Sun has expanded its software channel programme to help partners grow their businesses and reach new markets.

The vendor has unveiled a raft of new software specialities including identity management, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), open storage, Sun xVM Ops Centre, xVM Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and MySQL. It has also unveiled the Open Access Channel Programme, which it claims offers VARs a simple, no barrier to entry option for gaining access to Sun’s software portfolio.

Jesse Chavez, vice president of global partner sales at Sun, said: “The Open Access Programme and software specialities are game changers for both resellers that simply want easier access to sell Sun software and existing Sun partners that want to expand their software and service delivery practices.”

Tiffani Bova, vice president of worldwide IT channel programmes and sales strategies at Gartner, said: “The industry's best channel programmes think about the business outcomes alongside technology, provide simplified engagement with the partner community, and allow the channel to leverage all vendor tools and resources. Channel programmes which assist partners in developing solutions and offer substantial flexibility in engagement models achieve the greatest success in the market place.”