Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW'S Average Daily Sales Increase 11.2 Percent In October 2004 VERNON HILLS, Ill. - November 9, 2004 - CDW Corporation (NASDAQ: CDWC), a leading provider of technology products and services to business, government and education, today announced average daily sales for October 2004 were $23.712 million, an increase of 11.2 percent compared to average daily sales of $21.321 million for October 2003. Total sales for October 2004 were $498 million based on 21 billing days. Total sales for October 2003 were $490 million based on 23 billing days. October 2004 results represent the first full month, year-over-year comparison that includes sales from the Micro Warehouse transactions, which were completed in September 2003. Both the corporate and public sector segments generated solid growth in October 2004. Product categories that achieved year-over-year double digit unit volume growth for the month included notebook CPUs, desktop CPUs, server CPUs, software, and data storage. "We are pleased with our average daily sales growth of 11.2 percent, which we believe outpaced the market. Our success is a result of the ongoing efforts of CDW coworkers to provide our customers with the very best the industry has to offer," said John A. Edwardson, chairman and chief executive officer. "We will continue to focus on gaining market share and growing profitably." The Company plans to announce November 2004 sales on Wednesday, December 8, 2004, after the market closes. November 2003 had 19 billing days and November 2004 will have 21 billing days. Forward Looking Statement Any forward-looking statements contained in this release are based on the Company's beliefs and expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which may have a significant impact on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition. Should any risk or uncertainty materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors affecting the Company's business and prospects are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About CDW CDW® (Nasdaq: CDWC), ranked No. 376 on the FORTUNE 500, is a leading provider of technology products and services for business, government and education. CDW is a principal source of technology from top name brands such as APC, Apple, Cisco, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Sony, Symantec, Toshiba and ViewSonic. CDW distributes contracts to end users for customized and standardized on-site services supplied directly by providers such as HP Services and Unisys and for training programs provided by firms such as KnowledgeNet and Productivity Point International. CDW was founded in 1984 as a home-based business and today employs approximately 3,700 coworkers. In 2003, the company generated net sales of approximately $4.7 billion. CDW's direct model offers one-on-one relationships with knowledgeable account managers; purchasing by telephone, fax, the company's award-winning CDW.com Web site, customized CDW@work™ extranets, CDWG.com Web site and macwarehouse.com Web site; custom configured solutions and same day shipping; and pre- and post-sales technical support, with more than 100 factory-trained and A+ certified technicians on staff. Additional information can be found by visiting CDW.com.