Service providers are a lynchpin in VMware’s strategy to extend its virtualization technology into the cloud.
If the strategy works, VMware could become the leader in providing hybrid cloud infrastructures. It’s a test for VMware’s new foray into the cloud. And it has its risks. VMware is looking to provide an end-to-end platform that extends from the enterprise data center to the public cloud environments managed by the service providers.
How the technology performs will come to define VMware’s position in the vast network of service providers that work with the majority of enterprise customers.
Verizon is one of the companies that has opted to begin using VMware vCloud Director. This has to be VMware’s highest profile partner. But in cloud computing, it is not well known.
But Verizon is making a play into cloud computing. It calls its platform Computing-as-a- Service (CaaS).
Its latest enhancement to its CaaS platform is built on VMware vCloud Datacenter. It uses VMware’s cloud infrastructure technology including VMware vSphere, the new VMware vCloud Director and VMware vShield security solutions.
Verizon is using the VMware technology to provide customers with both performance and security that can be audited. Verizon is banking that VMware will help enhance its security features such as layer 2 isolation and LDAP integration.
Verizon will launch the service initially with the Intercontinental Hotel Group. It’s a wordlwide field trial and a test to determine how the VMware platform will perform in the demanding and dynamic world of the hotel business.
The service providers are critical to VMware’s success. Verizon will be a test to see how well the new VMware technology performs in a demanding environment.
Verizon is offering a sophsiticated service. The goal is to extend its service with VMware across the enterprise and public clouds. If they can do that it will help show how VMware can help service providers provide hybrid cloud environments for its customers.
