Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) continued its drive to broaden its reach by announcing a suite of new software for mid-sized storage operations - small fry compared to its traditional base in big enterprise.

HDS's new mid-sized solution packages aim to take advantage of the raft of software refreshes from Microsoft due to hit in 2007; Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Office SharePoint Server 2007, and Windows Vista.

The package includes whizzy new disaster recovery, though whether it'll be able to help with a burnt turkey is unclear. There are a bunch of apps to help HDS channel partners identify waste and weaknesses in mid-sized setups too.

Last week, the vendor announced it was investing in NAS specialist BlueArc to attack the high performance computing market. The moves point to HDS's gradual creep across and down the storage food web. In summer HDS told The Register it was starting to think about an entry into all-out SMB storage.

Solve yourself to your heart's content at HDS's pages here. ®