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HP forms new unit for server, storage software

Enterprise Storage and Server Software division to be headed by Bob Schultz, who's had a similar role at HP's StorageWorks.

Caroline McCarthy Former Staff writer, CNET News
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos.
Caroline McCarthy
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, virtualize and automate their IT systems, the company said 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.