Technology & IT | Wednesday 18 February, 2015 6:31 am |

VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW), the global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, today announced new programs, new and updated solution competencies, and momentum for the VMware Partner Network.

Partners from around the globe will attend VMware Partner Exchange this year to learn the latest about VMware software-defined data center, end-user computing and hybrid cloud solutions, as well as interact and network with VMware executives and IT professionals from across the industry.

"As companies face new challenges in this liquid business environment, the ability to deliver dynamic services offers new and exciting opportunities for our partners," said Dave O'Callaghan, senior vice president, Channels and Alliances, and co-leader, Global Partner Organization, VMware. "At Partner Exchange, we look forward to closely engaging with our partners to capitalize on these new opportunities in this services-centric world."

"At VMware, together with our robust partner ecosystem, we continue to help transform some of the world's leading companies," said Todd Surdey, vice president, Strategic Alliances and Emerging Partners, and co-leader, Global Partner Organization, VMware. "We come together with our strategic and emerging partners to empower business transformation in the mobile-cloud era."

New Programs, Enhancements and Opportunities for Partners

VMware Partner Professional Services Program

Today VMware introduced the VMware Partner Professional Services Program, which will enable consulting partners to sell and deliver their own services engagements. This program will be available to a limited number of pilot partners in the first half of FY15, and is expected to expand in the second half of FY15. Eligibility will initially be focused on partners that have demonstrated expertise in selling and delivering software-defined data center solutions.

As a benefit of the program, partners will have access to experienced software-defined data center architects and experts at no cost. In addition to training discounts and access to VMware architects, customer-focused labs will be offered to partners to accelerate time to self-sufficiency. Partners will be empowered with services sales and delivery IP that has been tried and tested to deliver predictable outcomes in customer implementations.

VMware vCloud Air Network Program to Offer Managed Services Opportunities

The VMware vCloud Air Network Program will expand to include managed services opportunities for vCloud Air Network service providers, enabling partners to use VMware vCloud Air as their core infrastructure while differentiating through their managed services. The new managed services model will be available in Q2 to qualified service providers, enabling these partners to have more choice and flexibility in how to build and offer cloud solutions.
New Solution Competencies
VMware today also introduced new and revised solution competencies for the VMware Partner Network.
Mobility Management Solution Competency -- The Mobility Management Solution Competency is now available to enable and reward partners in the mobility management space. The Mobility Management Solution Competency provides in-depth AirWatch Enterprise Mobility Management technology training within a program framework. Partners achieving the competency are eligible for Solution Rewards rebates when they sell AirWatch products and the VMware Workspace Suite -- helping partners accelerate their ROI. Additionally, completing the Mobility Management Solution Competency enables partners to deliver higher value customer solutions that include their services and expertise.
Software-Defined Data Center Competency -- Available in Q2, the Software-Defined Data Center competency will encompass elements of VMware Networking, Software-Defined Storage, Server Virtualization, Management Operations and Management Automation Solutions Competencies, and rewards partners who have invested in all five competencies. Along with these key elements, partners will also be required to have a minimum of two VCAP or VCIX certifications in the Software-Defined Data Center area and complete additional sales training focused on delivering the VMware vision and IT Outcomes. Partners achieving the Software-Defined Data Center Solution Competency will also be eligible for Solution Rewards rebates.
The VSP and VTSP Curriculum is also being updated to version 6, and the updated version of the server virtualization competency will have a further focus on VMware vSphere with Operations Management and the Virtualization Optimization Assessment.
VMware Partner Network Showcases Strong 2014 with Growth, Certifications, Accreditations
The VMware Partner Network continues to see strong momentum:
VMware Partner University:
Approximately 350,000 individuals from VMware Partner companies received training in 2014.
Solution Competencies: With four new competencies launched in 2014 (Networking, Software-Defined Storage, Management Automation and Desktop as a Service), nearly 50,000 individuals have completed accreditations toward achieving at least one solution competency.
VMware Sales Professional (VSP): To date, over 140,000 individuals have earned a VMware Sales Professional (VSP) accreditation globally.
VMware Technical Solutions Professional (VTSP): To date, over 100,000 individuals have earned a VMware Technical Solutions Professional (VTSP) accreditations globally.
Technical Certifications: More than 20,000 individuals have earned VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certifications globally in 2014 up 149% from 2013.
VMware Boot Camps: Over 5,600 individuals attended these free in-person trainings.
VMware Hybrid Cloud & Hybrid Cloud Services: Launched in 2014, VMware had more than 600 Partner Organizations accredited on VMware Hybrid Cloud solutions.