Quantum's quandary
Quantum doesn't actually make any storage products. They OEM Lattus from Amplidata, use NetApp E series and Dot Hill products for different applications. These offerings "enable" StorNext sales, which is the ultimate goal. Until now, tape and Dxi appliances have allowed development of the latest StorNext product, which is the only real product that other companies may be interested. With the decline of tape and the pricing challenge from Data Domain on the Dxi front, sales have been challenging. Data Domain came out with a cheaper priced dedupe product that forced Quantum's hand to build/price a less expensive unit. Of course that drives down their own Dxi sales/revenue and are forced to sell twice as many...a well planned gamble from DD knowing Quantum's fiscal shortcomings. My guess is that another company may buy the StorNext portion if this board shuffling happens. Possibly, NetApp, HP or even a better fit, Dell.