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Microsoft has bought out integrated cloud storage vendor StorSimple, giving Redmond some extra-special sauce to add to its Azure cloud service.

StorSimple has made a good business selling appliances that use traditional hardware storage while dumping bulk data that's seldom needed off into cloud archives, then pulling it back as required. The company encrypts the data for security and includes backup and recovery tools for restoration in the event of a borking.

"Customers faced with explosive growth in data are looking to the cloud to help them store, manage and archive that data," said Michael Park, corporate vice president, Server and Tools Division for Microsoft in a statement.

"But, to be effective," he added, "cloud storage needs to integrate with IT's current investments. StorSimple's approach helps customers seamlessly integrate on-premises storage with cloud storage through intelligent automation and management."

Where this leaves StorSimple's existing cloud support is now in question. The company has a deal with Microsoft's Azure, but also with Amazon's S3 cloud storage, HP Cloud Services, AT&T Synaptic, Google, Rackspace, and EMC Atmos cloud systems. While customers aren't going to be left in the lurch, they should expect to be encouraged to move to Microsoft.

"Most StorSimple customers are mainstream IT organizations that have chosen Windows Azure as their primary cloud," said Ursheet Parikh, cofounder and CEO of StorSimple. "We are excited to continue to work with Microsoft and bring the combined benefits of StorSimple and Windows Azure to customers around the world."

The terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the Bay Area company is expected to remain in its current location as a Microsoft subsidiary. ®

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