HPE swoops for AI and big data start-up

Vendor says acquired tech will be integrated into its software-defined architecture

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has snapped up artificial intelligence (AI) and big data start-up BlueData for an undisclosed amount.

Santa Clara-based BlueData was founded in 2012 and has raised $39m (£30.6m) in funding, according to Crunchbase.

HPE said the deal will "significantly expand" its footprint in the AI and machine-learning space, and bolster its big data analytics capabilities.

Milan Shetti, SVP of HPE's storage and big data business, said: "BlueData has developed an innovative and effective solution to address the pain points all companies face when contemplating, implementing, and deploying AI/ML and big data analytics.

"Adding BlueData's complementary software platform to HPE's market-leading Apollo Systems and professional services is consistent with HPE's data-first strategy and enables our customers to extract insights from data - whether on-premise, in the cloud, or in a hybrid architecture.

"We are excited about the significant value we can deliver for our customers by working with the talented team at BlueData."

HPE said the acquisition is in line with its "data-first strategy", which will see BlueData's tech combined its own software-defined infrastructure.

BlueData CEO Kumar Sreekanti said: "Growth in the volume and the types of data in the market continues to accelerate, as does the demand for a fast, easy, and unified consumption experience for AI and big data analytics.

"From our perspective, data is fuel, and BlueData's software is the engine that helps businesses consume their data and deliver insights in the most effective and efficient way.

"We've had tremendous customer success by providing a turn-key solution that delivers an as-a-service experience for AI and big data, and are excited to reach even more customers as part of HPE."