Optical Laser Expands Executive Management Team; Top Management at Leading Distributor...

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2001

Optical Laser today announced key management appointments positioning the company for accelerated growth in the technology distribution market.

Arsenio Batoy has been named

president with responsibilities for establishing and directing business activity to support strategic and organizational goals. Batoy is chartered with growing the company's revenues to meet long-term strategic goals by positioning the company to enter and lead new vertical markets and by forging new partner relationships.

Batoy joined the company in 1993 and previously served as executive vice president.

"The maturation of our middle management team has enabled me to focus on my goals as president. The major challenges ahead lie in identifying the solutions-oriented markets with potential to fuel rapid growth and in finding the right solutions vendors with the products the markets need," said Batoy.

"I'm also embracing the business challenge of balancing internal company resources with achieving our profit goals," he added. The privately held company achieved double-digit revenue growth in 2001 and has maintained annual profitability since its founding in 1991.

Optical Laser founder Michael Raab has assumed the role of chairman and CEO, providing strategic vision for the company. Since founding the company, Raab has been instrumental in establishing Optical Laser as a leading provider of hardware, software, and in-house professional services to the content management, rich media, and networked-storage markets.

"Our business model has focused on supplying leading storage solutions and value-added services to key markets where such solutions are mission-critical to the organization," said Raab.

"This focused approach has become our hallmark and we are now expanding to offer advanced solutions to new markets that are not yet fully served with the collection of products and services that we have to offer.

"The realignment of our executive team plays an important role in cultivating these opportunities for growth and I look forward to setting the strategy that will take Optical Laser to the next level," he added.

CFO Karl Tao, who joined the company in 1996, rounds out the Optical Laser executive management team. Tao heads up all finance, accounting and operational activities including the company's information systems. Leveraging technology to establish a solid operational backbone is viewed by Tao as an essential ingredient for corporate growth and is one of his top priorities.

About Optical Laser

Optical Laser is a value-added distributor serving the entire domestic U.S. market of value-added resellers and integrators. Optical Laser delivers hardware, software, and in-house professional services to the content management, rich media, and networked-storage markets. Founded in 1988, Optical Laser was ranked as one of the Inc. 500 fastest growing private companies in America, in 1995, 1996, and 1997.

Optical Laser services its clients from its headquarters and main distribution center in Huntington Beach, and a regional distribution center in Baltimore. Optical Laser provides value to its clients by offering channel commitment, technical consulting, competitive prices, flexible financing, rapid delivery, and post-sales support.

For more information, along with a complete listing of vendors and products represented, visit their Web site at www.opticallaser.com or call 800/776-9215.