On its part, HP's move is telling in multiple ways too. For one, the quick response indicates that HP was already tinkering with the thought of hooking 3PAR. It is also a solid indication -- and a welcome one -- that HP isn't waiting around too long to settle down from the Mark Hurd controversy, and is ready (indeed, eager) to move ahead. (As a completely side issue, this forceful move might also help settle the leadership crisis at HP.) Then, of course, HP too is a solid contender in the storage market, and understandably doesn't want the competition to get a leg up here.