Oracle snaps up Pillar Data Systems

Software giant to acquire Larry Ellison-owned storage player to lower reliance on OEM partners

Oracle has cemented its ties with storage vendor Pillar Data Systems by agreeing to acquire the firm.

The deal is expected to close next month and has been overseen by an independent committee of Oracle directors, as the software giant's chief executive, Larry Ellison (pictured), already owns a majority stake in the firm.

In a product presentation on the Oracle website, the firm described acquiring Pillar's SAN storage technology as a "critical" part of its post-Sun merger product strategy.

"Sun traditionally resold third-party products for SAN storage, including Hitachi and LSI," it read.

"[It is] critical for Oracle to own a proprietary storage asset, especially for building engineered systems."

In a further press statement, John Fowler, executive vice president of systems at Oracle, explained: "The acquisition of Pillar Data Systems provides Oracle with a compelling SAN storage architecture that complements our core strengths.

"Customers can optimise the value of their Oracle applications, database, middleware and operating system software by running on Oracle's storage solutions."

Mike Workman, chairman and chief executive of Pillar, added: "We are excited to benefit from the scale and reach of Oracle to help continue to build innovative and optimised storage systems."