Father Christmas Letters – part 5

Dear Father Christmas or can I call you Uncle Mark,

So how's life at the Hippie Pixies? It's been a busy few years for you guys, acquisitions all over the place and not just companies but also people; perhaps you can pass this note to the Pixie in Chief of Storage, I met him a couple of times when he worked for the Elven Magic Company, he's a good guy and just what you need to bring some order to your chaotic workshop.

So lets look what you've been up to; iBrix, that was a funny little acquisition, one minute you guys are telling me that Polyserve was going to fix all my clustered NAS problems and the next thing you know, you've gone and bought iBrix. What was I supposed to make of that? I was a little confused to say the least.

And then you go and get yourself in a pissing contest with those other Hippies down the road, over networking of all things. Of course then they go and launch a server platform, must of really annoyed you. I'm sure your purchase of 3Com has left them quaking.

But I hear that your blogger's tech-day was a great success; so many congratulations to Calvin. Calvin should take a bow, he's been doing a good job for you guys in the world of Social Media and boy did you need it.

So 2010, I'm expecting great things for 2010, so here's the list..

I think lots of people are waiting to see the impression that your best new acquision of the last year is going to make. Of course I'm talking about Dave Donatelli; next year is going to be about how Dave manages to steady the ship and steer a clear path. He's got some work to do on the storage part.

Firstly, I'd like to see you come up with a rationalised storage portfolio; not some strange Hirst splatter-painting of a storage strategy. Just throwing products and seeing what sticks is a bit desperate.

Virtualisation is going to be key; the Lefthand virtual appliance is a good start but perhaps turning both your clustered NAS products into virtual appliances might be something to do.

I like the simplicity of your EVA range but it needs more oomph! Perhaps paint some go faster stripes on it? But it needs to go bigger and faster.

And lets sort out your storage management tools; with a product portfolio the size of yours, you really need a heterogeneous management tool which works just to manage your own products!

I think you need a tete-a-tete with your Hitachi partners; they've been sleeping on the job! They either come up with a refreshed array or you're going to have to go acquisitive to get yourself a top of the line Tier 1 array. I can hardly believe that I am suggesting you buy yet another company but I think one more strategic acquisition maybe necessary. Give me a call, I've got some ideas!

But most of all, clarity of vision accompanied by a strong message is what I want from you guys. I'm hoping Dave is up to the job.

Have a Great Christmas and New Year

Best Regards,

Storagebod

p.s I could do with a new printer, do you still make them?