Parallels announced that it has selected IT products distributor Tech Data as its exclusive U.S. distributor for Parallels Virtuozzo Containers. The agreement strengthens Parallels' channel program by offering value-added resellers (VARs) easy access to the container-based server virtualization software. Distribution of Parallels Virtuozzo Containers will be managed by Tech Data’s Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) Division, which provides VARs with specialized sales and technical support for virtualization solutions.

Parallels Virtuozzo Containers is an operating system (OS) virtualization solution. On a single physical server and single OS installation, it enables users to run workloads in multiple, simultaneously running execution environments called “containers”. Parallels Virtuozzo Containers offer high levels of density, performance and manageability.

"Parallels Virtuozzo Containers takes a different approach to server virtualization than many of the other solutions available in the channel, and by doing, so offers enterprises large and small a unique set of advantages, such as better per-server density and superior performance," said Bill Portin, vice president of North American sales and operations, Parallels. "This makes Parallels Virtuozzo Containers an ideal solution for VARs deploying data center-scale virtualization or for those deploying virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. Working with Tech Data’s AIS Division, Parallels will ensure our VAR partners have access to the support, expertise and information they need to profitably deploy Parallels Virtuozzo Containers."

"Tech Data’s AIS Division has built one of the channel’s most robust data center solution offerings that includes the broadest virtualization practice of any distributor,” said Amy Belcher, Tech Data director of product marketing, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions. “The addition of Parallels Virtuozzo Containers provides our VAR customers with more options as they develop and deploy server virtualization solutions for a wide range of end-user environments and business-enhancing applications. Parallels has a strong commitment to the channel, and we’ll work closely with them to help our VAR partners build profitable and successful virtualization practices.”

VARs can leverage Parallels Virtuozzo Containers to enhance and deploy a wide range of IT solutions, including:

• Server and Operating System Consolidation
• Business Continuity
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
• Workload Management
• Application Hosting for SaaS (Software as a Service) Deployments

For more information on Parallels contact Glenn Rossman glenn@bakercg.com at Baker Communications Group.