Big data can make H3C a major player in China under new owner

A production line of H3C Technologies Co Ltd in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province. The communications equipment maker will move into big data services after being bought by Chinese firm Unisplendor Corp Ltd. [Photo/IC]

H3C Technologies Co Ltd, the communications equipment maker based in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province, will move into big data services after being bought by Chinese firm Unisplendor Corp Ltd.

The former Hewlett-Packard China subsidiary has focused on research and development of information technology infrastructure. But now the company is making big data, a broad term for data sets so large or complex that traditional processing applications are inadequate, a priority.

As part of the deal, Unisplendor also acquired HP's business in China, which includes server, storage and technology services.

In May, Unisplendor, which specializes in big data solutions, took a 51 percent stake in H3C.

"Even though people talk about big data from time to time in China, the industry is in its embryonic stage right now, but there is huge room of growth," Li Tao, vice-president of H3C, said.

"Unisplendor has acquired a number of companies from various business sectors in recent years, which make its business portfolio rich enough to help us grow."

H3C will also concentrate on smart home products in the second half of this year, according to the company's marketing and communications director Wan Ningna.

"It will be an extension of the business-to-business sector, which H3C has excelled in for years," Wan said. "But it does not signal a transition to the business-to-consumer sector.

"Still, it will be one of the most important investments H3C has made in recent years," Wan added. "

The smart home industry revolves around what is called the Internet of Things. This is usually an interactive network of appliances that are linked via the Internet.

"Our plan to strengthen this arm of our business is part of Unisplendor's strategy to cover the entire industry chain by connecting cloud, Internet and terminals," Li said.

H3C has a large overseas footprint. Its major clients include the United States-based Dreamworks Studios, Vodafone Group Plc, a United Kingdom-based multinational telecommunications company, and AMD, a global semiconductor firm in the US.