VMware Targets Government Apps With Partner Program

Interesting announcement earlier this week from VMware of a new program for partners who provide VMware-based VDI solutions to the federal government. The new VMware Ready Desktop Solutions Program will initially be offered by qualified VMware solution providers supplying VDI solutions to help U.S. government agencies comply with the Telework Act of 2010. This act requires the head of each Federal agency to develop IT infrastructure that supports telework policies.

As noted on SearchITChannel.com, the Telework Act of 2010 aims to ensure that government employees can work productively and securely whether they’re in the office or not. VMware notes in its press release that it plans to expand the VMware Ready Desktop Solutions Program to include solutions from qualified partners in additional targeted vertical markets, including education and healthcare.

The advantage for customers: VMware and its partners validate the complete solution stack, including hardware solutions for compute, storage and network resources, and identify qualified delivery partners who can deploy and support and end-to-end desktop virtualization solution.

Our opinion: This is a good move for VMware and possibly for VDI as a whole. It is also the move of a market leader determined to solidify its position as the market shifts towards a new paradigm: In this case, VMware utilizing its strength in server virtualization – and its relationships with partners – to build a foundation for leadership in VDi as well. Utilizing partners to target specific verticals with a “validated” solution is a way to grow the market and to grow demand. Targeting the federal government is another wise choice, particularly in light of the Telework Act and the push across government agencies to cut costs without hampering productivity. It will be interesting to monitor how this one plays out. What do you think? Please feel free to comment.