Press Releases

NEWARK INONE SOLVES ROHS OBSOLESCENCE FRUSTRATION
Free Product Watch service warns of obsolete components

CHICAGO MAY 9, 2006 — Newark, a subsidiary of global Premier Farnell plc, and the leading small-quantity distributor of electronic components, test equipment and RoHS compliant solutions in North America, announces the launch of Product Watch, a new proactive notification service that alerts customers when a product will no longer be available.

This is a particularly timely service as component manufacturers are discontinuing parts that are not compliant with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, in record numbers.

Using data from its 440+ suppliers, Newark typically emails 500 or more Product Watch notices each week to customers who have purchased items in the past year that are earmarked for discontinuation by the manufacturer. Product Watch details the number of parts still available for purchase, provides a direct link to part detail and online ordering, and also lists suitable substitutes, if available.

Component obsolescence is an increasingly serious issue for design engineers, who can waste countless hours attempting to manage its consequences. Paul Tallentire, president, Newark, comments: "Without an early warning system, engineers can design-in components that will no longer be manufactured. Going back to square one is not an option in today's competitive environment."

Newark's full complement of free compliance services, critical RoHS information and on-demand lead-free soldering webinars can be found at www.newark.com/rohs.

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