VMware launches new system builder, certification programs, joins Linux Foundation

VMware is investing more resources in the channel and IT community -- and getting more involved in the Linux community -- to preserve its lead in the virtualization software market.

At LinuxWorld and Next Generation Data Center Conference this week, the Palo Alto, Calif. virtualization software leader introduced the VMware System Builder Program and also launched new educational and certification program, including Live online courses, to help IT pros master the art of virtualization.

The system builder program allows system builders to sell VMware's entire product line and also affords partners with pre-sales technical support, target training, new marketing tools and the same benefiits as VIP partners. For example, PC and server vendors who join the program get up to 10 instances of pre-sales technical support and online troublehooting cources. 

VMware announced that it is also working with top original design manufacturers (ODMs) to certify a range of one-, two- and four-socket server systems as well as blade servers for the VMware ESX and ESXi hypervisors. These preconfigured systems will also be available to system builders.

And to ease the process of designing virtualization solutions in house, VMware launched this week education and certification programs including the new VMWare Certified Design Expert certification and online training, including Live and Flex Live coures to meet users' varied schedules. Customers can opt for the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or new design expert certification.

As part of the Linuxworld conference, VMware announced it was joining the Linux Foundation alongside IBM and Google.  It should be interesting: VMware's products have run on Linux for some time but the Linux Foundation also supports the kernel group and group that integrates the kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) hypervisor into the kernel.