HP have taken another step to prove it is a buyers market.

Currently locking horns with Dell for the attentions of Data Centre giant 3Par (though probably not while both using pugel sticks on top of a shaky platform, which is a shame.) has acquired Stratavia, a database and application automation outfit.

The Denver based Stratavia is a privately-held company and, as such, the details of the deal were not disclosed.

HP said in a statement that the acquisition will be integrated into its software division.

Stratavia’s software will be used to deploy, manage and configure enterprise databases, middleware and packaged apps.

In recent years, HP has either acquired or built numerous tools to automate applications and data centers, with 3Par fitting that bill neatly.

Stratavia’s software will also be used in HP’s cloud automation services.

Stratavia’s various software products are designed to automate data centers. Other modules focus on automated content, audit trails and various integration points in the enterprise.

Their website claims “Stratavia develops and markets database, server and run book automation software which helps customers reduce the cost of operating their enterprise environments.”

It was not all good news for HP, however, as news came that Dell this morning raised its offer for 3Par to $24.30 a share in cash from $18, topping the $24 offer from HP.

The Offer is worth about $1.6 billion and it remains to be seen if HP will be willing to up the ante.