Hewlett-Packard’s just unveiled the new X9730, a scale-out file server that rivals similar systems from EMC Isilon and DataDirect Networks. The new product, which according to HP runs three times faster than the previous generation, is based largely on the technology the vendor acquired through the 2009 IBRIX buyout.

The X9730 consists of two ProLiant BL460c G7 servers, ProLiant BL460c G7 servers and 70 3.5-inch hard disk drive slots that can power up to 3 terabytes of capacity, or accommodate two terabytes’ worth of 7,200rpm SAS drives.

A single IBRIX-powered resource pool can scale up to 16 petabytes, and can include any product in the X9000 line-up. The X9730 supports 10Gb connectivity thanks to a built-in Flex-10 Ethernet module, and the box ships with the new 6.1 release of the proprietary OS.

HP is upping its play in the data center in response to increased, flash-powered competition. But at the same time the tech giant is struggling to keep its consumer business afloat, and one analyst believes that spinning it off – a move first suggested by former CEO Apotheker – may be the optimal course of action for the company.

“In our view, full value won’t be realized by just improving operations – structural change is required,” UBS analyst Steven Milunovich told clients. “Although we think HP is in denial about growth prospects for PCs and possibly printers, the fact is that HP has substantial assets.”

Milunovich doesn’t undervalue the fact that HP still retains its position as one of the biggest PC manufacturers in the world.  And he sees potential in the firm’s services business too, a very optimistic account that investors may not agree with. A few days ago the company released a forecast expecting revenue from services to slump by more than 10 percent in fiscal year 2013.