Hitachi Revamps ''Partners First'' Program to Enhance Hard Drive Channel Support and Global Reach

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) today announced new enhancements to its global hard drive channel program called Partners First. The comprehensive program is designed to provide greater value to Hitachi GST channel customers through a collection of technical, value-added and marketing initiatives that will make them more effective and competitive in promoting Hitachi GST hard drives. Special focus was placed on providing 24-hour support in various languages for truly global support. "Hitachi is committed to bringing greater value to our channel partners through leadership hard drive technologies, innovative resources and incentives that will help them differentiate themselves,” said George Silva, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Operations, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. "Given the complexity of global markets and their varied needs, the Partners First program will allow Hitachi GST’s channel partners worldwide to access customized resources and knowledge with ease, which will help them better meet their goals and the needs of their customers.” "Hitachi is a strategic partner for Avnet, and their Partners First program has helped us increase our productivity in meeting market and customer demand for hard drives effectively,” said Raj Suman, European Product Marketing and Materials Director for Avnet Technology Solutions. "For example, Avnet has found Hitachi’s X-sell incentive program to be one of the best in the industry. Other resources made available to Partners First members such as 24x7 on-demand training, multi-language support and the channel resources guide have helped streamline business growth for both Avnet and Hitachi in the regions in which they operate.” Open to channel and corporate OEM partners, Partners First is a tiered program offering Black (premier), Silver (mid-tier) or Red (stage-one) levels of support based on the vertical market they represent and volume generated. Tier partners enjoy varying levels of access to shared resources, knowledge, support and rebate incentives. The Hitachi Partners First Program: On-Demand 24 x 7 Training in Multiple Languages – The new on-demand tool allows partners to download training materials to increase their skills and expertise. Hitachi Partners First registered members will have 24x7 access to trained technical support staff via the web site, including channel-specific, multi-language phone assistance. Support is currently available in six languages with plans to add more in the future. These include French, German, Chinese, Thai, Spanish and Korean; Russian language materials will be added by the end of the year. Value-Added Support – This program provides partners with access to area sales managers to learn about new technology initiatives and to speed time-to-market for Hitachi drives during all phases of the procurement process. Partners First members will also be able to return or track a Return Material Authorization and get warranty support online through the Automated Return Material Authorization (ARMA) tool. In addition, the online interactive tool, HDD Info Hub, allows partners to compare industry hard drive specifications with ease. E-Newsletter – A quarterly newsletter available in six languages called, ‘Partner Tech Bytes,’ provides partner-focused information, opportunities and resources such as pre-launch news, support updates and exclusive online events and briefing. Print-on-Demand (POD) – A resource for providing customized printed information to customers, POD allows the creation of co-branded marketing materials such as web banners, line cards, sales guides and interactive CDs to facilitate the sales cycle. This resource is currently available to distributors in all geographic regions with plans to extend it to Black partners in 2008. X-Sell Channel Incentive Program – This multi-language, web-based program provides distribution sales professionals with product education and information on target-based incentive programs. In addition, approved partners have a choice of flexible rebate programs to reward their efforts. This program is available in EMEA currently and will be rolled out to the Americas in the first quarter of 2008. Hitachi Partner Privilege Program (HPP) – HPP is a tiered, multi-language, web-based program for resellers that covers rewards for sales achievement and product education. The program is available in China and Taiwan, with plans for expansion to India in 2007 and to the rest of the Asia Pacific countries in which Hitachi GST operates by early 2008. Channel Resources Guide – The channel resource guide enables channel partners in all regions to gain an understanding of the business, compatibility and technical aspects of designing and integrating Hitachi hard drives. This information and support aids their evaluation of the various applications for hard drives and the benefits of working with Hitachi’s Design Studios for ease of integration. This resource is currently available in Chinese, Russian and English languages. Marketing Support – This program provides full-scale marketing support to Partners First members in all regions related to collateral, trade-show support, online document library, marketing funds, customer events and more. Hitachi GST is a leading manufacturer of hard disk drives and provides its channel partners with access to a comprehensive product portfolio for a variety of applications: desktop, enterprise, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, mobile as well as retail product kits. To learn more about Hitachi GST channel programs, please visit the Hitachi Partners First website located at www.hitachigst.com/partners. Hitachi GST trademarks are authorized for use in countries and jurisdictions in which Hitachi GST has the right to market the brands. Hitachi GST is not liable for third parties’ unauthorized use of Hitachi GST trademarks. 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 http://www.hitachigst.com. About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE:HIT) (TOKYO: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.