PMC Licenses HP Smart Array Intellectual Property

PMC-Sierra, Inc. executed an agreement with HP to license core HP Smart Array software, firmware and management technology.

PMC will leverage this technology to provide more system value to new and existing server storage and data center customers. In addition, this transaction positions PMC as the supplier of storage solution components across HP ProLiant Gen9 and beyond.

PMC expects the license of Smart Array technology and associated patents, including software and firmware IP related to RAID, HBA, switch, drivers and management tools, to further strengthen the portfolio of complete solutions it can provide to the market.

PMC plans to incorporate the Smart Array technology into its new SmartRAID, SmartHBA and other products as part of its storage product portfolio for OEMs, hyperscale data centers and channel customers.

“I am pleased that HP and PMC will continue to partner to deliver industry-leading storage solutions and that PMC will be the supplier for this technology in HP ProLiant products,” said Greg Lang, president and CEO, PMC. “This collaboration reflects the strong relationship we have enjoyed over several generations of products and paves the way for future generations of Smart Array solutions.”

“The agreement announced further strengthens HP’s relationship with PMC as a key supplier for storage solutions on HP ProLiant Servers and will enable us to deliver more robust data solution products,” said Antonio Neri, SVP and GM of servers and networking, HP. “As the market leader, HP is advancing the compute agenda by enabling our ecosystem partners to leverage our technology innovations to continue innovating beyond industry standards.”

PMC will form a storage design center in Houston, TX, where key development engineers from the HP Smart Array software team will join PMC.

PMC expects the transaction to be modestly accretive in 2015, with more substantial contribution to top and bottom line growth in 2016 and 2017.