Hewlett-Packard Unveils Web Service Software

Hewlett-Packard, the San Francisco-based provider of computer and imaging
solutions, Tuesday expanded its reach into cyberspace with the debut of 37
Internet software packages.

As a result of last month’s strategic acquisition of Bluestone Software, the HP software is designed to speed Web services and
revenues for enterprises and ISPs, provide a flexible infrastructure and
enable rapid development, integration and manageability.

The software suites — HP Netaction and HP OpenView — encompass more
than 25 new offerings and advance our vision for service-centric computing,
in which Internet-based e-services create economic ecosystems where business
of all size can participate and grow,” said Bill Russell, vice president, HP software solutions organization.

“Nearly two years ago, we predicted that intelligent, useful e-services
would drive the next wave of business development opportunities,” he added.
“As that vision takes root in the world economy, businesses increasingly
require a strong, flexible software foundation that lets them change, grow
and compete.

“Today we are meeting those needs with open standards and a multi-OS
approach to software that that allows ISPs and enterprises to easily
develop, integrate, deploy and manage their Web services.”

Similar steps have been taken by HP rival, Sun Microsystems Inc. , which recently outlined a vision of Internet business in which
companies pay for services on an ongoing basis rather than just buying
products.

Software presently accounts for about $2 billion of Hewlett-Packard’s
nearly $50 billion in annual revenues.