Virtualisation vendor XenSource has signed OEM agreement with Symantec to deliver unified server and storage virtualisation.

Under the agreement XenSource will embed Veritas Storage Foundation into XenEnerise. The two vendors will jointly test Netback up and certify the combined solution. They will also collaborate to deliver enterprise-class HA/DR and backup technology to the market.

John Glendenning, vice-president international at XenSource said this allows Symantec’s Australian customers to leverage their existing storage management infrastructure without having to rip and replace to virtualise their servers.

“VMware on the other hand forces a customer to replace key components of their storage software stack in order to implement many key product features. In addition to this the Australian market will enjoy significant performance benefits as well as taking advantage of Symantec’s very comprehensive support of storage hardware products,” he said.

Finally, HA and DR are key requirements for scaling and protecting virtualised systems and there can be no better way to do this than to simply extend a customers existing HA and DR system or utilise software that has 15 years of enterprise class pedigree, he said.

“Symantec and XenSource channel and they can now simply leverage their existing Symantec skills to extend their capabilities to virtualisation or leverage their XenSource skills to extend their capabilities into enterprise storage,” said Glendenning.

The channel is constantly under pressure to be trained and certified and this agreement will allow any Symantec certified channel partner too quickly and cost effectively add virtualisation to their portfolio.”

According to Glendenning a combination of XenSource and Symantec said it expects any company considering virtualisation to want to include XenSource as part of their evaluation, whether it’s for a large enterprise looking for advanced features or an SMB looking for performance and affordability.

“Yes absolutely, and the good news is that Express Data in Australia are both a XenSource and Symantec distributor. I would ask any channel partner interested in finding out more to contact Express Data directly. You can expect a recruitment program with specific messaging around this agreement to be launched shortly,” he said.