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How The BlueArc Acquisition Tightens HDS' Storage Strategy: Page 2 of 2

  • HDS considers BlueArc to be a key link between the infrastructure and content clouds. Note that the company recognizes that its strengths lie in the infrastructure cloud, but that it also has to be able to provide products and services in the content and information cloud where it is currently not as strong. That recognition is frankly very refreshing. Too many vendors are in a state of denial about the depth of their current products for particular areas and the potential damage those shortcomings will do to their longer-term aspirations.

    In contrast, HDS realizes that it doesn’t have to do everything today--that there is time to develop products internally in some cases, to partner in other cases and to acquire selectively to fill out its product portfolio. HDS has acquired other companies in the past several years--for example, Parascale not that long ago and Archivas several years ago--and BlueArc is simply the latest. Obviously, HDS cannot reveal all its plans, but it would seem likely that it already has some good ideas about how it will flesh out key areas in its portfolio.

    The HDS acquisition of BlueArc was not surprising because the two companies have long had a close working relationship, and each needs what the other has to offer. The important thing is that it is another step in reaffirming the HDS storage strategy around a broad-based view of what virtualization can do and where it believes the cloud is headed. The end result is that HDS has a clear vision of the future and how it can continue to be successful there.

    HDS and BlueArc customers should be happy that the deal has been consummated. For example, HDS can add financial muscle to BlueArc that can help BlueArc flesh out its roadmap more quickly. Therefore, existing BlueArc customers know that they have not only investment protection, but that the BlueArc product set will continue to evolve to meet new business requirements.

    At the time of publication HDS is not a client of David Hill and the Mesabi Group.