Hitachi Strengthens Hard Drive Channel in Central Europe
Thur 17 July, 2008

WARSAW, Poland – July 17, 2008 – Consistent with the company’s efforts to continually strengthen its reach and proximity to hard disk drive customers, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) today announced the appointment of ABC Data sp. z o. o. as its authorized distributor in Central Europe. Under the terms of the agreement, Poland-based ABC Data and its subsidiaries will serve as distributors of Hitachi GST’s full portfolio of hard disk drives in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

With revenues in excess of $1 billion in 2007, ABC Data is the largest and leading distributor of IT, consumer electronics, software and telecommunication products in the region. ABC Data has its sales and marketing operations spread across several Central European countries, and warehouses located in Poland, allowing it to serve customers in a cost-effective and timely manner. The company received its ISO 9001 certification in 2006.

The appointment of this distributor enables Hitachi GST to extend its geographic reach to Central European countries, serve the needs of local customers through the distributor’s local know-how, as well as leverage ABC Data’s existing sales and marketing expertise. ABC Data will distribute Hitachi GST’s broad product line of hard disk drives used in notebook and desktop PCs, network servers, and consumer electronic devices.

“Central Europe is amongst the fastest growing regions where demand for storage products continues to rise rapidly,” said Nick Kyriacou, EMEA director for Hitachi GST. “We believe this is the right time to increase our presence in the region by offering the company’s broad portfolio of products as well as local support and expertise. ABC Data shares Hitachi GST’s commitment towards its customers and the combined pool of resources will enable both entities to work towards strengthening Hitachi GST’s presence in the region.”

“ABC Data’s extensive knowledge, resources and systems have enabled it to successfully meet its customers’ expectations in terms of supplying quality products, support and training for this region,” said Paweł Łachniak, General Manager – PC Components and In-house Computers Division of ABC Data. “We are delighted to become Hitachi GST’s partner and look forward to growing our respective businesses while supporting our hard disk drive customers.”

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

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies' trademarks are authorized for use in countries and jurisdictions in which Hitachi Global Storage Technologies has the right to use, market and advertise the brands. The Travelstar trademark is authorized for use in the Americas, EMEA, and the following Asia-Pacific countries and jurisdictions: Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan. Hitachi Global Storage Technologies shall not be liable to third parties for unauthorized use of its trademarks.

Contact:
Jim Pascoe
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies
408-717-7924
james.pascoe@hitachigst.com