Media Contacts Kelly Caraher CDW-G Public Relations 847-968-0729 kellyc@cdw.com Gail Repsher Emery O'Keeffe & Company 301-789-5340 gemery@okco.com CDW-G Launches Mass Notification Toolkit New Web Site Provides Practical Guidance on Emergency Alert System Implementation, Marketing and Sign-up Challenges VERNON HILLS, Ill. - March 2, 2009 - CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation and leading source of Information Technology (IT) to governments and educators, today launched its Mass Notification Toolkit, a Web site providing practical guidance on implementation, marketing and sign-up challenges associated with the deployment of mass notification systems. The Mass Notification Toolkit builds upon CDW-G's 2008 study, "This is a Test - This is Only a Test: Updating America's Emergency Alert Infrastructure," which found that one-third of U.S. residents have no knowledge of or experience with their local emergency notification program. In addition to the awareness gap, the study also identified a deep divide between how Americans communicate today and how local governments disseminate emergency information. While wireless subscribers in America are at an all-time high and 1 billion text messages are sent by U.S. residents daily, local governments still relay information largely via television and radio, which require access to electricity that may not be available during emergencies. The Mass Notification Toolkit provides insight on the most important elements in establishing an effective mass notification system: Who needs to be involved in system development What a mass notification system IT infrastructure looks like What notification system features are available How to craft effective mass notification messages How to increase constituent participation in mass notification systems "CDW-G's 'This is a Test' report revealed a disconnect between the information citizens want and their awareness of how to get it, and between the advanced notification systems available today and the comparatively old-fashioned methods on which many local governments and schools still rely to transmit emergency information," said Chris Rother, group vice president, public sector, CDW-G. "In response, many local governments, K-12 school districts and higher education institutions asked how they could reach their constituents more effectively. The Mass Notification Toolkit is designed to provide that guidance." During a crisis, technology plays a pivotal role by linking an institution's communications and technology infrastructure with a comprehensive emergency response strategy. Mass notification systems allow officials to immediately notify stakeholders via multiple means including phone calls, emails, text messages, instant messages, loudspeakers and digital signage. CDW-G's Mass Notification Toolkit will assist local governments, schools and higher education institutions in analyzing their current capabilities and planning improvements in system operation, system promotion and stakeholder coordination. The CDW-G Mass Notification Toolkit is online at www.cdwg.com/massnotification. The "This is a Test" study, with comparisons of major metropolitan areas, is available for download and review at www.cdwg.com/alerts. About CDW-G A wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation, ranked No. 34 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies, CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G) is a leading provider of technology solutions for federal, state and local government agencies, as well as educational institutions at all levels. The company features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company's technology specialists and engineers offer expertise in designing customized solutions, while its advanced technology engineers can assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus include notebooks, desktops, printers, servers and storage, unified communications, security, wireless, power and cooling, networking, software licensing and mobility solutions. For more information about CDW-G product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.800.808.4239, email cdwgsales@cdwg.com or visit the CDW-G Web site at CDWG.com.