Hitachi Data Systems Drives Innovation with the Launch of TrueNorth Channel Partner Program and Inaugural Channel Partner Awards

Recognised as best-practice on an industry-wide basis, the Hitachi TrueNorth Channel Partner Program has been instrumental in increasing Partner profitability and driving Hitachi Data Systems revenue since its launch in 2004. The enhanced program now provides the tools and financial rewards that better adapt to the specific focus and needs of each individual Partner organization. The key enhancements include richer financial rewards, flexible reward rates, a simple payout formula, a business plan requirement and greater Partner differentiation with four Partner levels (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze).

"The ASEAN Partner Summit is a platform on which we can connect with our loyal partners, share our business strategy, and exchange the best practices in our ever-changing industry," said, Mark Kay, senior vice president & general manager, APAC, Hitachi Data Systems. "This is our way of acknowledging the unique value that our Hitachi TrueNorth Channel Partners bring to end users and our business on the whole."

The announcement was made at the ASEAN Partner Summit 2008 on 21 Nov 2008 in Penang, Malaysia. Hitachi TrueNorth Partners from around the region joined senior Hitachi Data Systems executives and industry thought leaders to discuss the trends in the industry and honor the most innovative technology deployments across the ASEAN region.

The partners of Hitachi Data Systems from Thailand who joined The ASEAN Partner Summit, included Stream I.T. Consulting, Kanoksin Export Import,  Acer Computer, and Ricoh (Thailand).

Hitachi Data Systems Rewards ASEAN's Best Partners

Four Hitachi True North Partners were awarded for their stellar performance over the past year. The winners for each category are:

- ASEAN Partner of the Year Award: PT Berca Haradayaperkasa

This award recognizes the consistent delivery of targets, implementation and high levels of customer satisfaction - A true portrayal of Hitachi Spirit!

- Best Technical Win: Softsource Solutions Pte Ltd

Recognition for outstanding implementation

- Rising Star Award: PT Pansystem Sistem Informasindo (Pansisfo)

Best new Partner in terms of meeting targets, solutions certification and business focus

- Distributor of the Year Award: Business Network Alliance Sdn Bhd

Recognition for meeting targets, creating opportunities in the market and being a Value Added Distributor to Channel partners

"Partnering Hitachi Data Systems was a strategic choice for SoftSource," said Spencer Siew, director, SoftSource Solutions. "Hitachi storage solutions enable us to delve deep into our customers' businesses and transform their IT infrastructure in a way that impacts their bottom line. Because we own the customer relationship, we have the ability to drive profitability through the addition of services and maintenance agreements. It is an honor to receive Hitachi Data Systems' Best Technical Win award for the year. This, along with the enhancements to the partner program, only serves to reinforce our partnership with Hitachi Data Systems."