Company Appoints Seasoned Services Executive to Lead Dedicated Business Unit ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--May 10, 2002--Danka Business Systems PLC today announced the appointment of industry executive Michael Howard to lead a new U.S. Professional Services business unit. The new organization will accelerate the delivery of Danka's high-value connectivity, software, and other digital solutions to U.S. customers. Howard most recently was senior vice president at research and consulting firm Gartner, Inc., where he led an elite sales group that provided solutions to Gartner's top 200 clients. Prior to that, he served as general manager of a professional services business unit within Xerox's global solutions group, with responsibility for solutions development and deployment, strategy, marketing, and sales operations. "Mike's solutions and professional services expertise are a powerful addition to our U.S. operations," commented Todd Mavis, president of Danka's U.S. Group. "We're confident that Mike's leadership will enable us to leverage and energize the significant capabilities that our skilled analysts and technicians have developed over the years. Mike has a single mandate: launch a world-class professional services organization that extends the value we deliver to clients and provides a platform for the growth of our new Danka @ the Desktop(TM) solution." By implementing a complete solution tailored to each customer's specific needs, Danka @ the Desktop improves document workflow and printing processes, increases productivity, and lowers overall document production costs. Typical components include workflow analysis, integrated software that enhances control and accountability, imaging system additions and upgrades, implementation services and printer network optimization, user training, and ongoing monitoring and technical support. The new U.S. Professional Services business will unite capabilities from across multiple Danka operations and will provide the company with an integrated approach to implementing advanced customer solutions, from initial analysis to on-site installation and training to follow-through that ensures the delivery of promised results. The organization will draw on the expertise of approximately 225 skilled technicians, including system analysts, digital network engineers, high- and mid-volume service engineers, and experts from two digital solutions centers that specialize in system prototyping and testing. "Danka is leading the industry in the development and delivery of higher-value customer solutions," noted Howard. "I admire the company's achievements in overcoming financial challenges that have affected the entire industry and developing a new business model that puts it in a stronger competitive position. I believe that Danka is uniquely positioned to expand its value to clients by building on its product independence and world-class technical support, and I'm excited to have a leadership role in that effort."