HotLink Corporation, the market leader in transformation solutions for heterogeneous virtualization management, today launched the Hotlink VAR Program to address the broad market need of VMware customers to tier virtual infrastructure, contain costs, and unify management. HotLink certified VARs will be able to offer customers a first-of-its-kind virtual integration and transformation platform that extends VMware management infrastructure to natively support other hypervisors, including Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (KVM). HotLink VARs with existing virtualization practices will now be able to offer high-value virtualization engagements that differentiate their business while enabling customers to significantly reduce virtual infrastructure costs, increase agility, and eliminate vendor lock-in.

The new HotLink VAR Program provides opportunities for value added resellers focused on virtualization technologies to enhance their offerings with HotLink's flagship product, HotLink SuperVISOR for VMware, an enterprise-class, fully automated platform for server deployments spanning all major virtual infrastructures. The HotLink technology is unique in that it is deployed as a plug-in to VMware vCenter; no additional console is required to support cross-platform hypervisors. With many large IT shops growing their virtual infrastructure well over 30 percent per year, a top priority is containing the cost while minimizing the management and operational complexity. Tiered virtual infrastructure is the natural outcome of the aggressive expansion of virtual infrastructure over the past several years.

“We’ve focused on virtualization deployments for years and have built a significant install base of growing VMware customers. Unlike the early years, much of the financial benefit of this success now goes to VMware, not us,” said Don James, CEO of BEAR Data Solutions. “By partnering with HotLink, we can expand our software, support and service offerings to VMware customers, while significantly improving our top and bottom line. To provide the expertise and technology that allows our customers to extend their VMware deployments cross-platform is a win for everyone.”

The rapid adoption of server virtualization generates a sizable market demand for knowledgeable and experienced partners to provide the technical skills to plan, implement, and expand these deployments. The next phase of growth creates even more opportunity for value added resellers to deliver expert assistance in diversifying, optimizing, and scaling virtual infrastructure of rapidly growing VMware shops. The HotLink VAR Program provides partners the opportunity to become the trusted advisors that help customers capitalize on existing investments in VMware while tiering virtual workloads and aligning hypervisors based on use case, application type, service level requirements, and budgetary constraints.

The new HotLink VAR Program requires that providers have existing skills and experience in server virtualization as well as the completion of HotLink sales and technical certifications. Those with experience in multiple server virtualization technologies will have particular affinity for the program. Key benefits of the HotLink VAR Program include:

• Comprehensive sales and technical training on HotLink products
• In-depth knowledge transfer of heterogeneous virtualization management
• Sales and technical support, pre- and post-sales
• Joint marketing programs and sales tools
• Joint selling opportunities
• Ongoing customer revenue from service and support
• Aggressive software discounting
• Special financial incentives for new partners

“Our North America VAR Program is an exciting next step for HotLink as we extend our heterogeneous virtualization expertise and sizable business opportunity to our new partners through a best-in-class, highly lucrative VAR program,” said Lynn LeBlanc, CEO and founder of HotLink. “For top VMware resellers that want to be at the forefront of the next stage of growth in server virtualization, HotLink is a perfect fit. Our unique technology gives partners a cutting-edge, highly differentiated solution that allows customers the freedom to mix and match virtual infrastructures while fully leveraging their existing VMware investment.”

VARs across North America can join the HotLink VAR Program by meeting the program qualification criteria and completing the HotLink training and certification program. Partners have already begun participating in the HotLink VAR Program including BEAR Data Solutions and BroadCloud Communications. For information on joining the HotLink VAR Program at http://hotlink.com/partners/vars.html.