Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd and the recognized global leader in enterprise storage technology, is looking to develop new partnerships in the Kingdom. By creating a strong local presence through local partners, Hitachi aims to expand its regional business to provide closer support to its customers. “The Kingdom presents huge economic opportunities not only for the region, but for any international organization intending to do business here,” said Tony Ward, general manager & sales director MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan). “As a simple example, with the upcoming $40 billion investment into the water and sewage sector, Saudi will become one of the most developed water distribution and production countries in the region. The need for solid, reliable technology infrastructure, data protection and management, will become stronger and stronger in the face of this growth. This will require investment of time and effort, as well as capital, if Saudi companies are to face competition and meet global standards.” The need to manage robust amounts of data in an efficient manner is key to a company's organization and in turn their success. Hitachi Data Systems' product and services technology is in continuous development, and analysts have always labeled the vendor as ‘ahead of the industry.” In CeBIT this year, Hitachi introduced all new file and content services that will assist organizations in managing search and retrieval of unmanaged data across multiple storage infrastructures and data centers. According to an April 2006 IDC report, ‘The Hidden costs of Information Work'1, the cost of an ineffective data search is estimated at $5,251 per worker per year. For 1,000 workers, the cost is estimated at $5.25 million. The risks associated with failed or prolonged searches for legal discovery or compliance can be even higher. “Hitachi Data Systems is looking to partner with companies that have local expertise in Saudi. We want to work through resellers who understand our business, and the nature of the market, and will help us to grow and extend our reach even further within the GCC region. Hitachi views Saudi as an important emerging market and feels that it has huge untapped potential that needs to be taken into account,” added Ward. Hitachi Data Systems has several strategic partnerships within the UAE. Its key partners include: STME, Tech Access, Sun Microsystems and MDS. About Hitachi Data Systems Hitachi Data Systems Corporation provides Services Oriented Storage Solutions that enable heterogeneous storage to be dynamically provisioned according to business needs and centrally managed via industry-leading Hitachi storage virtualization software. As an integral part of the Hitachi Storage Solutions Group, Hitachi Data Systems delivers storage infrastructure platforms, storage management software, and storage consulting services through direct and indirect channels in over 170 countries and regions. Its customers include nearly 60-percent of Fortune 100 companies. For more information, visit the company's 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 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.(c) 2008, Hitachi is a registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Hitachi Data Systems is a registered trademark and service mark of Hitachi, Ltd. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks, services marks, company names are properties of their respective owners. __
