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News Release

July 7, 1998

Hitachi Expands Lineup of M Parallel Series of Large-Scale Computer Systems

- Also unveils plans for next-generation M Parallel Series using ACE*1 /CMOS technology -

Hitachi, Ltd. on July 9 will strengthen its lineup of large-scale computer systems for the Japanese market, M Parallel Series, with the addition of eleven new models to each of the MP5800 and MP5600 Series.

The MP5800 has the world's fastest uniprocessor and has a well-established reputation throughout the world. Now, this series will be expanded by the addition of the eleven new models in the MP5800E models, which feature enhancements providing up to 1.3 times the uniprocessor performance of existing models*2.

Extensive use of the latest CMOS technology together with powerful parallel processing technology enable the MP5600 to provide excellent cost-performance in a highly compact frame, making it suitable for a broad range of customer needs. Now, the addition of the eleven new models of the MP5600E models provide up to 2.0 times the uniprocessor performance of the existing models*3.

On the software side, cooperation to open systems and Web browser adaptability have been strengthened by providing extensive support for Java and distributed object technology, expanding the range of backbone server applications in a large-scale networked computing environment.

In recent years a number of factors, led by deregulation and the financial industry's "Big Bang" have shaped a business environment marked by an intensification of competitive pressures among enterprises endeavoring to survive. This, in turn, is making it imperative for companies to be able to speedily respond to market needs. This is creating a fresh awareness of the role that large-scale computers can play as backbone servers, as companies seek to construct computing systems via the Internet and intranets in order to use the huge information assets stored on the large-scale computers, including the use of these vast databases on a company-wide basis and the strategic use of enterprise data through datawarehousing. All this has created a demand for enterprise systems that, in addition to offering a high level of everyday processing capability and reliability, incorporate new technologies, such as Web browsers, Java and distributed objects, that enable coexistence and connectivity with open systems.

Ever since the launch of the MP5800 in April 1995 which used ACE technology to provide the world's fastest uniprocessor performance, and the MP5600, one year later, which used CMOS technology and offered excellent cost- performance and scalability, Hitachi has continued to expand the M Parallel Series of large-scale computer systems with the addition of enhanced and entry models.

As well as the 1.3-fold boost in processing performance, the MP5800E models provide a 15% improvement in price/ performance ratio*2. The eleven models with from one- to eight-way configurations and the ability to use legacy software assets make the MP5800E suitable for various applications requiring large-scale, hi-speed processing such as new banking services and calculating various newtelephone call charges provided by telephone companies.

Similarly, in addition to the 2.0-fold boost in processing performance, the MP5600E provides a 15% improvement in price/performance ratio and eleven models in configurations ranging from one- to eight-way. The result is a broad spectrum of selection and expendability, with the high-end 810E model offering approximately 100 times the performance of the low-end 20S system. This makes it possible to closely tailor MP5800 and MP 5600 Series to match application requirements.

Hitachi is also releasing a new version of the its VOS3/ FS operating system with increased functionality, and OSAE/BASE for Java, as part of an expanded support of Java and enhanced open system connectivity in the form ofa provision of the environment needed to execute applications written in Java and a JIT (Just in Time) compiler to speed up the execution of such programs.

Hitachi is currently engaged in the development of a new generation of M Parallel Series as the successor to the MP5800E. The company plans to have the new system ready for delivery during the next fiscal year (ending March 2000), as part of its objective to comprehensively support companies in providing high-level services to their customers as well as in achieving speedy business moves and other such global competitive capabilities. With respect also to the MP5600, Hitachi plans to phase in new systems starting from the next fiscal year. 64- bit addressing implementation of processors and operating systems will be phased in as customer needs evolve.

Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1997 (ending March 31, 1998) consolidated sales of 8,417 billion yen (63.8 billion dollars*4). 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 Web site at http://www.hitachi.co.jp.

Notes
1. ACE: Advanced CMOS-ECL.
Hitachi's original semiconductor technology that combines CMOS(complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) circuits and bipolar ECL(emitter coupled logic) circuits on a single LSI chip.
2. Compared to the one-way model of MP5800 Series announced in April, 1995.
3. Compared to MP5600 models announced in May, 1997.
4. At an exchange rate of 132 yen to the dollar.

Pricing & Availability
1. Processors
(1) MP5800E models
Pricing (per month): From 45.19 million yen
Availability: Fourth quarter of 1998
(2) MP5600E models
Pricing (per month): From 13.30 million yen
Availability: First quarter of 1999

2. Software
(1) VOS3/FS - JSS3/JSS4
Pricing (per month): 1.54 million yen/1.70 million yen (for MP5600/140E processor models)
Availability: December 1998
(2) OSAE/BASE for Java
Pricing (per month): 20,000 yen (for MP5600/140E processor models)
Availability: December 1998

Major Specifications
MP5800E models
Models 185E 215E 315E 415E 225E 325E 425E 525E 625E 725E 825E
No. of processors 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
System control 1 2
Storage Capacity from 256MB to 12GB 512MB to 24GB
Channels from 16 to 192 from 32 to 256
OS VOS 3 / FS

MP5600E models
Models 140E 160E 180E 200E 210E 310E 410E 510E 610E 710E 810E
No. of processors 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Storage Capacity from 256MB to 16GB 512MB to 32 GB
Channels from 8 to 256
OS VOS 3 / FS

Details of planned next-generation of M Parallel Series

1. Continuing use and enhancement of leading-edge hardware technology
The systems will continue to use improved ACE/CMOS technology for high processing speed and low power consumption.

2. Expanded basic architecture
64-bit addressing will be implemented to handle large data sets and the increasing size of systems.

3. Enhanced network and peripheral connectivity
Support of Gigabit Ethernet network by the incorporated LAN adapters
Adoption of fibre channels for high-speed connections to peripherals
Increase in models equipped with high-performance, large capacity incorporated disk storage systems

4. Improved security
Increased security of data sent over networks

5. Improved RAS (reliability, availability and serviceability)
Expanded range of concurrent maintenance during operation

6. Enhanced datawarehousing
The provision of OLAP tools on mainframe systems to handle large-scale datawarehouses
XDM/RD E2 support under Prism support tools for building and reducing operating costs for datawarehouses

Trademarks

  • Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
  • Prism is a trademark of Prism Solutions, Inc. in the United States.


    WRITTEN BY Secretary's Office
    All Rights Reserved, Copyright (C) 1998, Hitachi, Ltd.