Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) has given the most detailed description of its ‘Social Innovation’ strategy yet at this year’s Hitachi Connect in Las Vegas.
Calling on senior executives from within Hitachi itself, as well as a wide range of partners, the company outlined its purported aims to not only change the technology world but also make a difference to society.
The talks also highlighted potential and existing applications of Hitachi technology in day-to-day lives, including in healthcare and government.
"In the entire history of this company, we’ve wanted to take what we’re really good at – everything we do and all the talent and capabilities we have – and apply them to solving big problems," said Kevin Eggleston, SVP, Social Innovation and Global Industries. "And today, we’re in the best position we’ve ever been to do just that.
"For all of you who don’t work for Hitachi, the thing you have to know about the folks at Hitachi is that we sincerely want to make a difference."
A strategy of "winning the right way" was defined as important. Jack Domme, CEO of HDS, claims that this amounts to "balancing the company, the employees and the future. We have to make sure the company is sustainable, we treat our employees right, and the company continues to thrive."
The keynote also significantly focused on the business and how HDS has grown in recent years. Domme said that the company had doubled its revenue in the last seven years, with new business driven by a greater emphasis on software; however, executives stressed that HDS’s core business was as important as ever. Hitachi CEO Hiroaki Nakanishi said how the company had moved from being a "very simple storage vendor" to a market leader.
Another key part of the new strategy the speakers focused on was on the further integration of different companies within Hitachi. The term used was ‘One Hitachi’, which emphasised how Hitachi’s many subsidiaries would combine their expertise to address challenges such as the Internet of Things.
The company also used the opportunity to showcase the importance of its numerous partnerships, with partners including SAP, VMware, Intel and Brocade using guest spots to discuss their relationships with HDS.
