VKernel announced the launch of its Global Channel Partner Program for value-added resellers (VARs), systems integrators, and consulting firms. The program enables channel partners to broaden their solution offerings and grow revenue opportunities with VKernel's innovative systems management solutions for VMware virtual server environments.

Additionally, VKernel hired Bill Brown as its director of channel sales to build and manage the new partner program. Mr. Brown joins VKernel from Acronis where he was the channel manager for the U.S. East Coast and Canada. With over 20 years of direct and channel sales experience, he has created successful programs for several companies, including Legato Systems, Inc. and Candle Corporation.

"The rapid growth of the server virtualization market is creating a new lucrative market for systems management solutions to real-world virtual data center issues. Traditional management tools in the physical environment simply cannot address issues in the virtual environment," said Alex Bakman, founder and CEO of VKernel. "Our growing partner lineup is already reaping the benefits of our unique approach to systems management by offering a suite of virtual appliances that are designed to eliminate complexity, quickly solve problems, and immediately deliver value to their customers."

The VKernel Global Partner Program is multi-tiered to properly support each channel partner. All certified VKernel partners have access to the VKernel Partner Portal which includes a solution acceleration kit jointly created with VMware that details how partners can build additional profitable services around VKernel solutions. VMware has rolled the acceleration kit out to more than 600 worldwide VMware Authorized Consultants (VACs). VKernel also provides comprehensive partner resources and support including:

• Dedicated sales and marketing support
• On-site training (sales and technical)
• Demo and evaluation software
• Joint marketing, lead generation, and media programs
• Pre- and post-sales and technical support
• Deal registration and protection

The VKernel Virtual Appliance Suite for Systems Management is a set of "plug-and-play" virtual appliances designed to address real world systems management challenges as organizations migrate to VMware virtual server environments. VKernel products enable IT groups to solve today's critical pain points by providing visibility into the capacity and resource consumption of each virtual machine. VKernel is currently offering a Chargeback Virtual Appliance for gaining cost visibility and implementing chargeback, and a Capacity Bottleneck Analyzer Virtual Appliance for identifying and eliminating capacity bottlenecks.

VKernel currently has 15 global partners and is actively and aggressively recruiting additional partners to meet the growing demand the company has been generating for its products.