VMware intros partner network

Johannesburg, 07 May 2009

Virtualisation giant VMware has unveiled the VMware Partner Network, its next-generation partner programme expected to become available to partners during the second quarter of this year.

According to VMware, the programme offers a common infrastructure, sales and services tools, margin opportunities, and industry-recognised training for VMware's entire partner ecosystem. This ranges from sales partners and solution providers to technology partners and original equipment manufacturers.

Carl Eschenbach, executive vice-president of worldwide field operations for VMware, says: "The VMware Partner Network is designed to deliver competency-based training and tools to help our partners grow their virtualisation practices and continue to be trusted advisers to customers of all sizes."

VMware says it has established new competency-based training that will enable its partners to receive certifications in four competencies: infrastructure virtualisation, business continuity, desktop virtualisation and virtualisation management.

In addition, VMware has revamped its partner portal, entitled Partner Central, with marketing and sales tools, leads modules, market development funds, service IP and other tools partners may need to grow their VMware virtualisation business.

Earlier this year, VMware Partner University was unveiled at VMworld Europe 2009. According to the company, the virtual campus helps accelerate partners' virtualisation practices through education on VMware products, services and solutions under a central framework.

Another feature of the partner programme is the Alliance Affiliate Initiative, which VMware says is a co-marketing initiative to drive partner profitability and reward joint solution selling.

According to the company, technology partners from a broad range of sectors have created VMware-specific virtualisation training and tools for solution providers, as well as financial incentives on the sale of their products combined with VMware solutions.