HP and HDS extend multi-billion dollar relationship
HP and HDS extend multi-billion dollar relationship
Hewlett-Packard and Hitachi Data Systems have announced an extension to their joint technology agreement and OEM relationship for the foundation hardware used by HP to develop the HP StorageWorks Disk Array XP family. The agreement now extends through 2008.
The HP StorageWorks XP family – designed for enterprise-class data centres – combines Hitachi's high-end disk array technology with exclusive HP-developed software, solutions and services.
Since signing the original contract with Hitachi in May 1999, HP has continued to extend the XP technology and develop solutions around the XP family. This includes a pay-per-use solution announced in June and the new HP StorageWorks Multi-Site Disaster Tolerant solution.
"The unabated growth of corporate data means sustained, significant demand for true high-end arrays," said Nancy Marrone-Hurley, senior analyst, Enterprise Storage Group.
"The continuance of the relationship between HP and Hitachi shows that each company is dedicated to delivering high end arrays for enterprise customers who need absolute data availability and the ability to easily add and manage many terabytes of data."
"Customers are demanding more from their infrastructure, and the HP StorageWorks XP family answers their critical business needs – whether it's superior scalability, utility pricing or bullet-proof business continuance," said Bob Schultz, senior vice president and general manager, HP Network Storage Solutions. "With the extension of our successful relationship with Hitachi, Ltd., we will continue innovating and supporting industry-leading solutions based on the XP family."
"Customers can expect high levels of collaboration and innovation in future XP product development as HP and Hitachi enter the fifth year of our successful relationship," said Naoya Takahashi, chief operating officer, information and telecommunication systems, Hitachi, Ltd. "Our partnership is reinforced by a mutual commitment to adding value to the enterprise with solutions based on the HP StorageWorks XP disk array platform."
The HP StorageWorks Multi-Site Disaster Tolerant Solution is designed to help customers recover application processing quickly and effectively – typically in less than one hour – should a local or regional disaster occur.
The solution includes a local metropolitan recovery site to optimise resource utilisation and ensure high resilience for normal operations. Leveraging the versatility of the HP StorageWorks Disk Array XP platform, HP also establishes a remote, "out of region" site for automated data cycling and complete recovery capabilities.
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