Lenovo Expands Cloud Storage Biz with Stoneware Acquisition

China-based Lenovo, the world's second-largest maker of personal computers, said on Tuesday that it has acquired Carmel, In.-based Stoneware Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will help enhance and expand Lenovo's cloud computing business in both the consumer and commercial sectors by adding "significant new technologies."

"Adding Stoneware cloud computing into the Lenovo line up presents a significant opportunity to leverage their success, and enhance our PC Plus offerings, all to the benefit of our customers," said Peter Hortensius, senior vice president, and president, Product Group, Lenovo. "We have a history of innovation and embracing new technologies, and the talented team at Stoneware will fit in perfectly with our long-term strategy."

"Our cloud solutions, combined with Lenovo's award winning hardware, will provide a better experience for users in the PC Plus era," reads Stoneware's website.

The deal with Stoneware is intended to help Lenovo link its laptops and desktops with its smartphones, tablets and HDTVs it has started to manufacture thanks to its $150 million acquisition of Brazilian company CCE earlier this month. The deal is also expected to take advantage of the agreement Lenovo made with EMC Corp back in August to develop and sell network storage.

"With today’s typical technology user carrying multiple devices, the PC Plus era is here, and Lenovo is aggressively expanding its product offerings and capabilities to help people and businesses connect across any device to the content and communities that matter most to them," Lenovo said. "Customers simply want a better way to connect their PC with their tablet with their smartphone, and with Stoneware, Lenovo aims to help them get there."

According to the company, Stoneware already has several strong, highly innovative cloud products (webNetwork, LanSchool, etc) that serve millions of users primarily in education and the public sector. Lenovo said it will help extend the reach of these products as well as new offerings on a global scale while also extending this technology beyond the current strongholds that Stoneware has in government and in education into more consumer-focused offerings over time.

"We are pleased to be joining forces with Lenovo," said Rick German, CEO, Stoneware. "Lenovo is one of the largest and fastest growing technology companies in the world and for Stoneware, a small company with roots in the heartland of the United States, we are delighted to be given the opportunity to deliver real benefit to customers on a global stage."

The acquisition is not material to Lenovo's earnings, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. In the coming weeks, the Stoneware team, comprised of 67 employees, will be fully integrated into the Lenovo collective – there will be no job losses stemming from the acquisition. Resistance is futile.

_{Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback}