HP launches all-in-one data system Matrix

HP has launched data BladeSystem Matrix as a converged system that offers software, server, storage and networking in one package intended to make it easy to install a complete data centre solution, the company said.

Using a single interface, the aim behind Blade System Matrix is that users have a one-stop shop to build a complete data centre solution as quickly and easily as possible.

HP has its sight set on making it as easy as possible to install a complete system using an integrated pool of resources that operate in both physical and virtual environment, the company said.

Talking to HP executives at the launch of the new system on Monday it became clear that their ambitions for the new system are high. The Matrix is intended to be all you need to set up a complete data centre system in one package as an alternative to having to go out and design and build your own data centre.

No more having to work out what different resources you need, with what processing and networking capacities or having to worry about where you are going to source them from. Instead, says HP, you can get them all in one box.

On top of that, it starts at $150,000. Pricing outside the US has yet to be fixed.

HP said it showed evidence of what can be possible in terms of simplicity of approach. The aim, the company said, is to remove the complexity that makes systems expensive and hard to implement.
The complete packaged system includes the new HP LeftHand P4000 SAN storage system, the StorageWorks SB40c storage system bundled in, a StorageWorks modular disk system and finally the Insight Capacity Advisor Virtualisation System.

HP is selling Matrix through its HP Factory Express which it said is intended to make it a little easier to set the whole thing up. The company will be offering on-sight deployment services to guide users through setting up their own, complete Matrix system. Thanks to the purchase of EDS, HP has access to the human resources required to guide users through the process, the company believes.

Although the aim is to provide a starter-kit in one package, HP said it can help users build a systems architecture that can scale up to 1,000 systems.

BladeSystem Matrix is an ambitious idea. All a user's requirements for computer, storage and services available in an off-the-peg system that comes in one box and ready to go. Choosing an idea for expanding a data centre and then having to work out the different resources required and where to source them, is a time-consuming process. The idea of one system that offers a possible answer to all the problems and that can be sourced from one supplier, is bound to have an appeal.