Hitachi Data Systems P9 Pilot Series Technical Detail Sheet.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 17, 1999--

The 26 models being introduced with the new Hitachi Data Systems(R) P9 Pilot Series(tm) are: -0-

New Model       MSU              Description

19S             30               1 way capacity reserved model
29S             57               2 way capacity reserved model
39S             80               3 way standard model
49S             106              4 way standard model
59S             131              5 way standard model
69S             153              6 way standard model
79S             170              7 way standard model
89S             187              8 way standard model
99S             202              9 way standard model
A9S             216              10 way standard model
B9S             228              11 way standard model
C9S             242              12 way standard model
D9S             252              13 way standard model
19T             35               1 way turbo capacity reserved model
29T             65               2 way turbo capacity reserved model
39T             95               3 way turbo capacity reserved model
49T             125              4 way turbo capacity reserved model
59T             151              5 way turbo capacity reserved model
69T             177              6 way turbo model
79T             197              7 way turbo model
89T             217              8 way turbo model
99T             235              9 way turbo model
A9T             251              10 way turbo model
B9T             268              11 way turbo model
C9T             280              12 way turbo model
D9T             292              13 way turbo model

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The new features being introduced with the P9 Pilot Series are:

Capacity Reserved Model (CRM) -- Capacity Reserved Models are select P9 models which have special arrangements for Hitachi Data Systems' Rapid Capacity Program. These models are equipped with additional hardware to accommodate a disaster situation by providing additional capacity on very short notice.

Open Network Connectivity 2 (ONC/2) -- To address the increasing demand for network connectivity, the Pilot P9 and P8 feature the second generation of Open Network Connectivity (ONC/2), a unique solution designed with Cisco Systems to bridge the gap between the data center and network systems environments. ONC/2 provides Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and voice and data integration capabilities. ONC/2 offers multi-protocol support and multiple host/LPAR connectivity, allowing all resources in a campus environment easy access to host data. ONC/2 supports existing host parallel channel interfaces or channel interfaces compatible with ESCON(R). It also provides connectivity to a wide range of LAN/WAN interfaces such as Token Ring, Ethernet, FDDI, and ATM. ONC/2 will be available in 4Q1999.

Enhanced Open Systems Connection Feature (OCF/E) -- Hitachi Data Systems will offer an Enhanced Open Systems Connection Feature (OCF/E) as an option on all Pilot P9, P8, and Skyline Trinium(tm) models, providing an alternative to enterprises requiring local area connectivity. OCF/E provides TCP/IP connection to an Ethernet line at 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps. 10/100 Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity will be available in September 1999 and FDDI connectivity will be available in 4Q1999. Contrasted with ONC/2, OCF/E connects LANs directly to the Pilot via adapter cards which plug directly into the IOP, rather than attaching to a channel.

Virtual Server Facility (VSF(tm)) -- The P9 and P8 Pilot Series will also incorporate a Virtual Server Facility, previously announced on the Hitachi Data Systems Skyline Trinium. VSF is designed to aid customers in software asset management through its capability of setting hard boundaries within the processor and assigning unique serial numbers and model identifiers. Utilizing IP Isolation Technology, VSF allows the definition of up to 13 discrete Virtual Servers within a single Pilot footprint. This enables Hitachi Data Systems to configure each virtual server specifically for the number of nodes being used for a particular software application, thereby allowing customers improved asset management for ISV offerings.

Physical Instruction Processors (IPs) can be reassigned by Hitachi Data Systems among virtual servers to increase or reduce server capacity. As noted in the Skyline Trinium announcement (Feb. 22, 1999), VSF will be enhanced in the future to allow Hitachi Data Systems to perform dynamic server upgrades or downgrades and reconfigurations to be performed via the remote Hitachi Data Systems service facility.

Currently, Computer Associates, BMC Software, Candle Corporation, and ISM have all announced support for VSF, with more industry-leading ISV endorsements expected. The Virtual Server Facility will be available on Pilot models starting in 2Q1999, ensuring long-range business flexibility.

Statement of Intent for ultra-fast integrated DASD IO Architecture Enhancement -- Web-IO Accelerator, a unique integrated DASD presently being engineered by Hitachi Data Systems to provide reduced system response time in the workplace, is intended for delivery on both P9 and P8 systems. Currently under development, this enhanced feature will be the first implementation of a native ANSI Fibre Channel connection at a 100MB per second transfer rate in the S/390(R)-compatible world.

The feature will utilize processor storage as first level cache to provide ultra-fast DASD I/O for high performance applications. It will also enable e-commerce environments to accommodate high I/O rates and sustain a greater number of Internet hits per second, making the Hitachi Data Systems Pilot Series the preferred choice for Web hosting.

Dynamic Capacity Upgrade (DCU) -- Hitachi Data Systems will offer a Dynamic Capacity Upgrade feature on a wide range of P9 and P8 models. Designed to meet the needs of today's complex business challenges, DCU will enable customers to activate pre-configured standby IPs to address unexpected capacity requirements mandated by such power-hungry applications such as e-commerce.

DCU can be configured to allow customers to upgrade their Pilot servers from a uniprocessor to a 13-way P9 or a 11-way P8 server, all without interrupting their normal operating environment. DCU's availability is planned for 4Q1999. In addition, Hitachi Data Systems announced its intention to provide an optional feature, Remote Dynamic Capacity Upgrade (DCU/R), which will allow for both remote and local IP activation of reserved capacity by Hitachi Data Systems.

Rapid Capacity Program (RCP) -- An optional feature that is available on most P9 and P8 models is RCP, which enables customers to activate pre-configured standby IPs for short-term use in the event of a sudden disaster. This program allows customers to test their D/R procedures twice a year to ensure data center readiness. The only exception is models that were previously configured with the maximum number of IPs. When combined with DCU or DCU/R, RCP will provide customers with a comprehensive disaster recovery solution that will ensure minimum system downtime in the event of a sudden disaster. RCP will be available at first customer shipment.

Encryption -- Hitachi Data Systems will provide integrated encryption co-processor capability compatible with IBM's 9672 on Pilot P9 and P8 processors beginning in 4Q1999. Application workloads which depend on hardware-based encryption for security (e.g. message verification, electronic funds transfer, e-commerce) can gain the benefits of the exceptional availability and performance characteristics that the P9 Pilot Series brings to the high-end server market.

One optional crypto unit will be available on uniprocessor models, and two optional crypto units will be available on all models with more than one IP.

PC File Server -- Also available on the Pilot P9, P8, and Skyline Trinium at first customer ship is PC File Server, which enables Windows NT(R), OS/2(R), and UNIX(R)-based applications to perform seamless access to data files stored on an OS/390(R) file system, thereby allowing the consolidation of server and desktop-based data stores.

Unlike other mainframe-based file server implementations, PC File Server requires no additional server or desktop software and no intermediate gateway servers. PC File Server includes a browser-based administration and management interface allowing remote-secure administration and file access via Intranet or Internet connections.

512 Channel Support (RPQ) -- Pilot P9 and P8 systems will be able to support up to 512 channels using two IOCDSs. With this RPQ, the maximum number of channels will be doubled to 192 parallel channels, 512 ESCH channels, 64 ISCH2 coupling links, 44 OCF channels, and 48 FSCH channels. Pricing and availability will be determined via RPQ.

Internal Coupling (IC) Channels -- Pilot P9 and P8 systems will support multiple IC connections. IC Channels provide ultra-high speed coupling connections in a Parallel Sysplex(R) environment between coupling facilities and OS/390 systems in multiple LPARs on the same Pilot server. Implemented exclusively by firmware, ICs transfer data at memory-to-memory speeds and require no transport media such as cables. Coupling facility LPARs using ICs can simultaneously use external coupling links or ISBs. IC Channels will be available on P9 in 4Q1999.

Integrated System Bus (ISB)(RPQ) -- Pilot P9 and P8 systems will be able to support up to 22 Integrated System Bus (ISB) coupling connections. ISBs provide high-speed connections between coupling facilities and Parallel Sysplex-capable systems via a direct connection to the systems' memory buses. Data rates are at a nominal 333 MB/second (less protocol time).

Connections can be between multiple LPARs on a single system or between one or more closely spaced systems and a coupling facility on another closely spaced system. Data transport is via special copper cables with a maximum length of 10 meters. Although functionally similar to an IBM Integrated Cluster Bus (ICB), an ISB cannot interconnect with an ICB. Pricing and availability will be determined via RPQ.

FICON(tm) Bridge Mode -- On Pilot P9, P8, and Trinium(tm) systems Hitachi Data Systems plans to provide FSCH, a feature which is compatible with IBM's FICON(tm). FSCH will enable users to connect to control units with channel adapters compatible with ESCON(R) via Fibre Channel links and the IBM 9032 Model 005 FICON Bridge Card. Hitachi Data Systems' FSCH will provide full duplex transmission and nominal 100 MB/second link data rates. FSCH can multiplex up to eight ESCON-compatible control unit connections onto a single Fibre connection Serial Channel. FSCH will be available in 4Q1999.

Statement of Intent for FSCH Native Mode -- Hitachi Data Systems intends to provide FSCH on Pilot P9, P8, and Trinium systems. FSCH will provide direct connectivity to directors and control units with FICON-compatible channel adapters available in the market.

PerfMan(R) for OS/390 Services -- ISM's PerfMan services for OS/390 provide a complete capacity and performance management solution without requiring additional personnel or machine resources. All new Pilot P9 and P8 models sold in North America will be packaged with PerfMan for OS/390 services for a period of one year.

About Hitachi Data Systems

Recognized as a leading provider of business solutions for the world's most IT-intensive corporations, Hitachi Data Systems offers a global professional services division, multi-platform storage subsystems, and the industry's broadest line of high-performance servers. The company's extensive range of products and services, coupled with its business alliances with key industry leaders, enable it to translate technology into enterprise-wide solutions for high-end and middle-market customers. Hitachi Data Systems is owned by Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) and has its headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif. For further information on Hitachi Data Systems, access www.hds.com.

Note: For further information on the Hitachi Data Systems P9 Pilot Series, access www.hds.com/pilot/index.html. Hitachi Data Systems press releases are available at www.hds.com/news/press.html.

Note: Please see the separate Hitachi Data Systems P9 Pilot Series news release also dated May 17, 1999

Note to Editors: Hitachi Data Systems is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a trademark and service mark of Hitachi, Ltd. Skyline Trinium, Trinium, VSF, and Pilot Series are trademarks of Hitachi Data Systems Corporation. S/390, OS/390, OS/2, ESCON, and Parallel Sysplex are registered trademarks and FICON is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. PerfMan is a registered trademark of The Information Systems Manager, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Limited. Windows NT is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand or product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify, products or services of their respective owners.