Today, Hitachi, Ltd. announced the release of a "small rack-mount type" disk array 
device "DF 400" for an open system.  This small and low-priced model will be 
available from June 9.

The cabinet size has been condensed to 38 percent, and the minimum configuration 
price reduced to 62 percent of the current model (*1). It is capable of mounting a 
maximum of 11 disks per device, and the maximum capacity can be expanded up to 357 
gigabytes(GB) (*2) to be most suitable for the environments of a high end Windows 
NT(R) system and Microsoft(R) Cluster Server.

In addition, all the "DF 400" models have their conformance to SAN (storage area 
network) enhanced, such as support for a Fibre Channel Fabric Switch connection 
which increases efficiency in data transfer.

(*1) When it has a configuration of device capacity 8.3 gigabytes(GB) (RAID5), cache 
32 megabytes(MB) and is compared with a DF400 vertical rack-mount type.

(*2) When a RAID0, 36 GB disk is mounted.

As a result of the improved performance of server machines, there are increasing 
frequent cases rapidly where a key business, traditionally performed by a high end 
UNIX, is handled by a midrange-class UNIX server, a Windows NT(R) system, or a 
Microsoft(R) Cluster Server. There are increasing needs for disk array devices to be 
connected to such systems, and thus high data processing performance 
and high fault tolerance are demanded.

We have been introducing disk array devices in the market since 1993, and their 
performance and reliability of them are evaluated highly. Our proven track record is 
evident, such as in 1998, when the Hitachi disk array device "DF 350" and high end 
machine "DF 400" for an open system acquired the top share in the domestic market. 
[Nikkei Watcher on IT Business, "Domestic market research on open- system-type 
external disk arrays (on shipped capacity basis)", 4/2/1994]

The current release of the  "small rack-mount" modelis capable of mounting a 
maximum 11 disks per device, and the maximum capacity can be expanded up to 357 
gigabytes.  In addition, a flexible system configuration is possible by mounting 
multiple host interface ports capable of directly connecting with a maximum of four 
servers.  It can also be used as a floor-standing type by adding a dedicated kit.  
Moreover, a Fibre Channel Fabric Switch connection is newly supported, which has 
further facilitated connection with plural hosts and improved data transfer rate.  
Conformance to SAN, in which the market is expected to expand, has been enhanced.  

Support for the zoning feature (a security function by port) of the Fabric Switch enables 
it to limit access to those from a predetermined port, and prevent any unauthorized 
access.  If a newly supported 36 GB disk drive is mounted and the dedicated rack is 
fully mounted, it will implement a large capacity of maximum 1.7 terabytes(TB) 
(RAID0 configuration).

All the models of the "vertical rack-mount type," "horizontal rack-mount type" and 
"cabinet type", already on the market for some time now, support a 36 GB disk drive in 
addition to enhanced conformance to SAN.  

If the "horizontal rack-mount type" is fully mounted on the dedicated rack, it will 
implement a large capacity of maximum 4.2 TB(*3) and become most suitable for 
processing large data volume as in a data warehouse.

(*3) When a RAID0, 36 GB disk is mounted.


<Price (excluding tax) and Shipping date>

Product name            Price (excluding tax) (Note)    Shipping date

Small rack-mount type   3,725,000 yen                   June 30, 1999


Note: Price of hardware for reference in the case of the following configuration.

* Host interface: SCSI

* RAID level: RAID5 (2D+1P)

* Device capacity: 8.3 GB, cache memory: 32 MB

* No optional mounting

* Rack price not included


<Trademarks>
- UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed 
exclusively through X/Open
Company Limited.
- Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT are ether trademarks or registered trademarks of 
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
- Other products and company names herein may be trademarks or registered 
trademarks of their respective owners.