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                                                                   Exhibit 99

                 [PIONEER-STANDARD ELECTRONICS, INC. LETTERHEAD]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                                          
INVESTMENT COMMUNITY CONTACT:                MEDIA CONTACTS:                                    
James L. Bayman, Chairman and                Robert J. Bailey                                  
    Chief Executive Officer                  Vice President, Marketing-Computer Products       
Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc.           Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc.                
216/587-3600                                 440/498-6960                                      
                                                                                               
News Release No:       98-11                 Peter J. Coleman                                  
Release Date:          April 1, 1998         Vice President, North American Sales              
                                                 Computer Systems and Services                 
                                             Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc.                
                                             301/921-3974                                      
                                             


   PIONEER-STANDARD ELECTRONICS COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF DICKENS DATA SYSTEMS;
                   BECOMES LEADER IN IBM PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION

CLEVELAND, Ohio (April 1, 1998) -- Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:
PIOS) announced today that it has completed its previously announced
acquisition of Dickens Data Systems.

"Pioneer is extremely pleased with the positive response of our shareholders and
customers, as well as Dickens Data Systems' customers and the broader
marketplace," said James L. Bayman, Pioneer-Standard chairman and chief
executive officer. "Dickens Data Systems is an excellent operational fit for our
computer systems business and further underscores Pioneer's strategic commitment
to accelerate growth in selected markets worldwide. We expect this acquisition
to significantly contribute to Pioneer's overall results in fiscal 1999 and
beyond."

Based in Roswell, Georgia, Dickens Data Systems is one of the largest North
American distributors of IBM mid-range products, recording revenues of
approximately $347 million in calendar year 1997. Dickens Data Systems will be
operated as a business unit of Pioneer-Standard, Inc. with Gordon Dickens
serving as president.

"We're very enthusiastic about our combined presence in the marketplace," said
Arthur Rhein, Pioneer-Standard president and chief operating officer. "The
transition will be virtually seamless to our combined customer base, which will
now be served by an even stronger organization with a common commitment to
excellence in value-added services, customer support and satisfaction."


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Subject to adjustments, the purchase price was approximately $121 million and
was financed under the Company's credit facilities. Pioneer-Standard said that
the acquisition enhances the Company's already established strategic position
with IBM.

"The combination of Pioneer-Standard and Dickens Data Systems makes Pioneer a
leading distributor of IBM's computer systems, peripherals and services in North
America, and provides substantial growth opportunities flowing from our combined
value-added capabilities and expanded customer base," said Bayman.

As evidence of its commitment to excellence, Dickens Data Systems was named
National Managing Remarketer of the Year by IBM for five consecutive years, and
was the recipient of IBM's Mark of Quality Award for outstanding customer
satisfaction in 1995. At the IBM Business Partner Executive Conference in
February 1998, Dickens Data Systems was recognized with top honors, including
the prestigious Business Partners Leadership Award, which signifies Dickens as
IBM's top distributor. Dickens also received top recognition for its efforts in
Storage and Financing.

"The addition of Dickens Data Systems substantially enhances our mid-range
computer systems distribution capability," said Rhein. "The combined
organization greatly expands our ability to service and support our resellers.
Through them, we are able to serve a broader customer base in North America."

Pioneer-Standard is a leading distributor of a broad range of industrial
electronic components and computer products supplied by more than 100
manufacturers. Customers include original equipment manufacturers, value-added
resellers, research laboratories, government agencies and other organizations,
primarily in the United States and Canada. Pioneer-Standard recorded fiscal 1997
revenues of $1.5 billion for the period ending March 31, 1997. Additional
information about Pioneer and its business partners can be found on the World
Wide Web at http://www.pios.com.



  
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