IT Infrastructure Slideshow: HP BladeSystem Matrix Combines Server, Storage, Networking

With the latest move in the burgeoning data center convergence space, HP is rolling out its BladeSystem Matrix, which pulls together server, storage, network and management software into a single package, tied together by an enhanced Virtual Connect technology. With virtualization becoming more commonplace in the data center, enterprises are looking for ways to take advantage of the technology while reducing the complexity and overall operating costs. HP and other vendors, including Cisco, Dell, IBM and Sun, are jockeying for position in the space with solutions designed to bring together server, storage and networking to give businesses a more agile, flexible and cost-effective data center environment. HP's BladeSystem Matrix, combined with the Matrix Orchestration Environment—or MOE—increases data center performance and flexibility while reducing costs, HP officials said. In addition, HP is unveiling new storage offerings, some of which come from its acquisition last year of LeftHand Networks, as well as the enhancements to the Virtual Connect networking technology. HP also is rolling out a service to help enterprises plan and design their virtual environments.