Tokyo, Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501) and OMRON Corporation (TSE:6645) today 
announced that they have entered into an agreement relating to a business collaboration 
in the area of ATMs. The agreement covers the co-development of next-generation 
ATMs and the cross-supply of ATMs and components.
By utilizing the strengths of each company, the agreement will serve to strengthen both 
companies' ATM business operations. Today marks the start of collaborative operations 
launching the joint project.

In the financial sector, Japan's "Big Bang" is driving a diversification and sophistication 
of financial services. In addition of the use of ATMs inside banking facilities, ATMs are 
being used and installed even outside banking facilities such as in convenience stores, 
in-store branches and other non-financial-sector outlets, signalling a major change in 
financial services.

The severer physical installation conditions and the necessity of being able to handle a 
more comprehensive range of financial transactions have led to a need to improve the 
security systems of ATMs and to enhance their capabilities in the area of network 
transactions and multimedia services.

Hitachi entered the ATMs business in earnest in 1979, starting with a machine equipped 
to recycle bills, an important function. Since then the company has produced a number 
of series of high-reliability ATM systems that help financial institutions to provide 
fully-automated services. Hitachi technology has resulted in a number of innovative 
industry firsts, such as ATMs that disinfect bills, multimedia ATMs with Internet 
capabilities and ATMs with Windows(TM) Open Services Architecture.

In 1969 OMRON released the world's first automated cash dispenser, which used 
magnetic card technology, and in 30 years since has made a major contribution to the 
development and progress of ATMs. To meet the needs of the current era of 
deregulation-driven convergence between bank and non-bank sectors, and major 
changes in management style brought about by advances in information technology. 
OMRON is focussing on the development of automated products and systems tailored 
to meet the needs of its customers. One result is the "Cyber Gate", the first multimedia 
terminal for the non-bank sectors.

Under the agreement, Hitachi and OMRON will collaborate in the areas of technology 
and the development of new products based on a cross-supply of components, and will 
set the requirement to meet their customers needs. 
The next generation machines will focus on automated voucher data recognition 
systems using image reader and total systems solution for banks' backroom operations. 
The resulting products are expected to play a major role in lowering costs for banks and 
implementing Internet-centric solutions. Both companies will promote sales with the 
goal of establishing a leading position in the financial and retail ATM market.

Windows(TM) is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the U.S. and other countries.


CONTACT:
Atsushi Konno				Osamu Harasawa
Hitachi, Ltd.				OMRON Corporation
(03)3258-2056				(06)6282-2732
atskonno@cm.head.hitachi.co.jp		osamu_harasawa@omuron.co.jp