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Fusion Bolsters Anti-Counterfeit Protection With High-Tech Quality Lab

Industry's Most Advanced In-House Screening and Analysis Lab to Address Electronics Supply Chain's Greatest Foe

To further protect against the increasing volume of counterfeit electronics components entering into the supply chain, Fusion, a global independent distributor of electronic components, has invested heavily in a new Anti-Counterfeit Screening and Analysis Laboratory. The lab -- the most advanced among independent distributors -- enables Fusion to conduct both destructive and non-destructive screening and analysis, supplementing its rigorous quality and inspection processes already in place.

The announcement of the lab's opening comes on the heels of Fusion meeting the stringent membership requirements of The Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA). In its ongoing efforts to protect customers and thwart counterfeiters, Fusion has employed anti-counterfeit screening equipment and procedures within each of its worldwide Quality Hubs, all of which are ANSI ESD 20.20-certified. Inspections conducted at all of the Quality Hubs are conducted by IDEA-certified inspectors only.

Among the new analytical equipment contained in the lab are:

--  Real-time X-Ray Imaging System: allows inspectors to analyze and
    photograph die and lead frames; compare to confirmed good samples; and
    check wire bonds, look for void defects and detect moisture penetration

--  Decapsulation Machine: exposes the interior of the chips allowing for
    inspection with the high-power microscope

--  High-power (2000x) Optical Microscopy: allows for observation of parts
    under both light and dark field contrast to observe any type of handling
    and rework markings; and for comparison to confirmed good samples
    

"As counterfeiters get increasingly more sophisticated, accordingly, it's even more imperative for us to know and trust that the components we utilize in our products are authentic," said Kamran Mohajer, Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Cisco Systems. "As a standard, Fusion continuously pursues and employs the latest technologies and methods to insure its products are not bogus and/or are of poor quality. This is the only way to beat the counterfeiters at their game. It brings much assurance and peace of mind for us."

The new lab's screening and analysis capabilities supplement rigorous quality and inspection processes Fusion already has in place:

--  Highest Global Sourcing Standards: 5-phase vendor verification
    process; vendor rating system; and site audits

--  21-Point Receiving Inspection Process: components are documented;
    meticulously audited; stored in a climate-controlled, ESD-compliant
    warehouse

--  Counterfeit Avoidance Program: 100% traceability utilizing database
    comparisons and manufacturer specifications; certified inspectors; $10
    million errors and omissions insurance; monthly quality roundtable process

--  Global Logistics: worldwide, world-class shipping; established and
    documented procedures for packing/shipping; notification upon receipt of
    product
    

"It is essential, for all parties involved, that the products we distribute are authentic and of the highest quality," said Paul Romano, COO at Fusion. "We hope that our customers see our new Quality Lab, another step on top of the many rigid inspection and vendor protocol procedures we employ, as a testament to our unrelenting commitment to deliver superior customer service and the highest quality products."

Fusion has locations in the U.S., Amsterdam, Singapore and Hong Kong, and distributes a variety of electronics parts including CPU's, microprocessors, semiconductors, memory and storage components, and a wide range of computer products and peripherals. Highly regarded among the world's leading OEMs and CEMs, Fusion is one of the top independent electronics components suppliers on their preferred lists.

About Fusion:

Fusion is a global open market distributor of electronics components, computer products and peripherals. The company sources, procures and distributes for manufacturers of computer, telecommunications, automotive and consumer electronics equipment. Fusion takes extraordinary steps to insure its product authenticity and quality by employing rigorous inspection procedures, including screening and analysis in its new high-tech Quality Lab. Fusion is a member of IDEA, ERAI, and an associate member of the Intel Channel Partner Program. The company is ISO 9001:2000 and ANSI/ESD 20.20 certified. Additional information can be found at www.FusionTrade.com.