The Rs 32 crore Deldot Systems provides data protection solutions and services through strategic business units in the areas of network integration, imaging and document management, software products and solutions and IT education and training in India.

Hitachi, which currently has a market share of nine per cent, competes with Hewlett Packard which is the market leader.

Says Hitachi Data Systems vice president and general manager Greg Cornfield: "Hitachi Data Systems creates open solution that exploit storage area networks and enable customers to distribute data throughout the enterprise while maintaining centralised control. It also designs open storage solutions that allow customers to access and control their data without being tied to proprietary technologies that limit their business options. Thus, enterprise storage is net-enabled."

Hitachi's Freedom Data Networks (FDN) provide a structure for bringing together storage and network protocols so that customers can access their data on any computer, anytime, anywhere. "Storage-No limits" is the key imperative for the FDN architecture.

Hitachi Data Systems' mission is to transform innovative technology into enterprise-wide solutions for high-end and middle market customers by building on the world's leading foundation IT products for S/390, Microsoft Windows NT and UNIX platforms and through key alliances with premier software/hardware providers.

Hitachi Datasystems has invested $4 billion on research and development. Its 20,000 product line includes multimedia equipment, consumer goods, electrical power, energy systems, public utility systems, public utility systems, industrial equipment and transportation systems.

Says Mr Cornfield: "Hitachi Data Systems' partnerships with Cisco, Computer Associates, Microsoft, Oracle and SAP create a single source for breakthrough technologies from multiple vendors. Based on the strength of each partner, Hitachi Data Systems develops enterprise-wide solutions that ensure tight product integration, top performance and tight-rivalled connectivity."

Says Deldot Systems president and CEO Chandrakeerti: "With the solution offering, Deldot will be able to penetrate and market and position storage area network solutions across various price-performance markets."Hitachi Freedom Storage 5800 systems and Hitachi Freedom 9900 are the first solutions offered through the two-tiered model. The programme focuses on the rapidly growing Windows NT and Fortune 2000 companies. SAN and other solution offerings will eventually be added to the mix. Mr Cornfield says: "The company anticipates bringing channel-based revenue up to 70 per cent of total venue within three years."

According to Hitachi Data Systems' director for channels in Asia Pacific Karl Mclean: "Now is a good time to enter the distribution channel since the company can base its strategy on the recent experiences and successes of Hewlett Packard among the others already in the business. The scenario allows for a more streamlined and manageable channel business and avoids the issues of excessive competition, diluted `soft' dollar programmes and over burdened supply chains."

With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, Hitachi Data Systems operates in 30 countries worldwide.