Storage vendor NetApp has opened up its Virtualisation Specialisation Programme to include Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V technology.

NetApp resellers are set to receive specialised training and certification to offer their customers joint Hyper-V and NetApp solutions.

Microsoft’s Hyper-V aims to offer customers savings with virtualisation through Windows Server 2008. When combined with NetApp storage solutions, Hyper-V provides datacentre customers with a complete virtual architecture, the vendor claimed.

Julie Parrish, vice president for global partner sales at NetApp, said: “Our partners are excited about the opportunity and are seeing a growing interest in Microsoft Hyper-V.

“We are meeting our partners’ specific request for training and expertise for Hyper-V. This programme provides partners with the training and competency to bring together components from Microsoft and NetApp in a best-practice configuration.”

According to NetApp, Microsoft customers running Hyper-V can halve their amount of storage needed with technologies included in NetApp’s Data ONTAP operating system, including thin provisioning and deduplication.

Zane Adam, senior director of virtualisation strategy and management at Microsoft, claimed that NetApp is a "compelling" storage platform for Hyper-V.

"The NetApp Virtualisation Specialisation Programme helps bring together these technologies, enabling specialised practices for our resellers," he said.

Partners participating in the NetApp Virtualisation Specialisation Programme have access to benefits including the customised Storage Efficiency Calculator, NetApp’s demo facility and priority enrolment for GetSuccessful workshops and NetApp regional events.