EMC retains top spot
Software vendor extends market lead after $3.6bn of acquisitions
EMC extended its lead in the storage software market for the fourth consecutive quarter last year, according to figures published by analyst IDC.
The vendor increased its 2003 third-quarter market share by 0.9 per cent taking it to 31.8 per cent market share.
"We will continue to execute on our business plans to achieve continued growth," said EMC representative Greg Eden.
"Customers are looking for fewer vendors and there are good opportunities for our UK channel partners. They can deliver a complete EMC solution to their customers."
Veritas, which was recently acquired by security vendor Symantec, lost 1.3 per cent market share in Q3 last year, but it retained second position with 21.7 per cent share and 12.7 per cent growth year over year.
IDC also reported strong results for Hewlett-Packard and Computer Associates, with both vendors reporting a 30.2 per cent and 29.1 per cent year-over-year growth respectively.
EMC has made three major acquisitions worth $3.6bn in the past two years. Its most recent purchase, of software vendor Smarts in December, was valued at $260m alone.
EMC president Joe Tucci said at the time: "This acquisition is about market expansion, innovative technology and growth. Smarts represents a strategic acquisition in a complementary and growing market."
Paul Milner, EMC business unit manager at distributor Ideal, said the news is not surprising given the exhaustive acquisitions.
"EMC software sales are increasing day by day, and we sell EMC software on almost every bit of hardware we sell," he said.
But EMC will face competition in the future from rival vendors in the data management space, Milner added.