Here's an email thread I recently participated in with a HP Product Marketing Manager, because of this post. It really clears up some items so I thought a lot of you would be interested.
Thanks to Adrian Kasbergen for responding and taking the time to clarify HP's direction. The interesting item is that it seems a company CAN outgrow Altiris products.
I reorganized the thread so you can read from the top-down...
=======Email 1=========
Hi Rod,
I'm the HP product manager for Rapid Deployment Pack (RDP), which is the HP server deployment tool based on Altiris Deployment Solution.
Your recent blogs on Altiris Deployment Solution (http://myitforum.com/cs2/blogs/rtrent/archive/2008/04/08/hp-getting-rid-of-altiris-on-the-server.aspx) have generate quite a bit of confusion.
Please be aware that there are no plans to end-of-life RDP or HP's partnership with Symantec/Altiris. HP was a proud sponsor at the latest ManageFusion last week, which had more visitors than ever before (so much so, that they had to move from Ceasar's Palace to the Mirage).
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Have a great weekend,
Adrian Kasbergen
HP ESS Software
Product Marketing Manager
=======Email 2=========
Hi, Adrian. I appreciate the response.
I was merely reporting something told to me by an HP customer. I’d love to post a follow-up.
So, there is no truth to it?
This is a quote:
“Well, I know we've got 2 of them in house, but they're quickly getting converted to OpsWare admins...which I think HP is starting to brand as HP Config Manager and is replacing Altiris Notification server and Altiris Deployment server.”
P.S. Will you also be at MMS? There are over 4,000 people attending. If so, I hope to see you there.
Rod
=======Email 3=========
Hi Rod,
No, there is no truth to it.
Let me clarify a few things:
The Opsware application suite is rebranded to HP Server Automation (conversely the Radia-based HP OpenView Configuration Manager is rebranded to HP Client Automation).
HP Server Automation is a highly scalable, powerful and flexible server software management environment, and should not be seen as replacement for Altiris-based products for most customers.
What this customer likely is seeing, is that they’ve outgrown Altiris products (either in size or in capabilities) and are therefore switching to HP Server Automation.
HP is the largest computer manufacturer in the world and consequently has a large and diverse customer base. One size does not fit all. This goes for notebooks, desktops, servers, but also for management tools.
Compare it this way: If Volvo launches a new 18-wheeler, does that mean that they end-of-life the XC90 SUV? Of course not.
No, I have no plans to attend MMS this year.
Best regards,
Adrian
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