Big Data. It has been around for some time but like “Cloud” I think it is the next big buzz word C-series exec’s will be asking their people if they have it, but not understanding why they want it. HP, partnered with Microsoft, recently released the second iteration of a SQL Server appliance. They call it the HP AppSystem for Microsoft SQL Server. I recently was invited to a virtual briefing about their second version based on Microsoft SQL Server 2012.
Why would anyone want to buy a appliance instead of just buying the hardware and then installing SQL Server 2012 you ask? From my understanding traditional SQL wasn’t built to handle the workload or storage requirements and more importantly buying a PDW Appliance you get one stop shop for support. Once you call Microsoft for a support issue there is no passing the buck to the hardware manufacturer. They may need to transfer you to HP but there should be no finger pointing on who is to blame.
HP isn’t the only partner Microsoft has, but with features like a modified version of Smart Update Manager and Insight Online not to mention their world class hardware, I believe HP has a leg up on their competition.