HP boosts cloud lineup with datacentre expansion

HP has expanded its private cloud computing push with the addition of new systems, services and support options for enterprise datacentres.

The company said it would be introducing a pair of cloud-focused systems to its VirtualSystem platform, the HP VirtualSystem for Microsoft and SuperDome 2/HP-UX.

These will provide systems for running virtualised database, CRM and communications platforms, the firm explained.

Designed to serve as a single solution for virtualisation deployments, the HP VirtualSystems line combines server hardware with virtualisation and management platforms designed for specific applications.

Jeff Carlat, HP director of industry standard servers and software marketing, told V3 the new systems would offer businesses a complete solution to streamline hardware configuration and capacity requirements.

"What is important here is that we have been working with Microsoft to deeply integrate and tune our collective technologies together," Carlat said.

"We are taking the guesswork out of putting together the right amount and putting it together in a tight package that customers can get from HP."

In addition to the new systems, HP said it would be expanding its consulting and training operations for cloud datacentre systems with plans to introduce more than 100 new Cloud Centres of Excellence to its global network.

Run primarily through partner organisations, the centres will provide locations for administrators and IT staff to test and train on HP cloud systems.

The new datacentres will come with special financing offers for cloud hardware and service purchases helping enterprises scale the technology as their services grow according to HP's worldwide technology marketing manager Ian Jagger.

"Most enterprises are looking to do something with their datacentre platforms [and so] they need to reflect speed, efficiency and reliability," he said.