Hitachi Telecom - USA, Inc. Introduces MAXimilian 2001 Software to Enhance Functionally of HCX5000i; Hotels to Benefit from Enhanced Productivity & Increased Revenues.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2001

Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc. recently introduced MAXimilian 2001, a suite of application software packages designed to greatly enhance the functionality of the company's new HCX5000i PBX. The software, which runs on a PC/NT Server connected to the HCX5000i via a serial or TCP-IP connection, features the advanced technology required to maximize productivity and substantially enhance revenues for hotel properties.

According to Gene Pelletier, Hitachi's director of PBX business, "We're pleased to inform the hospitality industry that older versions of Hitachi's HCX5000 family may be upgraded to add MAXimilian 2001. Once again, our company has provided hoteliers with an important means of building profitability, while simultaneously protecting their current investments."

MAXimilian 2001 includes the currently available Customer Maintenance Administration Accelerator --- known as CMAX 2.0. This enhanced version of CMAX, which utilizes a co-located PC connected to the HCX5000i CMAT port at 9600 baud, adds to the local PC or remote system administration capabilities by providing additional security and priority levels for remote functions.

Due for release the 4th quarter of this year, Data Warehouse and MAXimilian 2001 Basic, will add further functionality to Hitachi's HCX5000i.

Data Warehouse will store PBX data on an external PC or Server. Utilizing a Serial Port or TCP-IP connection, it will transfer data such as Wake-Up, Do-Not-Disturb, Check In/Out, VIP Status, Message Waiting and Call Records to the PC. In this manner, customized reports may be generated effortlessly from the MAXimilian Server by using Crystal Reports, Excel, Access and other reporting tools.

MAXimilian 2001 Basic, which will eliminate the need for the menu-based VDU, will provide enhanced guest room management and administrative efficiencies. It will include advanced Alarm Management and Front Desk functionality, which can be accessed via a PC/Server. The status of 911, Lockout and Automatic Wake-Up alarms will be displayed in prominent and priority based detail on the PC/Server screens to ensure guest safety and convenience.

"By continuously assisting our customers to increase efficiencies and boost profits, we are helping them to compete more effectively in a rapidly-evolving industry," stated Pelletier. "We truly believe that this has been the basis for the customer loyalty our company has enjoyed for so many years."

Further enhancements, to be made available by Hitachi Telecom starting in 1st quarter 2002, will include optional software packages which will allow hotels to add only the software that they require.

About Hitachi's HCX5000 Communication System

The HCX5000 Communication System offers a wide array of benefits for lodging properties of all sizes and types, as well as the industry's most flexible interface to Property Management Systems (PMS) and other systems. Hitachi's HCX5000 Communication System with WelCOMM lodging software has lead the market in the number of PBX lines shipped to the lodging industry for 6 consecutive years (1995-2000)(Phillips Infotech -- 2001)

About Hitachi

Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., develops, manufactures and markets telecommunications equipment for the U.S. market. The company offers ultra high-speed optical networking equipment such as SONET and DWDM systems, as well as customer premises products such as PBXs. For more information on Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc., please visit the company's website at www.hitel.com.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, consumer electronics and semiconductors, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For information on Hitachi America, Ltd., visit http://www.hitachi.com.

Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies with fiscal 2000 (ended March 31, 2001) consolidated sales of 8,417 billion yen ($67.9 billion (1)). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's website at http://global.hitachi.com (1) At an exchange rate of 124 yen to the dollar.