Geeky Thread: HP to buy EDS...

I've just seen a news post stating that HP are buying EDS for $12.6 billion!!

Now, firstly, I reckon that HP are being ripped off personally, but hey, they must think it's worth it.

Also, I know that this will mean HP will auto-magically land all of EDS' current contracts (including Govt. systems such as HMRC & HMPS). Granted HP can't be worse than EDS have been in the past, but still, I'm not sure I like the idea of them getting contracts like that by default.

Discuss.

[Luckypants]

Ditto on EDS = crap, but I would have thought that HMG will have get out clauses for change of ownership? I wouldn't have thought they would be happy that a company based abroad can operate government contracts without HMG approval.

[G]

I would assume that EDS will continue trading as EDS, only under the wing of HP and that all the EDS employees will just be working for HP.

Whether they change trading names or not is all pretty much irrelevant as the experience and competence that won the contract in the first place wont have changed, just the name under which the service is provided potentialy.

(who are EDS?)

HP as in Hewlett Packard?? I didn't know they were into that sort of stuff!

EDS are a big player, the best way to secure a new market* is to buy out a big player

*I assume it is a new market for HP??

Originally Posted by alpinestarhero

(who are EDS?)

EDS are the company that operate most of the UK govt's computer hardware.

Remember the HMRC disc(s) that went missing? It was an EDS database dump (Note: I'm not saying EDS were to blame here).

EDS also control databases for other arms of the Govt, like HMPS and most of the Govt logistics systems, including some of the lower scale MoD stuff.

LP, I've seen some of the contracts with EDS/Govt bodies, and I don't remember any opt out clauses. I'd be supprised if they could pull the plug TBH though, due to reliance on EDS.

Privatisation eh?

Blue_, it's thought that HP (yes, Hewlett Packard) want in on the EDS systems to increase their market share. Currently, EDS deploy whatever hardware they want... how much of it will change to HP hardware over the coming years under HP ownership?

HP (after this deal) will be the 2nd biggest player in the IT industry, behind Dell.

EDS do much much more than just hardware

But yes, you can see the rationale for HP buying in on EDS for the Hardware monopoly side alone!!

[timwilky]

We breathed a sigh of relief when EDS pulled out on a deal to buy us. Their idea of man management, rewarding loyal hard working staff etc what something out of the ark.

HP won't know what they are inheriting until the EDS can of worms get opened. And by then it will be far too late.

Originally Posted by timwilky

We breathed a sigh of relief when EDS pulled out on a deal to buy us. Their idea of man management, rewarding loyal hard working staff etc what something out of the ark.

HP won't know what they are inheriting until the EDS can of worms get opened. And by then it will be far too late.

How do you know HP processes are any better?!?!

Or one could argue if they are superior that it is just what the staff at EDS need?!?!?

Half full or half empty young man?!!?