Hitachi Broadens Hard Drive Channel Coverage in Pacific Region by Signing Up New Distribution Agreement with Altech
Fri 18 April, 2008

HONG KONG, April 18, 2008 –Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) today announced the appointment of Altech Computers Corporation Pty Ltd as a new authorised distributor for Hitachi hard disk drives (HDDs) in Australia and New Zealand. Altech, an award-winning Australian company, has more than 10 years of experience in distributing IT products, and will extend Hitachi’s distribution network via its five branches and a team of more than 200 staff throughout the Pacific region.

Altech distributes a broad range of IT products, from HDDs to complete systems and has a wide channel and OEM distribution network including 6,000 resellers, system builders and IT consultants in the Pacific region.

Under the distribution agreement, Altech will distribute Hitachi GST’s broad product line of HDDs for notebooks, desktop PCs, servers and consumer electronics devices and have access to Hitachi’s breadth of sales, technical and marketing tools for distribution partners.

With the addition of Altech as a distributor for the Australian and New Zealand markets, Hitachi GST will have two distributors, including existing distributor, Legend Performance Technology, to expand its channel business in the Pacific region.

“ Hitachi GST is expanding its distribution channel in the Pacific region to meet the growing demand across consumer, IT and enterprise segments,” said James Ho, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Hitachi GST. “Altech has extensive knowledge and experience, and a distribution network in the Australian and New Zealand markets. The new partnership will help boost our market size in this region.”

Antony Sheen, Managing Director of Altech, said “Altech is delighted to partner with Hitachi GST, a leading hard drive manufacturer, to provide its high quality HDDs to our existing and future customers. Our relationship is expected to speed Hitachi GST customers’ time-to-market, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness.”

About Altech Computer Corporation Pty Ltd

Altech Computers Corporation Pty Ltd is one of Australia’s fastest growing IT distribution companies. Founded in 1997, Altech has rapidly expanded across Australia and New Zealand with office and warehouse facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland offering a broad product range to the IT sector.

Altech has been recognised for its growth in BRW Magazine’s ‘Fast 100’ list as the 6th fastest growing Australian company in 2004 and was featured again in 2006. Altech’s proprietors have also been commended as regional finalists in Ernst & Young’s highly prestigious ‘2006 Entrepreneurs of the Year’ award.

For more information, please visit: www.altech.com.au

About Hitachi Global Storage Technologies

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies develops advanced hard disk drives to store and preserve the world’s valued data. Founded by the pioneers of hard drives, Hitachi GST enables users to fully engage in the digital lifestyle by providing high-value, high-capacity storage in formats suitable for the office, in the home or on the road. With vertically integrated research, design and manufacturing capabilities, Hitachi GST delivers leadership technology and quality to its global customer base.

With approximately 33,000 employees worldwide, Hitachi GST offers a comprehensive range of hard drive products for desktop computers, high-performance storage systems and servers, notebooks and consumer devices. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.hitachigst.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT/TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

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