HP set to acquire Opsware

Vendor continues shopping spree by snnouncing intention to acquire data center automation software specialist

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Opsware for approximately $1.6bn.

The vendor claims the deal, which is expected to close in HP's fourth fiscal quarter, will bolster its business technology optimisation (BTO) software portfolio, with the combination of Opsware's software and HP's enterprise IT management software. The acquisition follows a quick succession of buys including Mercury Interactive, Bristol Technology and Peregrine Systems.

Thomas Hogan, senior vice president, software at HP, said: "The acquisition of Opsware is intended to enable HP Software to help our customers resolve one of their critical pain points: controlling the increasing complexity and cost of managing the data center. We expect Opsware's outstanding team will help us drive leadership across our BTO offerings."

Ben Horowitz, chief executive of Opsware, said: "We are about to see one of the biggest application and infrastructure build-outs in history. The addition of Opsware to the HP Software portfolio will make HP the obvious choice for powering the next generation of data centers to come."

One the deal has been concluded, Opsware will become part of the HP Software business.