ELX provides a superior set of network storage technology IBM needs to fill in and pefect its worldwide distribution demands.

When IBM took over database technology Informix the reason wasn't that it needed another database but rather to pick up some toolsets provided by Informix that were missing in its own DB2 sets.

Likewise, ELX has a set of technology IBM might pick up to fill in gaps for its own network storage technology suite. I think this new agreement will prove to be the avenue through which IBM acquires proof on its careful acquisition strategy.