Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, Dec 11, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited, Toyo University Incorporated Educational Institution (Toyo University) and Kokoro Balance Research Institute today announced the commencement of a field trial on December 3, 2024, to develop a Training Program for Coping with Customer Aggression. This program leverages AI and incorporates insights from criminal psychology and mental health to tackle the growing societal issue of customer harassment, i.e., unreasonable or abusive behavior directed at staff by customers and clients.The program utilizes the “AI Tool for Experiencing Customer Aggression” developed using Fujitsu's generative AI technology, behavior change support technologies and Toyo University's expertise in criminal psychology. Fujitsu’s AI tool provides interactive feedback through the use of AI avatars and clarifies actions that can be taken to enhance participants' customer harassment response skills. To evaluate the program's effectiveness, Kokoro Balance Research Institute will leverage its mental health expertise to develop new psychological scales measuring customer service skills, stress management, and overall customer harassment response capabilities. Furthermore, the research partners will carry out a field trial with call center employees at Fujitsu Communication Services Limited (CSL), analyzing changes in participants' customer service skills, stress management, engagement, and subjective productivity to ensure the program's scientific validity.The full program is targeted for launch in fiscal 2025 with the goals of reducing the psychological burden of working people in customer service roles and contributing to the creation of safe and supportive work environments.BackgroundCustomer harassment has become a serious social issue. A recent survey revealed that 46.8% of service industry workers have encountered customer harassment in the past two years, with nearly half experiencing lasting physical and mental health consequences.In response, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare added mental health issues related to customer harassment to its work-related injury recognition criteria in September 2023. Furthermore, the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly passed Japan's first customer harassment prevention ordinance in October 2024. The growing national and local government efforts are driving increased organizational responsibility for employee protection.Field Trial PeriodDecember 3, 2024 to March 31, 2025Figure 1: Overview diagram of the field trial Comment from Akiko Yamada, Head of the Converging Technologies Laboratory of Fujitsu Research, Fujitsu Limited:We have been pursuing research in converging technologies, combining cutting-edge digital technology with knowledge from humanities and social sciences to solve various social issues. This new initiative combines generative AI, behavioral change support technology, criminal psychology, and mental health expertise to tackle the significant social problem of customer harassment and secure the well-being of working people.Comment from Prof. Masayuki Kiriu, Dean, Faculty of Sociology, Toyo University:By incorporating psychological scales and stress measurement indicators into the "AI Tool for Experiencing Customer Aggression”, we expect to create a practical and effective customer harassment response training program for customer service personnel. This will significantly contribute to solving current customer harassment issues. We anticipate the emergence of new social contributions through converging technology in this pilot program.Comment from Kyoko Shimada, Representative Director, Kokoro Balance Research Institute:Customer harassment can inflict deep emotional wounds on employees. While eradication may be impossible, we can reduce its impact through organizational efforts. This research aims to strengthen organizations by focusing on employee mental health and response capabilities. By using globally recognized psychological scales and effective evaluation criteria, we aim to make this program scientifically sound, useful, and applicable for employees.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press Contacts:Fujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesToyo UniversityToyo University General Affairs Department, Public Relations DivisionPhone: 03-3945-7571Reception hours: 9:00-18:00 JST (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and university-designated holidays)E-mail: mlkoho@toyo.jpKokoro Balance Research InstituteE-mail: info@kokorobalance.jp Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 10, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Association for Promotion of Sustainable Finance Platform (AP-SFPF) and Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi) today announced that we will begin providing the first template feature adapted to the IFRS sustainability disclosure standards in Japan (IFRS S1 and S2*1) formulated by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), on the Sustainable Finance Platform - Engagement Support Service (SFP-ESS), a digital platform that promotes ESG investing by establishing seamless connections between asset management companies and listed companies.Specifically, Hitachi's SFP-ESS, developed under license from the IFRS Foundation, will be enhanced with a templatedesigned to facilitate reporting in accordance with IFRS S1 and S2 and the SASB Standards*2 (Templates). AP-SFPF will offer the Templates to asset management companies and listed companies in Japan as the service provider.By starting to provide the Templates, AP-SFPF and Hitachi will support listed companies in Japan in their disclosure of information in conformance with IFRS S1 and S2 and communication between listed companies and assetmanagement companies. This will enable global institutional investors to properly evaluate sustainability-conscious corporate activities in the ESG perspective and contribute to the enhancement of the companies' corporate value.AP-SFPF is a general incorporated association that was established to connect diverse stakeholders andpromote effective and efficient communication, solving issues and considering projects to contribute to the continued development of the ESG market. It was established in July 2023 by eight companies, which mainly include financial institutions: MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc., Sompo Japan Insurance Inc., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., Nippon Life Insurance Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and MUFG Bank, Ltd.Background of the start to adapt the SFP-ESS for IFRS S1 and S2Recently, investors' interest in companies' sustainability initiatives has been growing and companies are implementing sustainability initiatives and disclosing information about them. However, there are various disclosure standards in Japan and global. This has created an issue regarding disclosures. The people in charge of disclosing information,especially people at listed companies engaging in business globally, are not sure which standards to refer to and unable to determine investors' expectations regarding the disclosure of information, in addition to being short of resources. To solve this situation, the ISSB announced IFRS S1 and S2 in June 2023 as global baseline standards forthe disclosure of sustainability-related information.In Japan, the Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ) is formulating the Japanese version of S1 and S2 (the SSBJ standards), which are made to comply with all of the requirements of IFRS S1 and S2, the standards fordisclosing sustainability-related informationin Japan. The finalized standards are planned to be published by March 2025. In addition, the Financial ServicesAgency made it mandatory to disclose sustainability-related information in securities reports in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. It is also considering the gradual application of the SSBJ standards to companies listed on the PrimeMarket starting in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027. Therefore, listed companies are facing urgent tasks, such asthe collection of sustainability-related information and the development of a disclosure process in line with IFRS S1and S2, to prepare for the disclosure of information becoming mandatory in the future and to enhance their corporate value.In response, AP-SFPF exchanged opinions with more than 100 companies, including asset management companiesand listed companies, and began to offer a beta version of the SFP- ESS and verify its value in October 2023 to reduce the workload of the people at listed companies in charge of disclosing information and promote ESG investingin Japan. By using the Templates to adapt the SFP-ESS to IFRS S1 and S2, AP-SFPF and Hitachi will help listed companies smoothly disclose ESG information and contribute to improving their corporate value.Outline of SFP-ESSThe SFP-ESS is a two-sided platform on which asset management companies and listed companies making ESG investments are connected seamlessly to deepen their mutual understanding of each other. Asset managementcompanies present their needs regarding the ESG information it expected that listed companies disclose in line with theSASB*2 Standards. Listed companies refer to this registered information, which enables them to understand the needs of asset management companies and use the information when formulating their disclosure policies.Listed companies enter their data into the platform and send it, publishing it alongside comments by following the disclosure items in the Templates. This facilitates asset management companies' side-by-side comparison of listedcompanies as the viewers and also enables them to understand data, including the details.Features of the Templates adapted to IFRS S1 and S2Regarding IFRS S1 and S2, documents explaining the disclosure standards themselves, the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Taxonomy*3, and support materials including a guide for the voluntary application of ISSB Standards havebeen published. However, Japanese documents are limited, and each company is left to decide how they will disclose the information they should disclose in their integrated reports and other reports. To support the practical tasks done by these listed companies, the Templates come with an input interface available in Japanese, so that digital data can be entered and saved on the platform in accordance with definitions in the taxonomy. Specifically, the Templates helplisted companies understand and respond to IFRS S1 and S2 using the following three features.1. Disclosure items classified into three categories (major categories, intermediate categories, and subcategories)The IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Taxonomy information is classified in detail into four core classifications (governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets). However, the hierarchical structure differs from item to item. In response, a creative measure was devised to streamline data entry by the people in charge ofthe disclosure of information at listed companies by classifying the information into major categories,intermediate categories and subcategories visualizing the hierarchical structure of the information. This helps the people in charge of disclosing information at companies understand information collection based on the definitions in IFRS S1 and S2 without difficulty.2. Supplementary information from the IFRS Foundation regarding each disclosure item is provided when viewing the Templates.The IFRS Foundation, provides application guidance which companies may want to refer to when entering information into the Templates.3. Tables styles and options enabling an intuitive understanding of the information that needs to be disclosed are availableOptimal table styles are provided on an item-by-item basis to enable people to intuitively understand and enter the information required for each disclosure item. For example, there is an appropriate answer space for itemsthat are yes or no questions. In addition, for items which require that risks be described, there is a multiple-choice section about the type of risk (physical or transition) and the time frame (short, medium, or long term), in addition to the space for describing the risk. This prevent the omission of information or the provision of insufficient information.Future developmentMoving forward, AP-SFPF and Hitachi will broadly expand the SFP-ESS with the Templates to listed companies andtalk with multiple listed companies preparing to comply with IFRS S1 and S2 ahead of others. It will thus collect opinionsand requests regarding the improvement of the convenience of the Templates and develop the Templates so that we are more useful and adapted to IFRS S1 and S2.We will also work to functionally enhance the SFP-ESS in addition to developing the Templates. Specifically, they moveforward with consideration and development to provide service features which will be needed in the promotion ofthe disclosure of information, dialogue, and engagement between asset management companies and listedcompanies, such as a feature enabling asset management companies to register their information disclosure needs, and to release these features one by one. We also plan to incorporate the finalized SSBJ standards which will be published by the SSBJ by March 2025.Speaking at Director of Earned Revenue, IFRS Sustainability, Eli Reisman, said:“The IFRS Foundation welcomes Hitachi as a licensee of its standards. The IFRS Foundation encourages companiesvoluntarily applying IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, in addition to the progress being made towards regulatory adoption or other use of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 happening in 25+ jurisdictions globally. In order to facilitate this corporate disclosure, it’s imperative that various services and tools integrate the ISSB standards to support this process."Yasuki Imai, Vice President and Executive Officer, Head of Digital Systems & Services APAC Business, and CEO of Financial Institutions Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd, said:“In line with this approach to sustainability reporting, Hitachi and its only reseller of SFP-ESS, The Association forPromotion of Sustainable Finance Platform, aim to facilitate the application of IFRS S1, S2, and SASB standards and provide guidance on industry-specific disclosures through the SFP-ESS platform: SFP-ESS is a digital platformdesigned to support companies in their sustainability reporting efforts. This tool is intended to assist companies in navigating the reporting process, with the goal of enhancing the standardization and relevance of ESG reporting.”AP-SFPF member company, Managing Executive Officer, Group Chief Sustainability Officer (CSuO), MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc., Naomi Motojima said:“MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. engages in investment, lending and insurance underwriting activities in consideration with ESG as a signatory to Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) and the Principles for ResponsibleInvestment (PRI). We consider “Symbiosis with global environment ～Planetary Health～” as an important issue forMS&AD group, and we are working on realizing “Action on climate change” and “Improvement of sustainability of natural capital” comprehensively to enhance the resilience of society. We help to solve ESG issues including climate change through insurance underwriting, investment and lending, and of course we also work to reduce our own Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We regard them as missions that we have as an insurance and financing serviceprovider. SFP-ESS is a platform that increases the mutual understanding of companies and financial institutions regarding ESG information disclosure. We hope that using the disclosure templates adapted to S1 and S2, which will be newly implemented, will facilitate the disclosure of information related to companies' ESG activities and lead to investors appropriately evaluating the companies. Further, from the standpoint of an investor, we find the developmentof a platform which enables users to compare the information disclosed by companies using a same index beneficial in the activities for the appropriate evaluation of the activities of the companies. Therefore, we welcome the release of the template feature.”*1 Disclosure standards announced by the IFRS Foundation in June 2023. The standards consist of IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information) and IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures).*2 The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards provide industry-specific ESG disclosure guidance focused on financial materiality. As of August 2022, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) of the IFRS Foundation assumed responsibility for the SASB Standards.*3 The IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Taxonomy is a framework for digitally tagging sustainability-related financial disclosures Its goal is to digitalize informationand facilitate investors' and stakeholders' comparison and assessment of companies' sustainability performanceSFP-ESS websitehttps://sfp-ess.org/en/service/About the Association for Promotion of Sustainable Finance Platform (AP-SFPF)The AP-SFPF was established in July 2023 to solve issues and consider projects, with financial institutions playing a leading role, to create new value and contribute to the continued development of the ESG market, eventually resultingin the sustainable development of society through the connection of various stakeholders to each other and the provision of a platform which will facilitate efficient and effective communication related to ESG issues.Member companies: MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc., Sompo Japan Insurance Inc., Tokio Marine & NichidoFire Insurance Co., Ltd., Nippon Life Insurance Company., Hitachi, Ltd., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation., MUFG Bank, Ltd.Representative: Yoshihiro Kanaoka, Representative Director Location: 1-6-1 Marunouchi,Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8220, Japan Corporate website: https://sfp-ess.org/en/About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Fujitsu today announced that it has provided Mitsubishi Electric Engineering with process visualization and analysis services utilizing the process mining(1) capabilities of “SAP Signavio®”(2), a platform that supportsbusiness transformation. Fujitsu consultants also identified areas requiring improvement and offered recommendations for process optimization.Mitsubishi Electric Engineering implemented its current system using SAP S/4HANA® in 2022 and planned a system upgrade for 2025. To optimize costs and efficiency before the upgrade, the company evaluated the effectiveness of its key business processes, such as sales and procurement, focusing on areas for improvement in operational quality and process standardization.To support this evaluation, Fujitsu employed its visualization and analysis service, which continuously monitors, analyses, and evaluates the effects of the current system's implementation. By visualizing the entire business process using log data from the current system, Fujitsu identified bottlenecks and process inconsistencies. Fujitsu consultants, with their deep understanding of SAP solutions, then used this information to propose process improvements.These improvement proposals were then discussed and refined in workshops with Mitsubishi Electric Engineering, leading to a clear identification of business challenges and improvement strategies. This data-driven approach, compared to traditional consulting methods relying solely on client interviews, enabled a rapid clarification of the current situation. This shortened the usual six to twelve-month evaluation phase to approximately one month, allowing more time for in-depth discussions on core business issues.Fujitsu will continue to support Mitsubishi Electric Engineering's process improvement initiatives. Through this collaboration, Fujitsu aims to help various companies achieve continuous process improvement and enhance their ability to adapt to changing business environments.(1) Process mining: Analytical method for discovering, monitoring, and improving actual processes based on easily accessible event logs from existing information systems.(2) SAP Signavio®: Platform provided by SAP SE (Germany) that supports business process management.Fujitsu’s Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.Fujitsu’s purpose — “to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation” — is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- The Group has signed an agreement with Angel Trains and Hitachi to lease 14 new five-car class 80X Hitachi electric, battery electric or bi-mode trains (70 cars in total) at a cost of c.£500m including maintenance, over a ten-year lease period- The trains will be manufactured by Hitachi in County Durham, securing skills base and jobs in the local area- The new trains will enable FirstGroup to significantly expand its open access portfolio and will be used on the newly announced London-Carmarthen route and to increase the number of cars on the existing Lumo and Hull Trains services- The agreement also contains an option for FirstGroup to lease up to an additional 13 trains on the same terms if the Group’s open access applications are granted by the Office of Rail and Road (‘ORR’)LONDON, Dec 9, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi Rail has entered into a contract with FirstGroup plc and Angel Trains Limited to lease 14 new, UK manufactured, five-car Hitachi electric or bi-mode trains.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is visiting Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, today to celebrate a significant agreement for the Hitachi Rail Limited factory which has secured an order to manufacture 70 new rail cars for leading transport operator FirstGroup’s growing open access business, creating certainty for the manufacturing skills base, and the factory’s future.The agreement announced today will deliver 14 new five-car class 80X Hitachi electric or bi-mode trains (a total of 70 cars), which will not only give FirstGroup a homogenous fleet across its open access operations and provides flexibility and reliability for customers, but also facilitates FirstGroup’s strategic objective of materially increasing its open access capacity. Delivery of the new trains is expected to commence in late 2027. The lease will be financed by Angel Trains, adding to their portfolio of Hitachi assets. The trains will be maintained by Hitachi at their facilities around the country.The trains will be used on FirstGroup’s open access rail services, including the Carmarthen-London route announced on 5 December, and the existing Hull Trains and Lumo services on the East Coast Mainline.In addition, the agreement provides FirstGroup the option to invest another £500m, with options on a further 13 five-car trains, should their recently submitted open access applications be successful. These include for a new Lumo service between London and Rochdale via Newton-le-Willows, Eccles and Manchester Victoria, the extension of the Lumo service between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the expansion of the new London-Carmarthen Lumo service to introduce a new Lumo service between London and Paignton, and a new Hull Trains service between London and Sheffield via Retford and Worksop. Open access rail operators are set up with solely private investment and take full commercial risk and opportunity. The successful open access model, which is supported by Government and its independent regulator ORR, connects under-served places, helping to drive economic growth and providing additional capacity on core routes which can push a modal shift away from carbon-intensive travel.Commenting, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland said: “The introduction of our new service between London and Carmarthen, and the extra capacity on Lumo and Hull Trains, will significantly increase our open access portfolio over the next few years, with further expansion possible should our recent applications be successful. The new trains, to be manufactured for us in County Durham by Hitachi, will support UK manufacturing and offer customers more choice as they consider affordable, environmentally friendly modes of travel in the future, and we are pleased to be taking them forward.“We know that growth and innovation are key for the future of the railway sector and are committed to working with government and all our partners to provide competitive, sustainable and improved services. Successful open access services can provide new connections, add capacity, support local businesses and suppliers, secure jobs and help to drive social mobility and future economic growth.”Jim Brewin, Chief Director of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, stated: “This contract is a positive step forward, and just recognition for the hard work and patience of our teams across the Hitachi Rail UK business over recent years. We look forward to once again delivering for Hull Trains and Lumo passengers who will benefit further from our award-winning British built trains."We owe a lot to the innovation and creativity shown by our customers Angel Trains and FirstGroup and are excited to work in collaboration to deliver on our combined ambitions. "Equally, we owe a debt of thanks to the Northeast Mayor Kim McGuiness and other local MPs who have worked tirelessly in support of this private sector investment.”Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, said: “This is a major milestone for the UK rail industry. In less than three months we have delivered c.£250m of investment that will bring millions more passengers onto the rail network, connect key regional centres across the UK, secure crucial manufacturing jobs and breathe new life into local economies.“This is the first announcement of its kind in six years but our ambitions don’t stop here – this milestone represents the beginning of a new and exciting journey, which will see Angel Trains play a leading role in the green transition of our rail infrastructure.”About Hitachi RailHitachi Rail is connecting the future of mobility - helping every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more seamless, sustainable transport. With innovative technology and world-leading delivery capabilities, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to customers and consortia partners globally. The company is an expert in every part of the railway: from train manufacturing and maintenance to digital signalling and smart mobility. Its pioneering products, such as the iconic high speed bullet train, enable billions of passenger journeys and the transport of millions of tonnes of freight, every year.Drawing on the powerful expertise of the wider Hitachi group companies, Hitachi Rail is uniquely placed to further enhance its offer to customers through pioneering new digital solutions and services.In FY22, Hitachi Rail had revenues of over €5bn. The company has around 15,000 employees in 38 countries, and it invests in its diverse and talented teams. Hitachi Rail’s business is local, but its reach is global. With deep roots in its communities, the company is committed to delivering sustainable progress for all. Find out more by visiting hitachirail.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 9, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. announced today that it received an order for five units of Hitachi Energy’s sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free EconiQ™ 300 kilovolt (kV) circuit-breaker from Chubu Electric Power Grid. This is the first project in Japan where SF6-free circuit-breakers will be installed at voltages of 275 kV and above. It marks a milestone in achieving sustainable power grids in Japan and Chubu Electric Power Grid’s ambition of reducing emissions to zero by 2050. The SF6-free EconiQ circuit-breaker reduces CO2-equivalent emissions from the insulating gas by 99.3 percent.SF6 gas has excellent insulation and switching performance and has been used for decades in power grids. It also has a global warming potential of 24,300 times higher than CO2 and remains in the atmosphere for more than 1,000 years if it leaks from the equipment.Governments around the globe are working on regulations to phase out the installation of new SF6 gas equipment to address climate change. Still, no regulations regarding eliminating SF6 gas equipment in Japan exist yet.With Japan's electricity demand expected to increase due to electrification and the expansion of data centers, it becomes crucial to strengthen the power grids while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. SF6-free switchgear, such as Hitachi Energy's EconiQ, is the only solution to this two-fold challenge – it has proven reliability, stays compact, and has the lowest carbon footprint.In 2022, Chubu Electric Power Grid announced its policy to adopt SF6-free circuit breakers up to 77 kV when they are replaced. Today, Chubu Electric Power Grid announced a progressive policy to accelerate its decarbonization initiatives by adopting SF6-free circuit breakers for 275 kV and above.Hitachi Energy launched EconiQ high-voltage products in 2021 to meet the demand for SF6-free equipment. The EconiQ high-voltage portfolio eliminates greenhouse gas emissions by replacing SF6 gas with an eco-efficient alternative gas while maintaining the same performance, size, safety, and reliability as conventional equipment using SF6 gas. The company is progressively expanding its EconiQ high-voltage product lineup. It has already developed SF6 gas-free products for grid-level voltages up to 550 kV.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of "Digital Systems & Services" – supporting our customers' digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility" – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries" – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi EnergyHitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are advancing the world's energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure and we collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today's generations and those to come. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries, serving customers in utility, industry, transportation, data centers and infrastructure sectors. With innovative technologies and services including the integration of more than 150 gigawatts of HVDC links into the power system, we help make the energy value chain more efficient, making electricity more accessible to all. Together with stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 45,000 people in 60 countries and generate business volumes of around $13 billion USD.https://www.hitachienergy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergyhttps://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 9, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has expanded its lineup of optical transceivers for 100Gb/s transmission, and has started selling the new “100G QSFP28 ZR4 BiDi," which extends transmission distance to 80km, from today. This product is an improved version of the dual-fiber 100Gb/s transceiver that uses two fibers, and it achieves bi-directional data transmission in both the upstream and downstream directions using a single fiber.In recent years, the spread of AI and video distribution services has led to an ever-increasing amount of data traffic, and demand for optical transceivers that connect data centers is expected to increase. At the same time, in response to the increase in data traffic, there is a continuous challenge to reduce the overall power consumption, latency, and cost of systems. This optical transceiver achieves high-capacity communication over distances of up to 80 km using a direct detection method rather than a coherent method. It can also achieve bi-directional communication over a single fiber, making it possible to achieve low-power consumption, low-latency, low-cost direct connections between data centers. This contributes to lowering the power consumption, latency, and cost of the entire optical network system. Features of the new product include the following: 1. Achieving cost efficiencyConventionally, two fibers were required for 100Gb/s transmission, but this time, a compact filter has been developed that combines and separates the transmission and reception wavelengths, and bi-directional transmission has been achieved using a single fiber by wavelength multiplexing with different wavelengths for upstream and downstream. By reducing the number of fibers used, fiber procurement costs and rental costs can be reduced, enabling the construction of a cost-efficient network. 2. Achieving high-quality long-distance transmissionBy incorporating a high-output laser on the transmitting side and an optical semiconductor amplifier on the receiving side, the required link budget (*) of 30dB for 80km transmission is secured, enabling high-quality transmission. In addition, NEC also provides products that support not only the Ethernet signal rate (103Gb/s), but also the OTU4 signal rate (111.8Gb/s). 3. Connection with existing devices is possibleThe electrical interface is the same as that of conventional 100G QSFP28 products, and it meets a specification of 5.5W or less power consumption, so it can be easily introduced into existing QSFP28 ports. In addition, because it uses a direct detection method, it achieves low latency and low cost compared to coherent methods.Product SpecificationsForm factorQSFP28Bit rate103.125Gb/s (Ethernet signal)111.8Gb/s (OTU4 signal *Optional)Wavelength (uplink)1273.55/1277.89/1282.26/1286.66nmWavelength (downlink)1295.56/1300.05/1304.58/1309.14nmLink budget30dB or moreOptical interface4 x 25.78Gb/s(NRZ)Electrical interface4 x 25.78Gb/s(NRZ)Power consumption5.5W or lessOperating temperature0 to +70°CGoing forward, NEC will continue to provide optical transceivers incorporating advanced technologies such as its single-fiber bi-directional technology for both domestic and international markets.*An indicator that expresses the balance between signal loss between the transmitter and receiver and the gain required to receive the signal in a fiber-optic communication network.ShareAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 9, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi) and NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) jointly announced today the successfuldemonstration of their planned distributed data center infrastructure, verifying its technical viability. The infrastructure deploys the Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform One Block (VSP One Block) provided by Hitachi Vantara*1 and the IOWN All-Photonics Network (APN)*2, a core technology of the IOWN initiative*3 that achieves ultra-high-speed and low power consumption.VSP One Block is a storage solution that uses virtualization to manage multiple storage units across locations as a single entity, ensuring reliable business continuity during disasters. Recognized for its exceptional capabilities, it leverages best-in-class synchronous data replication and advanced protection technologies to enable seamlessrecovery and continuous operations. The IOWN APN, developed by the NTT Group, is a network technology that offers low power consumption, high capacity, low latency, and high-quality communication. During the demonstration, the combination of these two innovative solutions achieved round-trip times for long-distance data synchronization well within the times recommended by Hitachi, confirming that seamless system recovery is possible even during disasters.An IOWN APN was used during the demonstration to connect two VSP One Block storage systems, creating avirtual environment with a simulatedseparation of 600 km, equivalent to the distance between Tokyo and Osaka.Data synchronization times weremeasured using Hitachi's Global-Active Device storage technology*4.By improving the network’s response times through the superior network latency and reducedjitter*5 of the IOWN APN resulted in a round-trip response time (within 20msec) was achieved that far exceeded Hitachi’s recommended network response time*6. This confirms that stable data synchronization can be establishedover such distances, verifying their practical feasibility. It is believed to be the first time anywhere in the world that constant data synchronization has been achieved over a distance of 600km*7.Clustering technology, typically deployed within just a single data center, was used during the demonstration to evaluate likely system recovery times following a disaster. Redundancy was established between the two data centers, and a simulated failure was introduced at the main site to test whether operations could continue using thebackup site. Full system availability was automatically restored at the back-up site without any loss of data, confirming that seamless business continuity is possible even after a disaster.The demonstration also highlighted that, during such times, there will be no need for system engineers to perform such tasks as switching from the main site to the sub-site or recovering lost data, thereby reducing staff workload. In addition, as there will no longer be a need to maintain multiple data sets asynchronously and back them up, storagecapacity can be reduced, resulting in lower IT infrastructure maintenance costs and reduced power consumption.The demonstration was conducted collaboratively, with each company fulfilling the following roles:Hitachi / Hitachi Vantara: Virtual storage connection and evaluation of VSP One Block connectivity to the IOWN APN verification equipmentNTT Com: APN functionality andperformance evaluation using theIOWN APN verification setup.The increased frequency of major natural disasters in Japan and the corresponding need to strengthen resilience have accelerated the adoption ofdisaster recovery systems amongcorporations in mission-critical sectors such as finance and infrastructure. However, the rising costs of systemconstruction and maintenance, the need to ensure business continuity during a disaster, and the extensive recoverytimes remain major burdens for companies in these sectors.Simultaneously, the rise of generative AI is driving explosive growth in the demand for data processing, intensifying the environmental impact due to increased energy consumption. As a result, there are high expectations for the realization of distributed data centers across Japan that make use of green energy. This technical verification formspart of the efforts to enable real- time connectivity between geographically distant data centers, allowing businesses touse them as if they were a single, unified data center. By connecting data centers over long distances, it becomespossible to strategically locate them in regions with more space and renewable energy resources, thereby avoiding the concentration of data centers in urban areas.Achieving the IOWN vision of a rich, inclusive society that embraces diversity requires the adoption of innovative technologies, such as optical networks and generative AI. Realizing sustainable data centers to support these advancements is critical to this goal.Going forward, the combination of Hitachi Vantara and IOWN APN’s storage solutions aims to deliver next-generation IT infrastructure capable of real-time data synchronization over long distances. The system will cater to mission-critical industries, including financial institutions, telecommunications, energy, transportation companies, and cloud service operators. Additionally, Hitachi and NTT Com will continue to advance solutions that help achieve the efficient operation of distributed data centers and their joint efforts to create an environmentally friendly and resilient society.(1) A data storage solution provided by Hitachi Vantara, featuring advanced data compression and protection technologies to streamline themanagement of growing data volumes and ensure stable system operation. It also reduces environmental impact throughout its product lifecycle. Please refer here for information on Hitachi’s storage solutions.(2) A key technology of the IOWN initiative. This joint demonstration utilized NTT’s APN verification setup.(3) Innovative Optical Wireless Network, NTT’s next-generation communication infrastructure initiative targeted for practical application around2030. Utilizing groundbreaking optical and wireless technologies, it aims to surpass the limitations of existing infrastructure, optimize systems comprehensively based on diverse information, and foster an inclusive and prosperous society.(4) A technology that maintains constant synchronization between two storage systems, enhancing data availability.(5) Fluctuations in network latency. Small fluctuations are referred to as “low jitter.”(6) Write speed: 7.5msec, Read speed: 0.1msec or less confirmed(7) Based on research conducted by NTT Com and Hitachi, as of November 2024.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) andproducts. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of "Digital Systems & Services" – supporting our customers' digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility" – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries" – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with ourcustomers. The company's revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information onHitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi VantaraHitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world's leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructuresystems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainablebusiness growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com.About NTT CommunicationsNTT Communications solves global technology challenges by helping enterprises utilize managed IT-infrastructure solutions to overcome complexity and risk in their IT environments. These solutions are backed by our worldwide infrastructure, including industry-leading, global tier-1 public and private networks reaching over 190 countries/regions, the world's most advanced data-center facilities (more than 500,000m2) and cutting-edge technologies for cloud, security and AI. As the core provider of the DOCOMO group's enterprise-business services and solutions, we create value by providing global-scale support for restructuring in industry and society, newworkstyles and digital transformation in communities, leveraging 5G, IoT and other technologies under the "docomo business" brand. Together with NTT Ltd., NTT Data and NTT DOCOMO, we are the NTT Group.www.ntt.com | Twitter@NTT Com | Facebook@NTT ComFor more informationHitachi, Ltd.Social Platform Sales Management Division info_spe11@ml.itg.hitachi.co.jp Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Chigasaki, Japan, Dec 9, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - ULVAC, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “ULVAC”) and Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “SAL”) join forces to collaborate on the development of plasma etching processes for high-volume manufacturing of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). The wide bandwidth, low loss, and high-power efficiency are key attributes that make the material the leading choice to address the growing demands for higher data communication volumes.Lithium niobate (LN) is renowned for its excellent electro-optic, piezoelectric, and nonlinear optical properties, making it an ideal material for photonics and telecommunication applications. SAL, a leading Austrian research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems, is implementing ULVAC’s plasma etching system Model “NLD-5700” to advance research & development of TFLN. The goal is to continuously advance the manufacturing processes, which are crucial to enhancing the materials’ integration and scalability on 200mm platform.“ULVAC is confident in the growth of the optical device field and sees it as an important field for future development. Cooperation with SAL is crucial, and we will fully support SAL's research and development by utilizing our many years of experience in the field of compounds. ULVAC will work together to achieve growth, aiming to produce results that are beneficial for both companies,” said Harunori Iwai, Head of Advanced Electronics Equipment Division and Senior Director at ULVAC.“ULVAC’s unique plasma technology, combined with our expertise in integrated photonics, will propel innovation in emerging fields,” said Dr. Mohssen Moridi, Senior Executive Director at SAL. “This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing technological breakthroughs and delivering solutions that benefit the entire microelectronics ecosystem.”ULVAC and SAL are eager to collaborate in this challenging field, tackling the rising demand for greater data communication volumes and the growing complexity and diversity of an interconnected world. About ULVACULVAC, Inc. has been a comprehensive vacuum equipment manufacturer, providing manufacturing equipment, components, analytical instruments, materials, and services based on its core technology—vacuum technology. Working with customers across a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic components, displays, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, ULVAC is committed to driving cutting-edge innovation and creating new value. For more information, visit: https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/For press enquiries, please contact Business Planning Department:https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/contact/elec_inquiry/index.htmlAbout SALSilicon Austria Labs GmbH propels ideas into innovation in the fields of microsystems, sensor systems, intelligent wireless systems, power electronics and embedded systems with a consistent research excellence and economic impact. For more information, visit: https://silicon-austria-labs.com/For press enquiries, please contact Isabella Preuer: press@silicon-austria.com Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.