HP to 3PAR-ty!

HP has acquired 3PAR. Dell has ceded its quest.

What's next for Dell? Obviously they will be on the lookout for another key storage technology to bolster their line up. Who's next? Compellent, Data DirectNetworks, or even Isilon could come into the picture. Obviously the happy one would be EMC because they will continue their solid relationship with Dell for some time.

As for HP, it's time to integrate the 3PAR technology into their existing EVA, their own baby. EVA is aging and it is very likely that 3PAR will eventually replace EVA's microcode. And how will that affect the HDS marriage in the HP's XP line?

All these questions will be answered in the months to come. It is become obvious to me that the storage game is going through metamorphosis and I am beginning to see a new breed of storage players, both old and new. HP with the newly acquired 3PAR and also LeftHand Networks, Dell with EqualLogic 2 years ago and Ocarina Networks, HDS with its partnership with BlueArc, IBM and XIV. These old boys are acquiring to stay fresh and relevant. Even EMC has revealed new and exciting stuff in Symmetrix Vmax line. Suddenly some of the storage that we are used to such as EMC CLARiiON and NetApp filers do not seem so exciting anymore.

What do you think? Send me your comments.