VMware brings server and storage virtualisation closer together with hardware device certification programme

VMware is bringing server and storage virtualisation closer together by introducing a storage virtualisation certification programme for hardware that works well with its software.

Combined with the virtualisation-enabling technologies in VMware ESX Server, the programme is designed to enable customers to have more choice in deploying virtualised storage systems with VMware infrastructure.

"VMware is committed to working with our storage partners to offer customers the greatest choice of storage vendors when deploying virtualisation across their organisation's infrastructure," said Parag Patel, vice-president of alliances at VMware.

"As enterprises increasingly standardise their IT environments using virtual infrastructure, it is important to have a breadth of storage hardware options available to them," said Patel.

VMware is already working with storage suppliers EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, HP, IBM and Network Appliance as part of the certification programme.