HP links storage arms for 'joint venture'

Hewlett Packard is consolidating its storage-management software products with its OpenView network management business division in an attempt to strengthen its internet storage strategy.

Hewlett Packard (HP) is consolidating its storage-management software products with its OpenView network management business division in an attempt to strengthen its internet storage strategy.

The vendor said its product line will not be reduced as a result of the reorganisation, called the 'storage joint venture', which will allow HP to focus resources on storage management.

George Bathurst, marketing manager at HP, said: "[Chief executive] Carly Fiorina wants HP to be more services-focused, and as a result, software is becoming a higher priority for us."

By integrating products from its existing Network Storage Solutions Organisation (NSSO) with its OpenView unit, the company intends to deliver NAS and direct-attached storage as well as SAN device management, backup and network- and systems-management products.

Magdy Assem, NSSO marketing manager, confirmed no products would be axed. "Absolutely not," he said. "For us, consolidation means the exact opposite."

The vendor will continue to invest in storage, Assem claimed.

The company also plans to announce new storage-management software products at the end of February.

Assem said that an NSSO integrated with OpenView would still leave HP with a multi-vendor focus on storage. One of the key aspects of OpenView is its ability to deliver on time, he said.

Bathurst claimed the vendor will continue to use the channel to sell its products. "Using our channel partners is the only way for the company to continue to grow," he said.

"The main reason I think HP has not suffered as much as its rivals is because the company uses the channel, and is always on the look-out for more channel partners."