I have spoken with many of the experts and analysts in business intelligence and analytics about the recent consolidation in the analytic appliance market. Many cannot believe that companies like Greenplum and Sybase have agreed to be acquired as this market is just starting to pick up steam. The recent acquisitions make sense for both SAP and EMC. Many of the other appliance vendors are facing tough financing options, finding it difficult to get the next round of financing and I will bet that many of them will be closing their doors or selling out.

But the big question is WHY - I believe that we will know the answer in October and it will be Microsoft - stay tuned!