Open Seas PR: Ideal solution for SpyKiller distribution

Ideal solution for SpyKiller distribution

Market-leading data security product now available through Ideal

One of the top names in data security is now available from one of Europe's largest IT distributors, Ideal. SpyKiller, a hardware-based access and authentication system and the flagship product of Calyx, is to be one of the flagship products in Ideal's new specialist security division.

Rather than using the traditional username and password approach to authentication, something that has been proven time and again to be inherently flawed, SpyKiller uses codes embedded in a separate data device such as a smart card or e-token. Without the device in place, the protected machine will not boot up - whether it is an office-bound desktop or a notebook on the move. Real-time data encryption backs up this access control, making the data on a lost or stolen laptop completely unreadable.

Ideal, the UK subsidiary of Bell Microproducts Inc, already supplies hardware, software, storage solutions and high-end consultancy from over 100 market-leading companies such as HP/Compaq and Microsoft.

Data security is increasingly important in business, as companies' reliance on IT grows and the widespread use of portable data devices - such as laptops and PDAs - creates a potential security nightmare.

Alex Tatham, Vice President of Global Software at Bell Microproducts, said: "Security will be one of the most important issues facing business in 2003, and as such will be one of the biggest opportunities facing the channel in the coming months. Ideal has always been about helping businesses protect their valuable data and our major move into the security business should be seen as an extension of our excellence in data storage, back-up and recovery."

The SpyKiller system also incorporates a sophisticated software firewall protection screen, which can be customised by the user to block all unauthorised traffic to and from the Web. When used in combination with SpyKiller's other security features, the firewall makes it virtually impossible for hackers to gain access.

For more information about Calyx, please see www.calyxnetsecure.co.uk or visit the Ideal website at www.ideal.co.uk

About Ideal
Ideal is the UK subsidiary of the world's largest storage-centric, value-added distributor, Bell Microproducts Inc. Ideal's product portfolio includes a comprehensive range of data storage, systems, software and services solutions from over 80 market leading IT vendors including HP/Compaq and Microsoft.

In 2001, Ideal divided its business into Volume, Enterprise and Services to provide added focus to the reseller channel, delivering the support of two separate, specialist sales solutions - Ideal and Ideal Enterprise Solutions.

The Ideal volume business continues to focus on delivering value to the channel for HDD, NAS, Tape, Optical, mass storage and components. Ideal Enterprise Solutions supports resellers in the management of customers' enterprise storage and complex networking requirements, from conceptualisation through to installation and includes systems, software and LDI (License Desk on the internet).

In 2001, Ideal was awarded Storage Distributor of the Year for the third consecutive year.

About Bell Microproducts
Bell Microproducts is an international, value-added provider of a wide range of high-technology products, solutions, and services to the industrial and commercial markets. The company is an industry-recognized specialist in storage products and is one of the world's largest storage-centric value-added distributors with offices in the Americas and Europe. More information can be found in the company's SEC filings, or by visiting the Bell Microproducts Web site at www.bellmicro.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current views of future events and financial performance, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or facts to differ materially from such statements for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: the ability to successfully integrate the operations of recent acquisitions, industry conditions, changes in product supply, pricing, and customer demand, competition, other vagaries in the computer and electronic components markets, changes in relationships with key suppliers, foreign currency fluctuations and the other risks described from time to time in the Company's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K). Investors should take such risks into account when making investment decisions. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.