HP to focus on cloud computing

HP to focus on cloud computing

With the ongoing effects of the economic crisis, a tight leash is being kept on IT expenditure along with the budgets of many other departments.

However, one area that does seem to be picking up is cloud computing as businesses seek to capitalise on the long-term financial and efficiency savings. Now computer manufacturer HP looks set to focus its expansions on this area, forsaking its PC operations.

The company revealed in its latest financial results report that it intends to purchase UK infrastructure software company Autonomy. The company makes software for mission-critical applications, such as information governance, archiving, records management, web content management and business process management.

By acquiring these services, HP hopes to accelerate its “ability to deliver on its strategy to offer cloud-based solutions and software that best addresses the changing needs of businesses”.

The news comes as HP has launched its new Multi-Supplier Integration (MSI) Service, which is designed to help CIOs improve the overall IT performance of a company. HP Enterprise Services vice-president Rhonda Vetere remarked, “Clients are embracing hybrid delivery models that increase complexity with traditional and new ‘as a service’ offerings from multiple suppliers.”

She added that the MSI service provides “the tools, processes and personnel to effectively manage multi-supplier delivery and the governance to drive continuous service quality improvement”.

HP's move to focus on cloud computing comes as it has failed to compete against big players such as Apple and Research in Motion in the tablet and smartphone hardware market. Its decision to adjust its targets suggests that the firm has faith in the long-term viability of cloud computing for business.

Businesses looking to move services into the cloud, should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.