Hitachi PC Outsources Sales Training & Support for its Resellers and Dealers to Channel Reps; Channel Reps Will Deliver Product Training for Hitachi Notebooks to In-Store Sales Personnel Nationwide

Business Wire, May 6, 1996

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 1996--Hitachi PC Corporation, preparing to launch its notebook computers in the U.S. later this month, today announced that it has signed a sales services agreement with Atlanta-based Channel Reps, a nationwide provider of product training and product information to technology resellers in 60 major metropolitan areas.

"This partnership with Channel Reps will ensure that the reseller sales force across the country is trained and ready as soon as the product is on the shelf," said Fred Angelopoulos, vice president of sales at Hitachi PC. "The agreement is a key component of our channel distribution plan and will guarantee that our select group of resellers receive the kind of support they most want -- product training and information."

Channel Reps will be making 500 to 750 reseller visits per month on behalf of Hitachi PC. This high level of sales support will bring the resellers up-to-speed on the products quickly as well as maintain their ongoing comfort level with Hitachi PC products. Channel Reps will also provide staffing for Demo Days.

"Hitachi PC is in the forefront of a move toward outsourcing many of the functions traditionally maintained by an in-house sales force," explained Greg Stipe, president and founder of Channel Reps. "They have recognized the significant cost advantages and overall efficiency of this approach and are aggressive enough to adopt a forward-thinking business model early in the game."

Channel Reps currently provides in-store training and sales support for a number of nationally-known hardware and software products. The Channel Reps staff seeks to maintain such a high level of product knowledge and responsiveness to dealer needs that in-store personnel often do not realize they are working with an outsourced sales support team. "They will regard our people as Hitachi sales reps," added Stipe.

Hitachi PC plans to ship its notebook computers later this month. The new line of portables targets professionals who need to access, manage and control information at all times wherever they are. The products feature a built-in, local-area network interface, a fax/modem and floppy drive as well as easy access to email, Internet, corporate intranets and databases, faxing and paging.

About Channel Reps

Channel Reps, Inc., is the leading provider of sales-related services that build nationwide awareness and knowledge of computer-related products in the retail, educational and VAR channels. Based in Atlanta, Channel Reps specializes in reseller training, product evangelization, in-store merchandising and demonstration-day staffing.

About Hitachi PC

Hitachi PC Corporation designs, manufactures and markets personal computers for the business person who needs integrated communications capabilities and timely access to information. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the company is a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Japan's largest diversified manufacturer of electronic and electrical products. -0-

Note to Editors: For more information on Channel Reps, please call 770/667-3300. Additional information on Hitachi PC Corporation and its products is available by calling 408/321-5000 or by visiting the Web site at www.hitachipc.com. Hitachi, Hitachi PC and the Hitachi logo are trademarks of Hitachi Ltd. All other product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright (c) 1996 Hitachi PC Corporation

CONTACT: Phase Two Strategies

Christina Bowden, 415/772-8425

christina_bowden@p2pr.com