In April 1976, Black Box was started with a gem of an idea. The company began selling connectivity devices-the "little black boxes"-that customers need to connect their primary data communications products. The idea was to sell a range of products from a single source, a catalog, and to provide the technical help needed to solve customers' interface problems. The motto: "If you don't see it, ask for it."

The company was originally called Expandor, Inc., but it soon changed to Black Box because customers came to know the company by its catalog name. When the first BLACK BOX® Catalog rolled off the presses in early 1977, it was six pages, contained nine products, and generated $170,000 in sales. Today the BLACK BOX® Catalog-an enormous 1,184-page book-features more than 12,000 products and has international versions published in 8 languages.

Headquartered in scenic Lawrence, Pennsylvania, 20 miles south of Pittsburgh, Black Box is now a leading worldwide distributor of computer communications equipment and technical support services with representatives in 77 countries. The corporation employs nearly 1,600 people worldwide, and it offers the broadest product line available anywhere and the best technical support and customer services in the industry. Black Box's services now include hotline technical support as well as structured cabling installation, maintenance, and on-site support.

In 1999 Black Box revenues topped $330 million, more than its founders ever dreamed. Yet the company's success is firmly rooted in the original vision. To create a "central, reliable source for hard-to-find products and technical skill." Black Box is unique, distinguished by its superior technical support and customer services. With plans to continue expanding its services, Black Box is poised for a great new millennium.

For more information on Black Box products contact Falcon Electronics or email info@fe.co.za for a catalog.