HP Discover: HP moves to unify and simplify cloud computing services

LAS VEGAS: HP has unveiled a host of new features for its cloud services aimed at streamlining the adoption process facing businesses, which it claims is still too daunting for newcomers to the field.

The services emphasise HP's single architecture for both its in-house and public cloud offerings. HP confirmed that many of the new technologies will be added to its flagship CloudSystem.

HP re-emphasised its open cross platform focus claiming it was working to tailor its service to help customers without forcing them to universally adopt all the company's products.

"We're going through a tectonic shift in the way technology is used. The idea of having access to services anywhere is the Nirvana of the IT business," said HP vice president of cloud enterprise Steve Dietch.

"Traditionally IT services built things within their service centres. But now they'll increasingly be forced to broker with third-party solutions as well.

"For HP the only way to make good on that service anywhere promise, to ensure that the right information gets to the right people, at the right time, at the right cost is by taking a hybrid approach."

The company confirmed that it will expand its CloudSystem's cloud bursting capabilities, allowing access to additional capacity through Amazon Web Services and Savvis as well as its own cloud services.

The feature is designed for companies with uneven service demands, providing supplementary resources on an as-needed, pay-as-you-go basis.

HP vice president Scott Weller claimed that the flexibility will help entice businesses to begin their journey onto the cloud.

"It is about getting them from where they are to where they want to go," said Weller.

"Customers are responding to these services, they know they need help."

The company also revealed that it will begin selling specific CloudSystem components like the system's management Matrix and Service Automation software, as stand-alone items.

Other plans include an upgrade to the HP Application Performance Management, Diagnostics, Real User Monitor, Application Lifecycle Management, Performance Center and SiteScope products to handle cloud duties.

Continuing its bid to increase consumer adoption, HP also introduced two new certificates in building and managing cloud deployments.

The announcements follow on from HP chief executive Meg Whitman's keynote address, where the cloud and storage markets were specifically highlighted as key expansion areas essential in the company's road to recovery.