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HP pulls plug on enterprise software lines

No Net Action

ComputerWire: IT Industry Intelligence

Hewlett Packard Co finally yanked the plug on its doomed NetAction Java and web services middleware yesterday.

Palo Alto, California-based HP said it will discontinue the HP NetAction Application Server, NetAction Web Services Platform and Web Services Registry products. HP cited "heavy losses" for its decision to exit.

HP also re-iterated support for San Jose, California-based BEA Systems Inc's WebLogic Server in a preferred partner deal for Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) customers.

The move confirms Computerwire's report in April that HP would ditch its application server software for WebLogic Server. NetAction, formerly Bluestone, was acquired for $470m in early 2001, and has just single-digit market share while WebLogic Server is a market leader.

Yesterday's decision appears to indicate, too, HP's failure to secure a buyer for the application server and web services portion software. Peter Blackmore, executive vice president of HP's enterprise systems group, said in June the company would "retire" some products.

HP chief executive Carly Fiorina said the company was in partner discussions, but refused to provide details at the time.

Redwood Shores, California-based J2EE application server competitor Oracle Corp was at one point reported in the frame to buy NetAction. The reports appeared to receive credence as Oracle bought J2EE application server technology from defunct Stevens Creek, California-based WebGain Inc last month.

It is unclear what support or upgrade options lie in store for HP application server and web services customers. One BEA executive speculated recently his company would put in place incentives to move HP customers to BEA's platform. HP was unavailable for comment.

© ComputerWire

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