Hitachi break-up causes 600 redundancies

NEWS Hitachi Data Systems is to split in two in an attempt to become more business-focussed - a move that will result in the loss of 600 jobs. The former sales and marketing arm of Hitachi aims to embrace ebusiness and lose its pure technology focus. Independent business units will be set up, one purpose of which being to advise clients on new business ventures. Between them, Hitachi Data Systems and the new Hitachi Data Systems Solutions will boost the percentage of staff who will come into contact with customers from 30 to 80 per cent. Hardware will become an entirely separate business unit. Ten per cent of the job losses will come from Europe.