Hewlett-Packard has announced the formation of a new software unit in its storage and server division.
The unit, called Enterprise Storage and Server (ESS) Software, aims to make it easier for HP's customers to manage, virtualise and automate their IT systems, the company said on Tuesday. ESS Software also is designed to bolster the company's storage and server software offerings for enterprise customers' systems.
Bob Schultz has been tapped to head the new unit as senior vice president and general manager. Schultz has had a parallel role at HP's StorageWorks division since 2003. He will retain his post at StorageWorks for several weeks until HP chooses a successor.
The initial product offerings from ESS Software will include HP Systems Insight Manager; HP Storage Essentials, the product that HP based on technology it acquired with its ApplQ purchase; HP ProLiant Essentials, which is for clients running the company's ProLiant servers; and HP Virtual Server Environment.
HP has indicated that the product line in its new unit will continue to expand. The company also plans to broaden support for its server and storage platforms.
