MSI Systems Integrators (MSI) Fosters Innovation as an IBM Premier Business Partner

[Omaha, Neb. - September 22, 2004] - MSI Systems Integrators (MSI), a leading solution provider of comprehensive hardware, software and services, announces its tenth year of integrating IT systems for organizations. What began as a small IT systems integrator based in Omaha, NE has grown to a fully certified IBM Premier Business Partner, covering more than 20 states, achieving more than $164 million in annual revenue and employing more than 215 people.

MSI's growth is attributed to its open-book management philosophy. The philosophy follows the 'Great Game of Business' concept that takes the leap in employee ownership and empowering its staff when focusing on building a financially sound, strong business. In 2003, MSI achieved the Great Game of Business All Star Finalist Award and was recognized for extraordinary business practices and performance. In the last two years alone, MSI was honored with two "Best Places to Work" designations, one for its corporate headquarters in Omaha, Neb, the other at its Kansas City location.

"We're thrilled to see our philosophy in action. Achieving these designations speaks for itself," said Jim Simpson, president and CEO, MSI Systems Integrators.

MSI Fosters Innovation

Over the years, MSI's strategic position as a leader in innovative technology solutions have earned the company designations such as IBM's Americas Business Partner Leadership Award and the IBM Business Partner Top Star Award for Healthcare and Life Sciences. In 2004, MSI was again named to VARBusiness 500 for the 7th consecutive year, an exclusive ranking of the top value-added resellers (VARS) and integrators in North America.

As an IBM Business Partner, MSI is responsible for building the first Technology Enablement Center (TEC) and the first Business Partner Innovation Center with multiple sites. These solution labs contain hardware and software technologies from IBM, McDATA and other industry leaders. Since then, IBM and its Business Partners have followed MSI's technological lead. MSI currently has TECs in Omaha, Minneapolis and Kansas City and by the end of 2005, three more TECs will be added to the St. Louis, Des Moines and Portland offices.

"Our technological strength is evident through our TECs and employees. Forty-five percent of MSI staff are engineers and solutions architects," said Jim Simpson, president and CEO.

MSI's systems engineering staff completed the rigorous training required for industry certifications. MSI staff holds a total of 437 professional certifications for the IT industry. MSI continues to re-invest 6.2 percent of its annual earnings in ongoing training, job skill development and formal industry education.

MSI Expansion and Solutions Focus

MSI's recent growth included expanding to the western United States this spring, including a full staff of engineers, architects, sales and administration housed in Portland, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. The expansion follows the MSI focus of on demand solutions for business processes - driving optimal IT performance through an organizations' entire operating structure.

"Our goal has always been to simplify IT for companies whose organizational priority is controlling costs while being more responsive to their own customer needs," said Phil Sauvageau, chief operating officer. "Implementing the right solution means assessing IT environments and customizing the solution to fit the particular business goal."

About MSI Systems Integrators

MSI Systems Integrators helps companies make their businesses better by providing IT optimization, enterprise security, unified communications, business intelligence, business integration, business continuity, content management and open source solutions. A leading provider of hardware, software and services, MSI has deep technical skills and partners with technology leaders such as Symantec, HP, IBM, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, and VMware to provide world-class business solutions that help companies be more responsive, productive and resilient. MSI is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska with offices throughout the United States. For more information about MSI, please visit www.msiinet.com or call 800-640-4674, extension 2394.

For more information, press only:
Teresa Mardesen
MSI Systems Integrators
(800) 640-4674, x2394
tmardesen@msiinet.com

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