VMware Expands Industry-Leading VMware Ready(TM) Program to Include Application Software

Middleware and Application ISVs Can Now Use the VMware Ready(TM) Logo to Drive New Sales by Assuring Customers That Their Applications Are Optimized for VMware vSphere(TM)


PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwire - November 16, 2009) -  VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW), the global leader in virtualization solutions from the desktop through the datacenter and to the cloud, today announced an important enhancement to its VMware Ready™ program, expanding the program to allow middleware and application software to qualify for the VMware Ready logo. The logo simplifies the purchase and deployment process for customers and prospects by signifying that qualified applications deliver outstanding performance and reliability when deployed on VMware vSphere-- the industry's leading virtualization platform.

Nearly 1,000 of the most widely used applications from independent software vendors (ISVs) support the VMware vSphere platform. Each month, dozens more applications are added to the supported list. These solutions include business applications such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and human resource management (HRM) software, industry-specific applications such as electronic medical records and financial processing software, and middleware such as application servers and databases. As an extension to this rapidly growing list, ISVs whose applications qualify for the VMware Ready logo will benefit by gaining access to customer-focused branding from the undisputed leader in virtualization. ISVs will also be highlighted in the VMware Partner Product Catalog.

Customers who are making application purchase decisions for their VMware vSphere environments will see the VMware Ready logo and know these applications have been tested and are supported on VMware vSphere. The logo also means that these applications can take full advantage of VMware vSphere service-level controls for availability, security and scalability.

"Our partner ecosystem is among the largest in the industry, and having a wide selection of proven applications for VMware vSphere™ sets us apart from everyone else," said Parag Patel, vice president, alliances, VMware. "The VMware Ready™ logo gives participating ISVs a powerful sales advantage and the ability to inform customers that their applications are leveraging the TCO savings and flexibility of the VMware platform. And, customers will have confidence and peace of mind knowing their applications are ready for the VMware platform. From the top of the technology stack to the lowest layers, customers have more and more choices with VMware."

Adding application software to the VMware Ready program rounds out an already-robust program. Today, customers may select from more than 1,000 servers, 400 storage devices, 800 I/O products, and 450 operating system versions that have earned the VMware Ready logo. VMware is the only virtualization solution provider that offers customers such breadth and depth of certified and validated products from its partner community.

"Fujifilm was among the first PACS vendors to recognize the enormous benefits of virtualization for our customers," said Jim Morgan, executive director, marketing, Fujifilm Medical Systems. "With VMware virtualization, Fujifilm can offer customers the performance, reliability and scalability that healthcare demands with a lower TCO than traditional server deployment configurations. The VMware Ready™ logo helps assure our customers that our Synapse products perform optimally in a VMware virtualized environment."

"We are living in an age in which businesses must have access to vast quantities of information as a tool for making smarter and faster decisions, at a lower cost," said Bernard Spang, director, Information Management Strategy, IBM. "Through the VMware Ready™ program and the long-standing collaboration between our two companies, our mutual clients can confidently enjoy the cost and energy savings both IBM DB2 software and VMware virtualization technologies deliver."

"Through our strategic relationship with VMware, Mitel is a leader in providing VMware Ready™ real-time unified communications voice applications," said Ron Wellard, executive vice-president product development and operations. "This means Mitel customers have the option to deploy our voice communications solutions in the dynamic, efficient virtualization environment provided by VMware vSphere™. The VMware Ready logo tells our customers and partners that our solutions carry with it built-in high availability and service-level controls that our combined customers depend on."

"Manufacturers depend on our industrial automation and information solutions to improve their operations," said Ken Deken, vice president, Portfolio Management, Rockwell Automation. "By deploying our software configuration, human interface and information solutions on the VMware platform, Rockwell Automation customers can leverage virtualization in the manufacturing environment, helping reduce costs, increase availability and extend the life of their investments."

Instructions and requirements for participating in the VMware Ready Application Software program can be found at http://www.vmware.com/partners/programs/isv-center/vmware-ready-logo.html. Additional information for ISVs that would like to partner with VMware is available in the VMware ISV Center at http://www.vmware.com/go/isvcenter.

About VMware
 
VMware delivers solutions for business infrastructure virtualization that enable IT organizations to energize businesses of all sizes. With the industry leading virtualization platform -- VMware vSphere™ -- customers rely on VMware to reduce capital and operating expenses, improve agility, ensure business continuity, strengthen security and go green. With 2008 revenues of $1.9 billion, more than 150,000 customers and 22,000 partners, VMware is the leader in virtualization which consistently ranks as a top priority among CIOs. VMware is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the world and can be found online at www.vmware.com

VMware, VMware Ready and VMware vSphere are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. The use of the word "partner" or "partnership" does not imply a legal partnership relationship between VMware and any other company.

Contact Information:

Contacts:

Nick Fuentes
VMware Global Communications
nfuentes@vmware.com
(650) 427-1104

Andrew Schmitt
OutCast Communications for VMware
andrew@outcastpr.com
(415) 392-8282