Global supercomputer leader Cray Inc. and Best Systems, Inc., a leading supplier of high-performance computing solutions to the scientific research community in Japan, today announced that they have signed a non-exclusive agreement designating Best Systems as a Cray(R) business partner in Japan. Best Systems and Cray Japan will work closely together to address the increasing interest in Cray's high-performance computing systems in the Japanese marketplace. Headquartered in Tsukuba Science City, Best Systems will sell Cray's high-performance computing products and services, including the Cray X1(TM) system and its successors, and the Cray XD1(TM) (formerly OctigaBay 12K) and "Red Storm" product lines scheduled to be launched later this year. Best Systems has established itself as a preferred vendor of high-performance computing solutions to universities and government agencies in Japan. With a highly skilled staff and experience in high-performance computing systems and services, Best Systems is well positioned to support Cray Japan's effort to expand its presence in that country. Among Best Systems' customers are the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Tokyo University, and Osaka University. "We are pleased to be representing the world's most widely recognized name in supercomputing," said Katsuya Nishi, CEO of Best Systems. "Our business is seeing an increased interest in supercomputing capabilities, and this agreement with Cray will help us address our customers' needs. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."