Tech Data’s Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Division (AIS) today announced it is the channel’s only source for IBM servers preconfigured with XenSource’s XenEnterprise virtualization software. These competitively priced virtualized server platforms enable VARs (value-added resellers) to help their customers cut operating costs and enhance productivity by reducing server counts and eliminating the need to power and house underutilized data-center hardware.

“Server virtualization and consolidation solutions are not limited to large enterprise environments,” said AIS Senior Vice President and General Manager, Pete Peterson. “Mid-market companies and large enterprises face similar IT challenges, especially when it comes to efficiently managing the increasing demand for data center resources. The addition of the IBM-XenSource bundle enables resellers to deploy solutions that consolidate functions like Web hosting, application development, communications, and print and file access supported by several dedicated servers onto fewer or even one virtualized server.”

The solution consists of IBM System x3500 and x3550 rack-mounted or tower servers configured with XenSource’s XenEnterprise, which enables the management of multiple Windows and Linux operating systems on the same server. Based on the Xen open-source hypervisor, XenEnterprise features broad hardware support for x86 server virtualization solutions.

“Virtualization for server consolidation projects is a hot topic for our customers and we are constantly being asked about what products would be easiest and most cost effective to deploy,” said Francis Poeta, President P & M Computers. “The IBM-XenSource bundle offers us the ability to deliver on this need quickly by offering a trusted partner’s hardware with next generation virtualization technology.”

“In addition to providing significant savings, this pre-configured package enables resellers to present their end-user customers with an agile, easily scalable virtualization infrastructure,” said Peter Levine, CEO, XenSource. “This integrated offering provides the industry’s first real choice for customers who want more than first generation, proprietary virtualization.”

“Tech Data’s extensive technical expertise and integration support services will help VARs efficiently and profitably deliver a compelling server consolidation solution to their end-user customers,” said Rich Lechner, vice president, IBM. “Tech Data’s broad reach among the reseller community enables IBM and XenSource to provide VARs with quick access to a robust, cost-effective solution that can significantly enhance an end user’s IT operations.”

Tech Data provides IBM and XenSource resellers with dedicated sales, technical and product management support resources. To learn more about the IBM-XenSource server consolidation solution bundle, resellers can call (800) 237-8931, ext. 87643, visit www.techdata.com or attend a webinar on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST. Webinar details can be found at www.xensource.com/ibmbundle.