Solution Providers Wary As Storage/Server Chief Exits
Solution providers say Gonzalez seems to have been pushed out because of ongoing problems in HP's storage business. An HP spokesperson said Gonzalez is leaving to pursue other interests and will be replaced by Christopher Riley effective Feb. 26. Riley has held positions at EMC Corp. and McData, which last year was acquired by Brocade Communications Systems Inc.
Gonzalez's leaving comes less than three months before Jack Novia, HP Technology Solutions Group's managing director and senior vice president, is scheduled to retire.
The departures are cause for worry, said Don Richie, CEO of Sequel Data Systems Inc., an Austin, Texas-based solution provider. "What is the channel mentality of the new person?" Richie asked. "Will they recognize the value of certifications and other investments of HP partners? Or will they think in terms of commoditized storage? Will they make the same strategy changes they did when HP and Compaq moved toward more of a commodity model only to learn later they need to focus on the value?"