http://www.BIG-analysis.com Breakaway Information Group http://www.BIG-analysis.com/pdfs/TAP_Model_2008.pdf The Breakaway Information Group has developed an architectural and operational framework called the TAP Model in response to the rapidly changing conditions demanded by application and information services. The TAP Model embraces "cloud-oriented" application design parameters which allows for significant improvements in business process and data access transparency. Practices and products following the TAP Model improve transparency, facilitate dynamic application-driven data valuation techniques and simplify application-aware information management practices that aid organizations of all sizes in meeting cost containment, compliance and operational goals. The TAP Model also provides a context within which solution vendors can more readily highlight the "feature/benefit" attributes of their offerings while using the Model’s reference framework to highlight the long-term value of ILM, IIM, DLM and utility computing. http://www.BIG-analysis.com/pdfs/Dell_Buys_EqualLogic.pdf The acquisition of EqualLogic immediately benefits SMB and mid-market storage buyers, and of course Dell, as it explodes the limited options and price-points for innovative yet dependable storage solutions. The deal will test the metal of Dell’s 6 year long, SMB focused partnership with storage giant EMC. The acquisition price paid by Dell is nearly a steal as the technology categories EqualLogic plays in are among–and will remain–the fastest growing in all of high tech. http://www.BIG-analysis.com/pdfs/EMC_Voyence_Buy.pdf The acquisition of Voyence adds to EMC’s growing portfolio of network and application-oriented management tools. EMC has improved its position as a "go to" supplier to both Enterprise-class businesses and service providers, each of which faces significant challenges effectively and efficiently deploying distributed, network-dependent applications. EMC’s tools will help these customers meet their operational bottom-line as well as their growth-oriented top-line. http://www.BIG-analysis.com/pdfs/EMC_Pitches_The_Future.pdf Mark Lewis, President of EMC’s Content Management and Archiving division and the company’s official seer, spoke to EMC’s vision regarding innovation. Lewis did well in conveying the vision and its achievability by presenting a realistic understanding of information consumers needs, his own division’s solution potential and EMC’s thirst for success as a purveyor of intelligent information solutions. http://www.BIG-analysis.com/pdfs/EMC_Innovation_w-Partners.pdf EMC invited three partners to participate in evangelizing the merits of innovation during EMC’s Innovation Day 2007 Partner Panel. The panel, made up of 3 technology product vendors (including EMC) and one systems integrator all agreed that product and process innovations are important but must not overshoot customer needs. Each company’s representative spoke to the competitive strength drawn from these specific relationships while also driving home their own messages of excellence and competitive edge.