Virtualization

Junosphere Bolstered With Platform Tweaks (0) May 17, 2012 Juniper equipped its Junosphere cloud offering with added partnerships and a few platform enhancements, all aimed at facilitating greater ease of use for partners and accelerating adoption of cloud and virtual infrastructure for customers.
Enterasys SuperDrive: Partners And The Future (0) May 17, 2012 At Enterasys SuperDrive 2012, partners are buzzing about the OneFabric networking portfolio while Enterasys celebrates its growth in the marketplace. Is Enterasys a rising star on the networking scene?
CA Process Automation 4 Arrives (0) May 16, 2012 CA Technologies launches CA Process Automation 4, bringing a unified network automation platform for physical, virtual and cloud environments.
Insider: Cloud, Not Recession, Haunts Cisco (0) May 16, 2012 Cisco is planning to roll out more cloud products, including its new Cloud Connect in June, to capitalize on this ever-expanding opportunity. However, its recently pessimistic outlook, says one insider, has more to do with cloud disruptions to its core networking business than global economics. It’s a rationale, noteworthy counterargument.
NetSuite Launches Commerce-as-a-Service (0) May 16, 2012 NetSuite launches the commerce-as-a-service platform "NetSuite SuiteCommerce," enabling both retail and corporate sales outfits to enhance customer service and customer experiences through a fully integrated ERP/CRM solution.
Nvidia Brings GPU To The Cloud (0) May 16, 2012 Nvidia launches the Nvidia VGX platform, a cloud-based GPU that can deliver real-time 3D rendering and highly responsive graphic applications to virtualized environments and the cloud. Cloud-based GPUs could turn thin clients into powerhouses and reshape what MSPs can provide their customers.
Intel's New Xeons Spark Server Surge (0) May 14, 2012 Intel launches three new series of Xeon CPUs designed to bring super-high performance computing to severs everywhere and provide powerful 'green' CPUs ideal for workstation environments.
Kaspersky Rallies Troops for $1 Billion Run (3) May 14, 2012 Russian security vendor Kaspersky Lab is looking to top the $1 billion sales-bookings mark by 2014 and, soon after, become the world’s second largest security vendor. It’s an ambitious goal supported by near-fanatical partners. The lingering question: How will Kaspersky fuel this growth with only organic product and market development?
Microsoft Extends Solution Incentives Program (0) May 11, 2012 While Microsoft was vague on the reasons for extending its Solution Incentives program, the move will give Microsoft Partner Network resellers an additional six months to meet stated sales goals and reap up to 30 percent extra margin in strategic product categories.
Ncomputing Brings Citrix HDX to the Masses (1) May 11, 2012 Ncomputing's new thin-client duo promises to deliver high definition virtualization content that won't break the bank.
Axcient Cancels Out Cloud Downtime (0) May 11, 2012 Axcient's Cloud Continuity platform can instantly and seamless transfer an SMB to a cloud continuity server in the event of data center failure. Axcient's in-house backup technology is proving itself a key differentiator in the channel.
6fusion Moves Closer To Hypervisor Agnosticism (0) May 10, 2012 6fusion introduces open-source Xen and Citrix Xen support to the UC6 cloud management platform, allowing IT admins and MSPs to mitigate the headaches associated with multiple hypervisor environments and obviate vendor lock-in.
Dell Goes Direct With Unidesk Virtualization (1) May 9, 2012 Dell's latest partnership with Unidesk could signal much bigger moves from Dell in the virtualization space.
Cisco Study: Companies Fear Cloud Migration (0) May 9, 2012 A Cisco cloud migration study found that a significant number of IT decision-makers are stymied to overcome infrastructure hurdles when embarking on cloud migration projects, leaving a wide-open gap for the channel to address an anticipated slew of networking, security and configuration challenges.
Citrix Urges Rethinking of IT Assumptions (0) May 9, 2012 Citrix believes a root cause of the problems in building, managing and securing cloud and mobile systems is solution providers and enterprises continue to apply conventional and dated assumptions about the IT operating environment. Citrix is encouraging partners and customers to do is change their thinking and assume everything is cloud and mobile.
WatchGuard Offers Virtual Product Lines (0) May 8, 2012 WatchGuard Technologies is tackling the virtualization space head on with an all out virtual revamp of its product lines--a move that could potentially attract new channel blood and give it a bit of a leg up over competing UTM vendors.
Riverbed Offers Cost-Effective WAN Optimization (1) May 4, 2012 Riverbed launches the Steelhead 150 as a cost-effective physical or virtual WAN optimization appliance for small branch offices and the SMB. Cloud service providers may start adopting more optimization appliances, especially amid Riverbed's vCloud Connector partnership with VMware.
HP 3PAR Promises 2X Virtualization Performance (0) May 4, 2012 HP promises to double physical server capacity for virtual machines through 3PAR storage technology. This unique solution has the potential to be cost effective in budget-strapped and space-constrained environments.
VMware View 5.1 Ready For Mobile Workforce (0) May 3, 2012 VMware View 5.1 arrives with new optimization features alongside the VMware Project Octopus Beta storage platform. With virtualization, cloud and storage capabilities under its belt, VMware readies itself for the mobile enterprise.
Report: Trend Micro is Cloud Security 'Leader' (2) May 1, 2012 Trend Micro is among those leading the charge in the global cloud security software market, according to TechNavio’s Global Cloud Security Software Market report.
WAN Optimization has a ‘Virtual Future’ (3) April 25, 2012 Hardware solutions dominate the WAN optimization market. But challenger Silver Peak believes the tide is changing toward virtual solutions. The company expects virtualized WAN optimization solutions to reach parity with hardware within the next two years.
CA Brings All Partners under Unified Program (0) April 18, 2012 CA Technologies, a vendor undergoing a channel renaissance through its expanding cloud portfolio, is bringing its diverse network of partners under a single global program to better distribute development resources and ensure consistency in channel operations.
VCE, vBlock Future in Question (11) April 13, 2012 EMC and its manufacturing partners made a big deal of the launch of VSPEX, the new virtualization reference framework that allows for customized deployments. The launch does have many forecasting the future of not just vBlock, but the VCE joint venture designed to support the virtualized data center in a box.
EMC Intends VSPEX for Data Center Flexibility (1) April 12, 2012 Unlike its existing vBlock fixed virtualization solutions, EMC says VSPEX – designed and delivered entirely by the channel – will give partners and customers the option of building virtualization solutions that meet their specific infrastructure and optional needs.
Cisco, NetApp Expand FlexPod to Midmarket (0) April 11, 2012 Cisco and NetApp are making their storage and data center FlexPod virtualization solutions available to companies with 100 to 500 users. The move comes on the eve of EMC’s expansion of its virtualization framework, signally increased competition on all levels in the data center.
McAfee's Agentless MOVE AV Protects VMs (0) April 10, 2012 McAfee launches a new agentless version of MOVE AV designed to provide complete VM protection while offloading scanning and monitoring processes to a virtual appliance. Does this hint at future plans with Intel?
Open Data Center Alliance Simplifies the Cloud (0) April 9, 2012 The Open Data Center Alliance offers guidelines and tools for the long-term development of cloud technology, focusing on security, scalability, identity management and more. But can the ODCA pull it off?
Microsoft Streamlines Virtualization Management (0) April 6, 2012 Microsoft launches UE-V, a user-account management platform for Hyper-V Windows virtualization environments, along with App-V 5.0 for virtualizing more complex applications.
OS33 Looks to Unify Cloud Management (0) April 3, 2012 OS33 introduces a new "Webtop" unified portal for the consumption, reporting and billing of multi-vendor cloud solutions, making it easier for MSPs to manage their customers' resources while handling the onslaught of SaaS.
HotLink Recruiting Virtualization VARs (0) March 22, 2012 Seven months after its official launch, virtual platform provider HotLink is looking to recruit channel partners with a new program featuring incentives and training for VARs that can deliver tiered virtualization solutions to VMware customers.
VMware Rounds Up Cloud Security Partners (0) March 5, 2012 VMware continues to expand its arsenal of vendor partnerships. This round focuses on integrated security and compliance solutions aimed at delivering secure infrastructures for the cloud to a variety of solutions providers to help spur adoption.
Diskeeper Resets under Condusiv Brand (0) March 5, 2012 New CEO Jerry Baldwin is changing the name of his company from Diskeeper to Condusiv Technologies, a branding that better reflects the company’s future direction in virtualization optimization and endpoint performance management. It’s a bold move for a company with a rich legacy.
DataCore Targets Hyper-V Partners for Growth (0) March 1, 2012 DataCore is pushing hard to compete in a fast-growing storage hypervisor and virtualization market. Its latest effort is a restructured channel program and recruitment effort targeting partners such as resellers, system integrators and appliance system developers.
Ingram Offers Pay-As-You-Go VMware Licenses (0) February 15, 2012 Ingram Micro has earned global distribution rights to sell VMware pay-as-you-go licensing. The goal, say both vendor and distributor, is aimed at simplifying sales and streamlining costs for better partner margins.
VMware: The Intersection of the Channel (0) February 14, 2012 At the VMware Partner Exchange in Las Vegas, vendors across all technology segments are craning to showcase how their hardware and software support or enhance VMware’s virtualization tools. The goal is acceleration and expansion of channel programs and penetration of existing accounts.
F5 Extends BIG-IP Virtualization Support (0) February 9, 2012 F5 Networks has over the last year grown its revenue and expanded its partner support programs. Now with VDI poised for primetime, F5 is also expanding its BIG-IP support for Citrix XenDesktop, VMware View and Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.
Quest Aims for Greater VDI Share (0) January 30, 2012 Quest Software is looking to grab more market share in the burgeoning virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) segment with vWorkspace 7.5, which boasts easier management and lower costs. It’s part of an ongoing market trend that will see greater adoption of what’s often called “the other virtualization.”
Dell Aims Low to Battle Cisco in Data Centers (0) December 21, 2011 A new report suggests Dell’s key weapon in its battle plan for war with Cisco in the data center is low pricing and attached sales. The idea: Attack with servers and drag low-cost networking gear to undercut Cisco’s premium advantage. This battle will have significant cost implications for solution providers, too.
Citrix Brings SMB Virtual Desktops to Channel (0) October 25, 2011 Citrix Systems is pushing its virtual desktop technology into the SMB market with a new offering that makes deployments easier and more affordable. Better yet, the new VDI-in-a-Box is tailor-made for channel sales and managed services.
Kaspersky, BitDefender Align with VMware (0) October 21, 2011 These European security vendors announce new products to protect VMware virtualized environments from malware and other security threats. The releases show the increasing importance of security efficiency in virtualization as well as VMware as a sales channel.
Cisco, Citrix Enhance VDI Experience (1) October 12, 2011 Cisco has long said video would drive future networking and data center technology adoption. The barrier is bandwidth, so it’s partnering with Citrix to leverage virtualization in making unified communications and video less bandwidth-intensive in virtual desktop implementations.
SMBs Leave Ample Opportunity with Virtualization (0) September 8, 2011 A new Symantec study finds virtualization adoption among small and midsized businesses is increasing, but most are overlooking critical security and backup functions. That’s spells opportunity for solution providers.
Veeam Looks to Tap Microsoft Channel (0) August 23, 2011 Veeam, a virtualization management specialist, is moving beyond its roots of enhancing VMware implementations by adding support for Microsoft’s Hyper-V. The initiative could augment Microsoft virtualization and give Veeam access to a strong channel of new partners.
VMware Adding DLP to vShield Security Product (0) August 9, 2011 The virtualization market leader is expected to announce the addition of data loss prevention technology to its vShield security suite that protects its hypervisor. This DLP implementation isn’t expected to be a robust offering, but may be enough to change people’s minds about the security technology.
Challenges Ahead for iPad Rivals (1) June 30, 2011 Hewlett-Packard debuts its first tablet, the TouchPad, tomorrow and Cisco is releasing its improved Cius business tablet at the end of July. Both vendors have high hopes their product will rival the Apple iPad, but it’s a tall order to dethrone the market leader. Does either of these tablets stand a chance?
Dell Simplifies Virtualization with vStart (0) June 16, 2011 Dell aims to expand its foothold in virtualization and empower partners by offering plug-and-play virtualization hardware and software stacks purpose-built for enterprise deployments that will accelerate the speed of adoption and deployment of virtualization technologies.
CA, VCE Team Up on Virtual Desktops (0) May 9, 2011 The company built on mainframe management is steadily increasing its footprint in cloud and virtualization technologies. Its joining with VCE on virtual desktops is further proof of the software company’s intent to move away from its previous isolation and assert itself as a major player in the cloud era. What still needs work is its channel strategy.
Four Biz Lessons from the Final Four (0) April 1, 2011 The match-ups are set for the ultimate college hoops showdown. Here are four lessons from the Final Four for solution providers.
Standardized IT Services: As IBM Goes, So Goes the World (0) March 24, 2011 Technologies such as virtualization and cloud computing are making standardized platforms acceptable... even preferable. Enter IBM with new, pre-engineered delivery of like servers, storage, service-desk assets and more as a way to speed deployment and lower cost. Are you ready for this shift?
Acer Servers Underscores Attached Sales Model (3) February 22, 2011 Acer America has enjoyed tremendous success selling PCs through the channel. The launch of its servers and storage appliance is probably a reflection of the need to give partners more to sell and capture more sales through “attached sales.”
F5’s New Program Reflects Self-Sufficiency Trend (0) January 25, 2011 F5 Networks’ channel chief Dean Darwin is proud of his company’s increasing role as not only the glue that holds the data center together, but also the catalyst that makes its partners more profitable by enhancing the value of other products in their portfolio. The new training and accreditation program rolled out yesterday is as much about ensuring profitability of the partners as it is about F5’s viability.
Apple Limitations Drive Desktop Virtualization (0) January 11, 2011 The showstopper at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was undisputedly tablet computers. Despite Apple’s absence at the gadget confab in the desert, its iPad success spawned numerous competitive offerings running Windows and Android operating systems, each looking for a piece of the multibillion-dollar tablet pie. And, as it turns out, Apple’s success is driving more than just tablet offerings, but new opportunities in virtualization because of the device’s and company’s limitations.
Cisco, NetApp ‘De-Risk’ Virtualized Data Centers (2) December 16, 2010 In a new video with NetApp global channel chief Julie Parrish, Cisco’s Wendy Bahr describes the two company’s jointly developed “FlexPod for VMware” as a means for “de-risking” the process of product developing for partners. By having tested and certified virtualized data center architecture, the two companies say solution providers are free to sell products with confidence and differentiate themselves from competition.
Virtualization and iPads: A Killer Channel Combo (0) December 9, 2010 Tablets – led by Apple’s iPad – are hot. It took years for laptops to displace desktop PCs as the king of computing, and now it looks as though tablets will displace both PCs and notebooks within the next year to 18 months. While built with consumers in mind, tablets are quickly finding their way into the enterprise – carried by a not-so-surprising catalyst: virtualization.
Finding Recurring Revenue in Virtual Desktops (0) December 8, 2010 Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is getting a lot of buzz as businesses look to virtualization to replace their aging distributed fat clients with more manageable, secure and cost effective virtual machines. This is opening new opportunities for solution providers on every level in the design, deployment and maintenance of these extended virtual infrastructures.
Self-Made Storage: You Can Do This. Should you? (0) November 5, 2010 When I was a kid, I took apart the little transistor radio my uncle used to keep up with our small-town news while he was shaving. Though I never managed to successfully reassemble it, earning me months of glares and stern warnings about my fitness for any sort of respectable craft, I was certain I’d stumbled on an important secret.
Avnet: Planning, Execution Leads to Success (0) October 28, 2010 George S. Patton would have been a monster in the IT channel. He was brash and outspoken, but behind that rugged warrior veneer was a hardened, calculating strategist who knew how to make plans in the war room and translate them into action in the field. If Patton were at this week’s Avnet IBM Partner Summit in San Antonio, he would’ve recognized the excellence in planning and execution demonstrated by the Avnet Trusted Advisor Award winners.
Alternate Interpretation of Market Research (0) October 11, 2010 Oracle co-president Mark Hurd once said, “If you interrogate the numbers long enough, they will provide you the answer.” He was of course talking about business analytics – the study of market indicators, sales performance and customer trends. He was right; numbers don’t lie, but it’s all in how you interpret them.
Six Virtualization Trends to Watch (0) August 31, 2010 There’s a rumor that VMware is holding its annual VMWorld conference in San Francisco this week. I say rumor because I’ve seen a number of tweets asking where’s the news out of this event. Although I wasn’t able to attend this event, I’m still watching for several trends to come out of the discussions. Specifically, I’m looking for news and advancements in six virtualization implementations. My friends at CompTIA just posted my musings on these six trends. You can check it out by clicking here.