HP taps into virtualisation

By Staff Writer for HP
Johannesburg, 06 May 2008

Technology provider HP has introduced a Virtualisation Specialisation channel partner programme for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

The move heralds the first cross-business group specialisation for HP and will allow preferred partners to access both the Personal Systems Group and Enterprise Servers and Storage business units.

According to an HP statement, it wants to tap into the highly lucrative virtualisation market through this move, a market that is expected to be worth $11.7 billion by 2011.

The company's Virtualisation Specialisation solution will encompass servers, storage, software and networking technology, as well as remote client solutions.

It is aimed at preferred partners as these companies account for 77% of the company's total EMEA indirect revenue.

In addition to the virtualisation product offering, HP has introduced a gold partner level for EMEA resellers.

Aimed at those resellers that realise the most growth for HP, the model allows partners access to direct HP account management and preferential pricing, among other things.

Mark Perry, country manager, Solution Partners Organisation, HP SA, says HP believes in its partner strategy "more than ever".

"Our channel commitment is defined by business results, and we're investing heavily in partners who share that vision, while making it simpler and more rewarding to work with us," he notes.