Please direct your media and public relations inquiries to: mediarelations@cdw.com 800-800-4CDW CDW-G Named as Preferred Reseller of Smart Card Technology to Department of Defense APRIVA to Provide New Smart Card "CAC" Readers for Wireless Devices to Meet Agency Requirement Vernon Hills, Ill. - March 23, 2004 - CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), the government and education subsidiary of CDW Corporation (Nasdaq: CDWC), today announced that it has been named by APRIVA, a leading developer of wireless applications, as the preferred solutions provider of its S6700 series Smart Card "CAC" readers, designed for the Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry Wireless Handheld™ devices. The readers provide access to applications on the BlackBerry such as secure email using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption technology stored on the smart card's memory chip. The Department of Defense (DoD) requires personnel to use Common Access Cards (CAC) to access all computer-related devices including wireless handheld PDAs. To utilize secure applications on the BlackBerry, users simply insert their smart card into APRIVA's reader, which attaches externally to the device, input their PIN number, then use the device as they would normally. "Making sure wireless devices are secure, especially for those who use them to protect and defend our nation, is a challenge in today's increasingly mobile world," said Jim Shanks, president of CDW-G. "CDW-G is proud to help the government implement this additional security layer." Currently, CDW-G services approximately 9,000 DoD BlackBerry users and is the only government-authorized dealer that can provide a wireless priority service access contract through T-Mobile. "In 2001 we were already selling an integrated barcode, mag stripe and Smart Card reader for the 857™ and 957™ devices," said Richard Spinella vice president of Government Solutions, APRIVA. "The DoD security needs required a unique combination of skills and experience in wireless security to engineer a specific Smart Card or "CAC" reader to meet the DoD requirements, which APRIVA was suited to provide." The S6700 is the second in a family of Smart Card readers built by APRIVA that accommodates DoD needs. The first was the S5700 reader built to accommodate the RIM 857™ and 957™ devices and was completed at the request of the National Security Agency (NSA), of which approximately 3,000 units have been deployed. Both the S5700 and the new S6700 readers are now available through CDW-G. 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-G A wholly-owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation (Nasdaq: CDWC), CDW-G addresses the unique needs of the government and education markets with brand-name technology products and services. CDW-G is a leading source of technology products and services from top name brands such as APC, Apple, Cisco, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Sony, Symantec, Toshiba and ViewSonic. For more information about CDW-G's product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1-800-863-4239 or visit the CDW-G Web site at CDWG.com. About CDW CDW® (Nasdaq: CDWC), ranked No. 381 on the FORTUNE 500, is a leading provider of technology solutions for business, government and education. CDW is a principal source of technology products and services including 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 more than 3,600 coworkers. In 2003, the Company's coworkers generated sales of $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 or 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. About APRIVA APRIVA (www.apriva.com) is a leading wireless solution provider that delivers the hardware, software and network infrastructure required to develop and deploy high-performance mobile solutions. APRIVA serves companies within the financial services, freight transportation, and media publications industries. APRIVA's application product offerings include the APRIVA Point of Sale (POS) system, APRIVA Mobile Store, and APRIVA Freight Tracker. The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.