SolarWinds, a leader in downloadable network management software, today announced it has joined the VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program. The VMware TAP program helps technology vendors integrate their products with VMware virtualization software and deliver timely, joint solutions to mutual customers.

“Virtualized environments present unique challenges for our community of users. SolarWinds’ Orion Network Performance Monitor is designed to help network engineers not only see inside their physical servers but also monitor virtual machine availability and performance ‘out of the box,’” said Kenny Van Zant, chief product strategist, SolarWinds. “Our participation in the TAP program and ongoing relationship with VMware will allow us to not only refine our current offerings, but also to rapidly develop new responses as virtual technology evolves.”

Traditionally, network management tools and solutions lack the ability to extend monitoring to performance and availability of host servers and virtual machines (VMs). This gap in visibility can have significant impact on business-critical services such as e-mail, web, and ERP. Orion NPM provides detailed performance metrics for key virtual machine resources including CPU, memory, and disk space so users can easily determine if each VM is running optimally. Orion NPM enables engineers to monitor VMware ESX Host Servers and virtual machines, as well as VMware VirtualCenter servers.

“We are excited to welcome SolarWinds as the newest member of the VMware TAP program,” said Bernie Mills, senior director, alliance programs, VMware. “The VMware TAP program offers companies like SolarWinds the tools and resources they need to develop high-value solutions that meet the needs of our mutual customers.”

With more than 650 members worldwide, the VMware TAP program works with best-of-breed technology partners to provide them a comprehensive set of VMware technical and marketing services, support, tools and expertise to deliver enhanced value to joint customers.

To learn more about how SolarWinds’ products manage a VMware virtual environment, visit SolarWinds’ website.