Microsoft Acquires Cloud Storage Company StorSimple

Microsoft Corporation has acquired cloud storage company StorSimple for an undisclosed amount.  StorSimple will be integrated into Microsoft’s cloud operating system initiatives.  StorSimple is a cloud-integrated storage company that has archive and back/up restore support.  StorSimple also has a major focus on disaster recovery.

StorSimple sells a single appliance that delivers tiered storage, live-archiving, data protection, and disaster recovery.  Microsoft said that StorSimple’s CiS product will be integrated into Microsoft’s hybrid cloud-computing.  However Microsoft values the intellectual property around StorSimple the most.

“StorSimple’s differentiation is in their software intellectual property and their talent. While its appliance relies on standard hardware provided by a third party; there are no hardware engineers on its staff,” stated Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Windows Server and Management Michael Park in a statement.  ”Microsoft has a long history of partnering with storage OEMs and we believe the acquisition of StorSimple will create new partnering opportunities.”

[ZDNet]