In line with the company’s focus on driving business to the Web and growth in emerging markets, Premier Farnell plc has penned a global franchise distribution agreement with Future Technology Devices International (FTDI), a leading specialist in the design and supply of silicon and solutions for universal serial bus (USB) connectivity. Premier’s customers will now have global access to FTDI’s portfolio of USB ICs and connectivity products including converters for legacy RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 apps. Most devices will be available from stock. Also as part of the agreement, FTDI will extend their marketing support to Premier Farnell and collaborate on new product information via element14, Premier Farnell’s information portal and online community for design engineers to globally collaborate, share, and access new information.