HP launches blades and services for mid-market

Vendor hopes to win custom from smaller firms with new Bladesystem products

HP is gunning for a piece of the mid-market sector with the launch of its BladeSystem products and services aimed at smaller firms.
The vendor has claimed the BladeSystem c3000 enclosure and the SB600c storage blade, designed for branch offices and remote locations, will also help its channel partners boost revenue. The products are backed by a set of HP carepack services and slot into HP’s Adaptive Infrastructure portfolio.
Peter Mansell, business development manager for blade systems at HP, told CRN: “The opportunity for the channel with these products is huge. The blade market is showing significant growth year on year and we are seeing more customers moving to the blade environment.
“Resellers have the installation and support opportunities as well as maintenance to help generate more revenue because it is aimed solely at smaller firms with no specific IT department. Also, a selling point for the channel is the cost savings their smaller customers can make, both now and in the future.”
According to HP research, two-thirds of mid-sized businesses are looking for technology that meets their needs and is created specifically for them.
James Browning, SME research vice president at analyst firm Gartner, said: “Smaller firms prefer to purchase a business solution versus a technology solution and want to see the business value before they make an IT investment. For blade adoption, server vendors will need to deliver solution-based blade systems that support a business need.”
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