Hitachi Launches Privilege Program for Hard Disk Drive Partners in India
Tues 22 April, 2008

Nation-wide Initiative Extends Hitachi’s Hard Disk Drive Channel Partner Network To More Than 85 Indian Cities, Aims To Capture Fast-Growing Market In India

HONG KONG, April 22, 2008 – Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) today rolled out a Partners Privilege program in India aimed at strengthening its channel partner network and capturing the rapidly expanding market opportunity across the country. Following the successful initiation of the program in China and Taiwan in 2007, the Hitachi Partners Privilege program (HPP) is now hitting the Indian market.

Under the HPP program, Hitachi GST’s partners in India such as resellers, system integrators, system builders and retailers can earn points and redeem gifts by selling the entire product line of Hitachi GST desktop hard disk drive products. Special quarterly promotions will also be available; for example in the second quarter of this year, mobile hard drive products will also be available for the program.

“India is one of the key strategic markets with huge market potential for Hitachi GST in Asia and we have a substantial channel base established here,” said Mr. Robert Chu, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Hitachi GST. “By rolling out the HPP program, not only can we reward our partners and recognize their efforts, but also together explore and identify more business opportunities, tap fast-growing markets and thus enhance hard disk drive sales across India.”

The hard disk drive market in India has grown rapidly alongside growth in the desktop market which, according to IDC, grew by nearly 11% in volume and reached 4.5 million in unit shipments in India during the last fiscal year. Personal computer shipments rose by 20% in 2007, and are projected to reach a compound annual growth rate of about 20% over the next five years.

“Hitachi’s Partners Privilege program is a great initiative to help channel partners like us to tap India’s rapid growing PC market,” said Mr. Malhar Shah from Arihant Systems. Mr. Ramesh Purohit of Omshakti Computers added, “Through the HPP program we can maximize many other market opportunities.”

HPP members, who join by invitation from Hitachi GST, can earn points and redeem gifts upon selling eligible Hitachi GST hard disk drive products. Hitachi GST has set up a system to facilitate the points earning and redemption process, whereby sales data will be collected from HPP members periodically. Members can then redeem incentives of their choice, including a wide selection of latest lifestyle and technology devices.

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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