Helping value-added resellers (VARs) take the complexity out of selling server and desktop virtualization, the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) Division of Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD) today introduced two mobile virtualization labs. The virtualization labs—25U racks configured with IBM and HP servers and storage running virtualization solutions from vendors like VMware—can be shipped to VAR or end-user locations ready to demonstrate the latest virtualization solutions in minutes.

“With the AIS virtualization labs, VARs can take the data center on the road for hands-on demonstrations of how server and desktop virtualization can save their customers time and money,” said Director, Product Marketing, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Division, Amy Belcher. “VARs can use the labs to introduce virtualization to their customers, easily creating virtual servers and showing how these solutions benefit businesses by easing the manageability of many data center operations. The labs facilitate compelling demonstrations that help make virtualization an easier sell for our customers.”

VARs can use the labs to demonstrate how virtualization can enhance IT operations by eliminating under-utilized hardware through server consolidation; provisioning systems for business continuity, workload management and live migration of active applications between virtual servers; and VMware’s Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, which eases desktop management by enabling client systems to access all software applications from a central server.

AIS supports the channel’s broadest array of virtualization software developers, and VARs can leverage the labs to demonstrate the solutions of their choice. When not deployed to customer locations, the labs will be on hand during AIS sessions at Tech Data’s Technology Solutions Tour, AIS Partner Summits or available for demonstrations in the TDSolutionsCenter in Clearwater. To learn more, call (800) 456-8586, Option 3, or send e-mail to aisvirtualization@techdata.com.