Quoting the press release:

XenSource:

-- Five Inaugural Global Distributors Back XenEnterprise as the Next Generation Multi-OS Xen-Based Virtualization Platform, Driving the Recruitment of XenSource Solution Providers and XenSource Hosting Service Providers

XenSource, the leader in infrastructure virtualization solutions based on the open source Xen(TM) hypervisor, today introduced a comprehensive channel partner program for companies planning to deliver virtualization solutions based on the Xen hypervisor. Distribution of XenEnterprise for North America and Europe will be delivered through agreements with ComputerLinks, DataSolutions, Interquad, ITway and Tech Data.

The program is significant as it enables system integrators, hosting service providers and consultants to expand their company's core virtualization skills by providing the expertise required to help end-users plan and deploy Xen virtualization solutions based on XenSource's XenEnterprise multi-OS virtualization platform. The program includes a designated XenSource Certified Professional training and validation program.

"We are delighted to see the strong level of interest from the channel partner community for Xen-based virtualization solutions. XenEnterprise provides the multi-OS virtualization platform to meet this demand and is the perfect vehicle for driving the delivery of high margin value-add services and solutions," said John Glendenning, vice president, worldwide sales, XenSource. "The demand from the channel community is indicative of the strong interest in Xen-based virtualization in the end-user IT community, and XenSource is uniquely placed to deliver the product, knowledge and support required for channel partners to deliver to this demand."

The channel program offers:

-- Authorization to resell XenEnterprise -- offering members the opportunity to be one of the first companies to become certified on the delivery of Xen-based virtualization.

-- Training and Certification -- offering members the opportunity to become certified experts in the delivery of Xen-based virtualization.

-- Demand Generation -- providing a lead distribution process and the ability to leverage standardized XenEnterprise demand generation programs.

-- Branding and Messaging -- enabling partners to differentiate their offerings through access to XenSource trademarked branding and integrated messaging.

-- Access to expertise -- providing access to the industry leading knowledge and tools for Xen-based virtualization through the XenEnterprise multi-OS virtualization platform.

There is no fee for charter members to join through 2006. For more information or to apply for the program, go to www.xensource.com/partners or call +1 650-798-5900 and choose channel sales from the menu option.

Global Distribution Partner Support

Ken Lamneck, president of the Americas, Tech Data said, "Tech Data is delighted to have been selected as XenSource's distribution partner for North America. XenEnterprise is a perfect addition to our portfolio of products and we expect there to be strong demand from our nationwide network of solution providers."

Richard Hellmeier, executive VP of Computerlinks in Germany, said, "It is clear to us that XenSource is in a unique position to bridge the Windows and Linux worlds with XenEnterprise and we are confident that the German market will respond positively the products introduction this quarter."

Michael O'Hara, managing director, DataSolutions in Ireland, said, "Since the benefits of virtualization are now globally accepted, we are confident that the market is ready for the next evolution in virtualization. With this industry-backed second generation virtualization technology, XenSource will bring new levels of performance and scalability to the market. We at DataSolutions are very excited to be involved in this paradigm shift."

Will Brooks, general manager of InterQuad in the UK, said, "XenSource is moving virtualization to the next stage. InterQuad will be committing significant resources to establish XenEnterprise in the UK channel."

Cesare Valenti, executive vice president of ITWAY, Southern Europe's largest Value Added Distributor, said, "XenEnterprise will increase the rate of adoption of virtualization in the region and provide customers with a real choice."