Hitachi to formulate new channel strategy by May '03

A new channel strategy will be in place for Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) by May

2003. This was informed by PP Subramanian, Country Manager, who is contemplating

appointment of some top distribution companies of India as channel partners for

HDS.

Until now, Lanbit was the only channel partner providing some of HDS

solutions in the country. Very recently, HDS added Apara Enterprise Solutions as

a reseller for its enterprise storage solutions. Subramanian revealed that HDS

will be appointing more partners in the next few months. "A complete

channel strategy is being worked out for India. This will be ready by May

2003," says he.

Asked about the long time HDS is taking to chart out a channel strategy,

Subramanian explained that the presence of partners does not fully relieve HDS

from being directly involved in the implementation process at the customer's

place. "Most customers expects us to do the implemention directly, rather

than a third-party do it," says Subramanian. "So it become crucial for

us to appoint known and qualified partners who will be well received by the

customers."

"Apara is one such company which has the technology know-how and

understanding of customer business needs to deliver value-added services to

drive business growth," he adds.

Under the agreement, Apara will deliver and manage solutions based on HDS

enterprise products portfolio including the Lightning 9900 series, Thunder 9200

serires and the Hi-command stroage management framework software suite for

customers in India.

In the meantime, HDS announced the launch of Hitachi Freedom Storage Thunder

9500 V series storage systems for customers looking for high-performance,

easy-to-use, centrally managed distributed storage with large storage systems.

NELSON JOHNY



MUMBAI