VMware Inc.,
the global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, today
announced VMware Labs Asia has been established. Under this new
framework, VMware aims to expand and diversify technology innovation
through joint solution development. Initiated in China, VMware aims to
deepen its reach into the technology ecosystem with the purpose of
collaborating with academia, developer, open technology and partner
communities in the country. The first project under VMware Labs Asia is a
Linux-based VDI solution that will address the unique market
opportunity for open technologies in China.
In addition, as part of its strategic effort in the country,
VMware plans a US$1billion investment over the next five years to be
dedicated to market development and innovation specifically in China.
"China is an innovation epicenter that presents VMware with a
unique opportunity to participate in an expanded and more diverse joint
solution development cycle under the VMware Labs Asia framework," said
Sanjay Mirchandani, senior vice president and general manager, Asia
Pacific and Japan, VMware. "VMware Labs Asia will embrace new innovation
models together with ecosystem partners with the aim of delivering
breakthrough innovation initially in China and beyond," Mirchandani
added.
The VMware Labs Asia program will operate under VMware's Asia
Pacific and Japan organization and be led by Dr. Ying Li, managing
director, VMware Labs Asia. Ying Li recently led EMC China's Center of
Excellence and will report to Sanjay Mirchandani. He will work within
the framework of VMware Labs Asia with engineering resources to support
customers and partners in close collaboration with the global office of
the VMware CTO as well as VMware China's sales and R&D leadership.
VMware's R&D Center in China will continue to be led by Alan Ren,
managing director, China R&D, VMware.
"By developing technology solutions in close coordination
with the broader ecosystem, VMware will address market-specific
requirements together with partners and other communities to rapidly
develop and ship new innovation for the China market and beyond," said
Ying Li. "VMware Labs Asia will give VMware an advantage as we assemble
and combine the expertise of multiple stakeholders to embrace the new
era of technology development," Li added.
According to IDC, China will continue to be one of the
world's fastest-growing cloud markets, evidenced by a 2014-2017 growth
rate of 25%. China's total public cloud market is expected to grow from
US$1.659b in 2014 to US$3.053b in 2017, representing a CAGR of 23%,
according to IDC.
Linux VDI
The first project initiated under VMware Labs Asia is
the development of Linux virtual desktops in China and based on the
latest Linux requirements set forth by the China Linux Consortium. This
effort will expand the virtual desktop options available to customers as
Linux desktop use has increased in China among enterprise users, thus
making more secure management a top priority among IT administrators
focused on corporate compliance.
The introduction of Linux VDI is a natural expansion of
VMware's end user computing strategy to provide a more secure virtual
workspace for more productive workers. In addition to delivering
centralized management capabilities of Linux desktops, VMware's Linux
VDI solution will allow users to securely access their Linux desktops
from mobile devices when outside the office.
Ecosystem Collaboration and Support
VMware Labs Asia has begun discussions with academia, developer, open technology and partner communities in China.
"The IT industry has become a key pillar of growth for
China's economic success. Industry growth, talent development and
training are critical to the industry's further development and it's a
promising sign that VMware is expanding its partner approach to jointly
develop new models and opportunities together with China's academic and
research community at the university.
- Yang Fuqing, academician, Chinese Academy of Sciences and professor, Peking University