Hewlett-Packard (hp.com) recently has completed its acquisition of data center automation software provider Opsware (opsware.com) and added its lineup of automation tools to its Business Technology Optimization software portfolio. The purchase comes at a time of explosive growth in data center complexity, which is fueling demand for automation software such as Opware's process, server and network tools, said HP.

According to Michel Feaster, director of HP Software's Change and Configuration Center, HP must integrate Opsware's portfolio with the existing IT management services in its BTO group, which will now be led by Opsware's former CEO Ben Horowitz, in order to capitalize on the acquisition in the short term. Feaster is confident that Opsware's server and network automation software and HP's client automation and storage automation technologies can be synthesized into an efficient, integrated platform and believes the merging of each company’s strengths will bring on an exponential return.

BTO is a category of software and services that enable chief information officers to enhance the value and optimize business outcomes from their IT investments.