IBM has completed its buyout of Netezza, a data warehousing and analytics specialist that has an established channel partner program. IBM is expected to position Netezza against Oracle’s Exadata storage server business. Here are the potential implications for solutions providers.

IBM announced plans to acquire Netezza in September 2010. The reason, according to Big Blue:

So where do channel partners fit in? IBM says Netezza will be integrated into Big Blue’s Information Management software portfolio. No doubt, Netezza has an established channel partner program featuring systems integrators, resellers, solution providers and OEMs. Looking ahead, it’s clear IBM and Netezza plan to gang up against Oracle’s Exadata business. Already, Netezza is offering a PDF that compares the Netezza TwinFin solution to the Oracle Exadata lineup.

Interesting PDF. But competing against Oracle Exadata won’t be easy. CEO Larry Ellison in September 2010 said Exadata’s business pipeline exceeded $1.5 billion, up from $1 billion the previous quarter. Pretty freakin’ impressive — though it’s difficult to project how much of that revenue Oracle will actually book… and how soon. But The VAR Guy rarely bets against Mr. Ellison.

Still, The VAR Guy will be watching the IBM-Netezza combo closely. Showdowns between Big Blue and Oracle are rarely boring…

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