Hitachi Data Systems and Cisco Systems offer mainframe networking solutions

Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) and Cisco Systems, Inc. announced a worldwide agreement designating HDS as a global systems integrator. Under the terms of the agreement, HDS will resell the Cisco 7000 Series of channel-attach, multiprotocol routers, allowing enterprises to achieve reliable, cost effective mainframe-to-network connectivity. The partnership will combine HDS` leadership in processing power and expertise in system integration with Cisco`s networking expertise to provide a complete solution that encompasses Internet-to-mainframe connectivity and network consolidation.

This agreement is the third in a series of announcements between HDS and Cisco. On April 6, 1998, the two companies announced their initial collaboration, revealing a set of joint efforts involving customer support, marketing and sales, and the development of enterprise server connectivity solutions. And on September 21, 1998, HDS announced Open Network Connectivity (ONC), he first integrated product to be produced as a result of this collaboration.

ONC involves the Cisco 7204 router equipped with the Cisco Channel Port Adapter (CPA) as part of a bundled mainframe package to bridge the data center and network systems environments. Today`s agreement formalizes the alliance between HDS and Cisco and extends the reseller agreement to encompass the entire Cisco 7000 series router family.

"Our relationship with Hitachi means that the industry`s leading channel-attach router is now more easily accessible to enterprises," said Robert Lloyd, vice president of the Enterprise Line of Business, EMEA. "This is another way we help enterprises realize the benefits of migrating from SNA to IP networks."

According to a research study conducted by International Data Corporation, in April 1998, Cisco routers are being used in almost 80 percent of the SNA-to-IP integration market worldwide. HDS will resell the high-performance Cisco 7000 series of channel-attach, multiprotocol routers, including the Cisco 7200 router equipped with the CPA and the Cisco 7500 router equipped with the Channel Interface Processor (CIP).

HDS will use its core competencies in mainframe channel connectivity and SNA networking to enhance mainframe connectivity services. Some of the benefits that enterprises can expect from the combination of each company`s expertise include simplifying administration, reducing cost, optimizing network operation, and improving service levels. HDS and Cisco will continue to coordinate support for joint customers, undertake joint marketing and sales efforts, and collaborate on future enterprise server connectivity solutions such as this one.

"Enterprises are faced with the challenges of integrating systems in the data center and the network. The Cisco-Hitachi relationship will bridge these two environments to provide a seamless, scalable network that meets business needs," said John Taffinder, General Manager, for Hitachi Data Systems Europe.

Editors note

About Hitachi Data Systems

Hitachi Data Systems markets, worldwide, a broad range of information processing solutions, including enterprise servers, storage subsystems, peripheral products, and professional services. Owned by Hitachi, Ltd. And EDS, HDS has its headquarters in Santa Clara, California. For online information about HDS` products and services, access http://www.hds.com.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at http://www.cisco.com.