Parallels Teams Up With Tech Data On Container Virtualization

Virtualization software vendor Parallels announced on Thursday that it will begin selling its Parallels Virtuozzo Containers server virtualization products through distributor Tech Data's Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) division.

Parallels Virtuozzo Containers is an operating system virtualization product that allows users to populate a single server with a single installed operating system with multiple containers running separate workloads simultaneously.

"Parallels Virtuozzo Containers takes a different approach to server virtualization than many of the leading solutions available in the channel, and by doing so offers enterprises large and small a unique set of advantages, such as better per-server density, and superior performance," said Bill Portin, vice president of North American sales and operations, Parallels, in a statement.

"This makes Parallels Virtuozzo Containers an ideal solution for VARs deploying datacenter-scale virtualization or for those deploying virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. Working with Tech Data's AIS Division, Parallels will ensure our VAR partners have access to the support, expertise and information they need to profitably deploy Parallels Virtuozzo Containers."

Tech Data's year-old AIS division has been developing its virtualization offerings, adding Parallels' desktop virtualization products earlier this year. The division also carries products from competing virtualization vendors like Virtual Iron and VMWare. While some other vendors work with multiple distribution partners, Parallels' distribution agreement with Tech Data is exclusive.

"Tech Data's AIS Division has built one of the channel's most robust data center solutions offerings that includes the broadest virtualization practice of any distributor," said Amy Belcher, Tech Data director of Product Marketing, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, in a statement.

"The addition of Parallel's Virtuozzo provides our VAR customers with more options as they develop and deploy server virtualization solutions for a wide range of end-user environments and business-enhancing applications. Parallels has a strong commitment to the channel, and we'll work closely with them to help our VAR partners build profitable and successful virtualization practices."

Earlier this year, Parallels revamped its channel program, the Parallels Global Channel Partner Program, to help bring it a wider audience.

"We have a lot of technology that's unique to the Parallels organization," Portin said. "We've built [our channel] from the beginning and have always been very channel-centric, partner-led and partner-engaged."