Hitachi Data Systems Vice President of Global Partner Enablement Tonia Gonsalves Honored with CRN’s Power 100 Women of the Channel Award

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jul 27, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Hitachi Data Systems Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. /quotes/comstock/13*!hit/quotes/nls/hit (HIT 39.67, +0.07, +0.18%) , today announced that Tonia Gonsalves, vice president of global partner enablement, has been named as one of Everything Channel’s CRN Magazine’s Women of the Channel. Chosen by the editors of Everything Channel, Gonsalves was selected based on her achievements, leadership and influence within the technology channel. Gonsalves was further recognized as part of the Power 100, a subset of the Women of the Channel list comprised of the highest ranking women at the industry’s most influential vendors and VARs.

“With her finger on the pulse of the channel, Tonia has significantly improved the Hitachi Data Systems channel partner program enabling our partners to dramatically improve the profitability of their businesses,” said Mike Walkey, senior vice president, global channels, Hitachi Data Systems. “Her critical insight and influence within the channel allows us to continuously re-evaluate our partner program in order to develop and enhance services to improve our partners’ portfolios.”

In addition to leading the Hitachi TrueNorth Channel Partner Program, Gonsalves launched an enhanced global partner program with additional incentives, service and certification training, and partner enablement tools. For 2011, Gonsalves is leading several strategic initiatives for Hitachi Data Systems, including broadening the channel base through an increased focus and customization for key vertical markets. The company will also enhance services certification and strategic marketing, and increase partner communication methods to further enable partners to deliver complete solutions.

“Women hold many prominent executive positions at vendor organizations, distributors and solution provider organizations, providing critical insight and influence when it comes to technology and the channel,” said Kelley Damore, VP, Editorial Director, Everything Channel. “The Power 100 is the Who’s Who of Women in the Channel. They represent the largest and most powerful vendor organizations and VARs and it is an honor to highlight their accomplishments and include them in this ranking. We want to honor and congratulate these women for their contributions to the industry and their respective organizations.”

“Now more than ever, I see the growing power of not only the channel, but the individuals who are driving forces behind it,” said Tonia Gonsalves. “I’m honored to be among the people who strive to exceed objectives in order to positively impact their companies’ programs and promote the channel as an industry standard.”

This is Gonsalves’ third consecutive year on the Women of the Channel list, as she was also honored in 2008 and 2009 for her achievements in the technology channel and leadership of the Hitachi TrueNorth Channel Partner Program. The Women of the Channel were featured in the July issue of CRN Magazine with expanded coverage at www.crn.com.

Web Resources

– Hitachi TrueNorth Channel Partner Program: www.hds.com/partners/channel-partners

– Power 100: The Most Powerful Women Of The Channel: http://www.crn.com/it-channel/226100074;jsessionid=JITLPLRDKAMNLQE1GHPCKH4ATMY32JVN?pgno=41