Western Digital to Supply Drives to Microsoft

Western Digital Corp. said Tuesday it has received a multiyear contract to supply hard drives for Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox video game console. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

Irvine-based Western Digital said it intends to unveil WD Protege, a single-platter hard drive designed for personal entertainment and personal computer markets. The company said it agreed to ship hard drives to Microsoft starting in June 2001 and continuing through mid-2003.

Microsoft’s consoles are scheduled to begin shipping during the third quarter of 2001.

The Xbox agreement extends Western Digital’s relationship with Microsoft beyond their existing WebTV agreement and into the gaming market.

Western Digital’s stock closed at $6, down 19 cents a share, on the New York Stock Exchange.