Sun Microsystems showcased the Sun Open Cloud Platform, the company's open cloud computing infrastructure, powered by industry-leading software technologies from Sun, including Java, MySQL, OpenSolaris and Open Storage. Signaling a massive opportunity to open the world's nascent cloud market, Sun also outlined that a core element of its strategy is to offer public clouds and previewed plans to launch the Sun Cloud, its first public cloud service targeted at developers, student and startups.

Computer Associates and Opalis Software announced an OEM partnership that will enhance CA’s Data Center Automation offerings with the award-winning IT process automation technology from Opalis. The joint technology solutions will further enable enterprises to drive down IT operational costs and increase productivity, while enforcing compliant best practices aimed at improving performance and availability of critical business services.

BMC Software (NYSE:BMC) has signed a definitive agreement to purchase BladeLogic (NASDAQ:BLOG), the leading and fastest growing data center automation company, for $28.00 per outstanding share of BladeLogic common stock in cash or approximately $800 million, net of cash acquired.

When completed, the BladeLogic acquisition will add a significant, high-growth revenue stream to BMC, accelerating the company’s long- term growth expectations for revenues, earnings, and cash flow.

Opsware introduced Opsware System 7, the industry's first fully integrated suite of automation software to provide application-level control and visibility by automating all domains across the data center--servers, network, storage and IT processes. This comprehensive and holistic approach eradicates many of the operational disconnects between siloed server, network and storage administration teams which have typically been the leading cause for increased costs and delays in change management, compliance management and new service rollouts.

Avocent introduced the Cyclades PM 42 intelligent power distribution unit (IPDU) that provides switched, remotely manageable three-phase power to equipment racks in data centers allowing for more efficient use of power needed for IT to help businesses remain operational 24x7.