Mitel has announced a new relationship with VMware to strategically collaborate on solutions that improve efficiencies of real time voice applications and computing resources for organizations of all sizes.

This is the next step in Mitel's virtualization strategy by enabling customers to leverage industry standard servers to maximize space, optimize IT resources, reduce power, and deliver business continuity.

As a result organizations will have the ability to run the Mitel Communications Director software and Mitel real-time voice applications in a virtualized data center environment. Based on the VMware vSphere(TM) 4 platform, the joint Mitel and VMware solutions help enable organizations of all sizes to build internal clouds that transform IT into a dynamic, flexible service that delivers efficiency, control and choice within their infrastructures while dramatically lowering capital and operating costs.

"VMware vSphere(TM) 4 is the next-generation platform that helps customers take advantage of the undeniable cost benefits of virtualization today while providing an easy path to delivering reliable and adaptable IT services through cloud computing," said Parag Patel, vice president, alliances, VMware. "We look forward to working with Mitel to provide joint solutions that leverage virtualization in new ways, providing the best place for customers to run real-time applications. Our joint solutions will be designed to provide unparalleled efficiency and value to customers at both the telephony application layer as well as the platform layer."

Upcoming product releases from Mitel will provide the foundation for a market-leading solution for real-time applications to the channel and customers.

"Mitel's communications software approach easily adapts to a virtualized environment," said Stephen Beamish, vice-president business development and marketing, Mitel. "VMware's position as a global leader in virtualization and Mitel's leadership in voice applications globally, makes real-time applications virtualized in the data center easily accessible to businesses."