Skills bonanza for VMware partners

Resellers gain access to more free training through launch of Partner Network

Groetelaars: We want our partners to be rewarded for their commitment

Virtualisation giant VMware is urging channel partners to beef up their skills with the launch of its latest channel initiative, Partner Network.

Available to all partners from the second quarter of 2009, the VMware Partner Network boasts a new Registered partner level and compels all partners to become trained in solution-based competencies.

As well as the mandatory competency of infrastructure virtualisation, Enterprise and Premier-level partners have the choice of becoming certified in business continuity, desktop virtualisation or virtualisation management. These partners have nine months to train two VMware technical sales professionals (VTSPs), as well as one person certified in the core competency.

Premier partners are required to train in two other competencies besides infrastructure virtualisation. Professional partners have been allocated six months to ensure they have one VMware sales professional and one VTSP on board. Registered level partners do not need competencies.

Marc Groetelaars, channel director for northern Europe at VMware, said: “We want our partners to be rewarded for their commitment. All training is free through the VMware Partner University. We are aware that some partners may not meet the requirements, but we will make it clear to our customers which partners are up to speed and which are not.”

Greg Carlow, managing director of VMware reseller Repton, said: “Basic virtualisation on Intel is a three-horse race, so VMware wants to become strong in other areas to beat its competition.”