VMware mulls Victoria R&D centre

Virtualisation software developer VMWare is in discussions with the Victorian Government to establish a local research and development centre.

Linked gallery: Photos: Opening VMware's new Victorian office

The company's local chief Paul Harapin revealed the discussions at last week's opening of the VMWare's Victorian headquarters, which was attended by state government ICT minister John Lenders.

The pair recently signed a $3 million, two-year deal to provide virtualisation software to the 14 largest departments in the state government.

Harapin is looking to build this relationship further by establishing alocal research and development centre for VMWare.

"It's very early days but that's a conversation we're having," Harapin said.

"The Victorian government has a presence in Silicon Valley, which is aimed at attracting international investment.

"Considering we're based in Silicon Valley, we're exploring opportunities to work together."

Lenders said Victoria isn't just competing with NSW and QLD but is chasing the big international tech investment dollars.

The Victorian Government is taking action to ensure Victoria is well positioned to attract business investment into our growing economy, he said.

"VMware's decision to invest here is another vote of confidence in Victoria as a global ICT centre," Lenders said.

"In Victoria, the ICT industry generates annual revenue of around $27.4 billion, exports over $2.9 billion and employs around 87,000 people around a third of the national ICT industry workforce."

VMWare has over 220 employees in Australia.

The Victorian Government expected VMware would create 75 new jobs in the state by 2013.