Bell Extends Linecard

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Bell Microproducts Inc. (Nasdaq:BELM), one of the world's largest value-added distributorsof storage and computing technology, announced today that it has signedan agreement with Hitachi Data Systems to distribute the Hitachi SimpleModular Storage 100 product line.

The Hitachi Simple Modular Storage 100, a low-cost, entry-level storagesystem that serves the needs of a broad set of customers, is designedto fulfill the requirements of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)with burgeoning data growth and data protection requirements andenterprises with distributed branch offices looking forsimple-to-manage storage offerings that are easy to integrate with theMicrosoft(r) Windows platform. A simple and reliable solution, theHitachi Simple Modular Storage 100 product line offers enterprise-classstorage features with complete data protection.

"We are very pleased to expand our longstanding relationship withHitachi by offering their new Hitachi Simple Modular Storage 100product line, which is a great option for our growing SMB customersegment," noted Gary Gammon, senior vice president of marketing,enterprise products at Bell Microproducts. "The availability ofHitachi's newest innovation through Bell Microproducts is indicative ofboth our commitment to ensuring our channel partners have access to themost innovative solutions and our commitment to strengthening ourreputation as the leading value-added distributor in storage."

Bell Microproducts