HitachiSoft Launches Secure Online MSP Series with

Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service On-demand Development Environment

HitachiSoft is pleased to introduce Secure Online, a Managed Service Provider (MSP)-type[1] platform that successfully combines the companys long proprietary experience in software development, security research and development, and IT consulting know-how. Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service, the first service launch in the Secure Online series, will roll out from January 22nd.

Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service provides a developmental IT infrastructure consisting of a virtual machine[2], OS, various middleware, various tools, and accompanying operational services. This service has been used throughout more than 50 developmental projects within the company since June 2006 before being commercialized today.

Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service is provided as an on-demand type of developmental infrastructure, as users need only purchase the services they need when they need them. As a Utility Computing systems development, it is considered to be a new concept, and is as yet rarely found in Japan. Users can look forward to benefits such as the reduction of initial costs, shortening of developmental schedules, and better control of developmental processes.

System developments require not only a budget for the system itself but also a budget for the purchase of hardware and software. However, in reality, too much money is spent on systems, leaving only a minimal amount to developmental IT infrastructure.

Procurement involves complicated company procedures and can take a lot of time. As a result, schedules for system development are disrupted. Moreover, when there are sudden increases in manpower, preparation for developmental IT infrastructure cannot be carried out properly. As such, problems occur when work cannot be given to staff.

From the point of view of control, developmental IT infrastructure is used within developmental projects. Moreover, development specialists manage the infrastructure as well. As a result, operational management issues such as the management of hardware and software assets, protection and security of customers data cannot be carried out satisfactorily.

Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service is provided on a per month basis, and at a discounted rate through March 2007. HitachiSoft is targeting sales of 1 billion yen over three years, with plans to expand the Secure Online menu in the future.

Comments from Main Partners

VMware K.K.

Since the founding of our company in 1998, VMware has been providing revolutionary products for server infrastructure to meet the demands of our developers, said Yasuo Miki, President and Representative Chief Executive Officer. VMware Infrastructure 3 is a product of choice for over 20,000 customers around the world when it comes to provisioning, software development management, testing, QA, and optimalisation of preparatory environment. We are extremely honored to be selected by HitachiSoft Engineering for their Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service.

VMwares proven track record and HitachiSoft Engineerings strength in technological development and know-how in IT consulting will certainly enable us to provide valuable advice to our customers, continued Miki. We believe that with VMware Infrastructure 3, the Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service will be able to help reduce the time and cost of software development and improve software quality.

IBM Japan

Japan IBM welcomes HitachiSofts Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service, said Ichiro Nakagawa, Brand Business Manager at IBM Japan. With this service, we hope that more customers can make safer, surer and faster use of IBM middleware such as WebSphere DB2 at suitable infrastructure costs. Through the provision of IBM middleware, IBM Japan will continue to support new business models such as SaaS (Software as a Service).

BEA Systems

BEA Systems welcomes the announcement of Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service, said Yuji Hirokawa, Representative Chief Executive Officer of BEA Systems Japan. BEA Systems provides BEA WebLogic Platform TM, a single integrated IT platform that flexibly responds to user needs and improves business efficiency. We believe that this service will help users to solve their problems at the developmental stage, and enable companies to make better use of an IT infrastructure that can meet their needs under a more secured environment.

Networld Corporation

As an IT Infrastructure solution distributor, Networld Corporation provides revolutionary technological products that make secure ubiquitous access a possibility and related services with business data centers in the utility computing era, said Yasuhiko Nakamura, President of Networld Corporation Japan. Networld has been involved in the virtualization of servers, storage, and applications from an early stage, and is a leader in next generation IT infrastructure. With our provision of related products and services, we greatly welcome the launch of HitachiSofts Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service.

Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service Features

1. Reduction in Initial Costs -

Virtual machine, OS, various middleware and various tools and accompanying operational services are offered on a monthly basis, allowing users to make use of developmental IT infrastructure with a minimal budget. 2. Quick Delivery of Developmental IT Infrastructure -

Users can make use of the service within 3 working days from contract (from a choice of standard menu) During peak times, structural changes are also performed within 3 working days. Customers can enquire about products not available in the standard menu. 3. Control of Developmental Process -

Since the developmental IT infrastructure is operated at ISMS-certified data centers, operational control such as protection and security of customers data are carried out effectively.

Hitachisoft provides consulting support to companies wishing to draw on the above features. In addition, it also provides consulting services to customers who wish to make use of middleware provided by various vendors.

Customers can carry out system development using optimal development methods when they take advantage of HitachiSofts engineering know-how.

Secure Online / Control IT Infrastructure Service Service Menu * (To be expanded)