VMware stages love-in with resellers on opening day of summit

Love was in the air today as VMware kicked off its VMworld Europe 2008 event in Cannes with ‘Partner Day’.

Previously taking place in San Francisco this is VMworld's first appearance in Europe. Some 1,200 partners attended the first day with three more days still to follow.

In total 4,500 attendees are expected to arrive at the summit to see demonstrations, hands-on labs, key notes and exam centres - to name a few of the activities on offer.

In the opening keynote speech VMware stressed how this year is the year for the partner.

Andy Hunt, vice president EMEA partners, of VMware, said: "This is the first VMworld VMware has held in Europe and we are proud to see over 1,200 partners here today. All of VMware's partners make a big contribution to driving its business, especially in EMEA, and so they will be invested and rewarded for that."

Diane Greene, chief executive officer, of VMware, said: "VMware made $1bn last year, which was 88 per cent growth year-on year. 75 per cent of that overall growth was through partners and 90 per cent was seen just in EMEA."

"VMware wants to do everything it can to help partners to take advantage of the opportunities out there," she added.

Greene explained that VMware has a large amount of enterprise customers, however only 10 per cent of them have bought over 100 licenses. "There is so much growth to be achieved in the market, if we focus on virtualisation adoption," said Greene.

Karthik Rau, vice president for marketing, of VMware, said: "This year will be the year of automation for VMware. There are plans for more products and a management suite, which will help differentiate partners when selling."

Rau added: “Services are very important and partners love them, because they can offer the whole package. Take advantage of the opportunities available to VMware partners and win your place in the market race.”