EMC's Cash Could Open Door to Data Domain

Updated from 8 a.m. EDT

The tug of love for Data Domain(DDUP Quote) is continuing, with rival suitors EMC(EMC Quote) and NetApp(NTAP Quote) still locked in a battle to win hearts and minds. Money, however, could prove the deciding factor in who wins the storage specialist.

NetApp recently claimed victory in the race to acquire Data Domain, clinching a $30-per-share cash-and-stock deal with the Data Domain board, but try telling that to EMC. The storage giant is still pushing its own $30 all-cash bid, targeting stockholders and even Data Domain's own staff in an attempt to derail the deal.

EMC CEO Joe Tucci, for example, recently launched a charm offensive aimed at Data Domain employees, part of a broader campaign to win over shareholders. ...