Virtualization software has maintained a strong grip on businesses around the world as the consolidation of various IT resources continues to be the norm.
Just last week, Hewlett-Packard Co., unveiled a new virtualization software and partner program to help companies improve and grow their business when adopting virtualization practices.
HP says businesses can expect to see a reduction in overall costs when using virtualization software, as well as better capacity capabilities and improved IT efficiencies when virtualization software is set in place.
Steve Shaw, business development manager of business critical servers for HP Canada, said there has been an increased demand for virtualization software just within the past year from the Canadian and global marketplace.
“We’ve seen virtualization quickly take hold,” Shaw said. “Customers are really starting to implement and use this with their computers.”
The new HP Partner Virtualization Program works with HP’s current Virtual Server Environment (VSE) software designed for use with HP Integrity and HP 9000 servers. VSE works as a virtual server environment that consolidates all business planning and management services all under one roof. The virtual ports also are equipped with real-time capabilities. Here, partners can also build applications using a virtual pool setting where they can also test applications that run on the machines.
“VSE is the technology that the partner uses with the program,” Shaw said. “Through servers and a data centre, they can gain access to a secure port virtually. This will also help to speed up their work.”
Some features of the new program include the ability to view applications using the virtual server environment, as well as the ability to monitor capacity levels to help focus on business needs.
Shaw believes it is the partner’s responsibility to make sure they are both aware of and stay up-to-date on current virtualization processes.
“It’s (important that) our partners take advantage of the training sessions and seminars that we have if they want to continue to drive their business,” Shaw said. After becoming a certified HP partner, future training and support is available to those who need it and include monthly webinar sessions, as well as audio conferences and hands-on, in-class training that happens on an annual basis.
“It’s important for our partners and customers to know what’s available to them,” Shaw said. “As more customers are driving their programs to consolidation through virtualization, we need to continue to take the time to implement things like this.”
