Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW Adds Microsoft Large Account Licensing Agreements to Meet IT Buyers' Growing Needs LAR status gives CDW customers more pricing models for software licensing (Note: LAR does not apply to Canada) VERNON HILLS, Ill. - July 12, 1999 - CDW Computer Centers Inc. (NASDAQ: CDWC), the country's leading direct solutions provider, is stepping up its Microsoft licensing offerings to meet the growing needs of its customers. With CDW's new status as one of Microsoft's Large Account Resellers (LAR), IT buyers with more than 500 desktops can now turn to CDW for all their hardware and software needs. In addition to CDW's already competitive pricing, customers now get volume pricing options and access to Microsoft Select 4.0 and Enterprise agreements. At CDW, customers find a dedicated division of account managers trained to help them address their software and licensing needs. And after the sale, CDW continues its service with toll-free technical support - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - from CDW's more than 70 Microsoft certified technicians, including 12 Microsoft Certified System Engineers. As the No. 1 Direct Marketing Reseller of Microsoft products and licensing agreements, more IT buyers turn to CDW to purchase Microsoft products and licensing than any other direct marketing source. "Looking for hardware, software and licensing is now one-step easier with CDW's one-stop model," said Greg Zeman, CDW president. "As a Microsoft LAR, we now have more tools to help our customers-large and small-find the licensing options and complete solutions they need." CDW's business, once dominated by small-to medium-sized businesses, has continued to expand into larger accounts, as the company's customers continue to grow their businesses. In fact, the company's networking and communications product sales increased 56 percent in the first quarter of 1999, over the first quarter of 1998. "We are pleased to have CDW join us by offering this next level of licensing services to its broad and growing base of commercial customers," said Wayne Hoover, Microsoft director of U.S. Channel Sales. "Our quality products and their quality service and support make a winning combination." About CDW CDW® (NASDAQ: CDWC) is the country's leading direct solutions provider, offering complete, customized computing solutions for businesses and consumers nationwide. With competitive prices on a selection of thousands of brand name computer products, CDW is the No. 1 authorized direct source of Compaq, Computer Associates, IBM, Microsoft, Toshiba and other top name brands. Celebrating its 15th anniversary year, CDW was founded in 1984 as a one-man, home-based business and today employs more than 1,600 coworkers whose efforts generated net sales of $1.9 billion for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 1999. CDW's pioneering direct model offers personalized expertise through one-on-one relationships with highly-trained, knowledgeable account managers; telephone and online purchasing; custom configured solutions; customized financing solutions; next day shipping; and lifetime phone and online technical support, with more than 60 factory-trained and A+ certified technicians on staff. For more information About CDW's products and services, call 800-797-4239 or visit the award-winning e-commerce Web site at www.cdw.com. For media inquiries or general company information, please call CDW's media relations at 888-CDW-7040. Additional information can be found by visiting CDW.com.