cited are hereby acknowledged and recognized.