Hitachi Data Systems’ Karen Sigman Named Among VARBusiness’ ‘Power 50 Women in the Channel’

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—August 21, 2006 —Hitachi Data Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), today announced that Karen Sigman, vice president of Global Channels, has been recognized by CMP Technology’s VARBusiness magazine as one of the top 50 women in the technology integration business. The “Power 50” was chosen by the editors of the magazine based on their achievements as executives and the amount of influence they wield over the technology channel. VARBusiness notes that the 50 women represent a changing trend in a traditionally all male industry.

“We congratulate Hitachi Data Systems for its dedicated focus and commitment to its channel partners under Karen Sigman’s leadership,” said Lawrence M. Walsh, editor, VARBusiness. “We are delighted to recognize executives like Karen who have earned a deep respect within the channel community and are shining examples of women in technology integration who have made a global impact on their company’s business.”

“I consider this VARBusiness recognition a testament to the outstanding performance of the Hitachi Data Systems channel team and all of our channel partners worldwide,” said Sigman. “This past fiscal year, we introduced a rich combination of sales and support initiatives that help channel partners grow revenue, increase profitability and improve client satisfaction. In the coming year, I look forward to Hitachi Data Systems further expanding the resources available to our channel partners, and ensuring that we move our collective businesses ahead for mutual profit.”

As the vice president of Global Channels, Sigman is responsible for developing and managing the company’s channel strategy and programs in over 170 countries across the globe.

The Hitachi Data Systems Channel team has received worldwide recognition for its partner initiatives and field programs. Recent accolades for Hitachi Data Systems Channel Partner Program include the distinction of “Most Channel Friendly” vendor from equity research firm R.W. Baird, and acknowledgement for overall excellence in channel commitment and channel innovation with a Five Star-Rating from VARBusiness.
About Hitachi Data Systems

Hitachi Data Systems leverages global R&D resources to develop storage solutions built on industry-leading technology with the performance, availability and scalability to maximize customers’ ROI and minimize their risk. By focusing on the customer’s perspective as we apply the best hardware, software, and services from Hitachi and our partners, we uniquely satisfy our customers’ business needs.

With approximately 2,900 employees, Hitachi Data Systems conducts business through direct and indirect channels in the public, government and private sectors in over 170 countries and regions. Its customers include more than 50 percent of Fortune 100 companies. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.hds.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9 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.

About VARBusiness Magazine

For the past 19 years, VARBusiness’ strategic resources have been the gateway to the Solution Provider community. VARBusiness provides strategic insight for technology integrators through industry-defining research, in-depth editorial, channel events and innovative Web services, enabling these IT professionals to make educated decisions for their businesses, partnerships and customers. VARBusiness has been the recipient of numerous industry awards for both editorial content and design. Additional information about VARBusiness products, events and services, is available at its Web site www.varbusiness.com.

© 2006, Hitachi Data Systems Corporation. Hitachi Data Systems is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a trademark and service mark of Hitachi, Ltd. Application Optimized Storage is a trademark of Hitachi Data Systems Corporation. All other trade names, trademarks, and service marks used herein are the rightful property of their respective owners.

Contact Information

Mary Ann Gallo

Press Contact

Hitachi Data Systems Corporation

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