VMware vSOM: Stepping Stone to Software-defined Data Center?

Where does VMware's vSOM (short for vSphere with Operations Management) fit in the virtualization company's software-defined data center strategy? And what's the upside for channel partners? The VAR Guy goes searching for answers.

The VAR Guy

May 3, 2013

1 Min Read
Memo to VMware VP Frank Rauch The VAR Guy could use your insights on vSOM
Memo to VMware VP Frank Rauch: The VAR Guy could use your insights on vSOM.

A few sources have asked The VAR Guy to take a closer look at VMware's (NYSE:VMW) vSOM — short for vSphere with Operations Management. Pundits like Taneja Group predict vSOM will "enable mid-size customers to more productivity manage a greater number of VMs while maintianing quality of service levels." So what's the potential upside for VMware channel partners?

The VAR Guy plans to ask Frank Rauch, VP of VMware's Americas Partner Organization, that question within the next few days. But in the meantime here are some educated guesses from our resident blogger.

vSOM is a bundle that includes vSphere and the vCenter Operations Management Suite. For channel partners think of it this way:

  • vSphere customers with current support contracts can leverage vCenter Operations Management Foundation.

  • vSOM is the next natural step.

  • vCloud Suite is the next step up after that.

VMware CTO Kit Colbert describes the relative positioning in this blog. And you'll find more details about  the vCenter Operations Management Suite differences here.

But back to the original thesis of this blog: What does vSOM potentially mean to channel partners? The VAR Guy considers it a stepping stone to VMware's software-defined data center.

Ultimately, The VAR Guy thinks vSOM is about three things:

  • First, having the right data to manage the performance and capacity of your customers' data centers.

  • Second, automating operations.

  • Third, shifting customers from legacy IT management to cloud-oriented IT management.

Sounds great. But does vSOM deliver on that promise? Moreover, is The VAR Guy's three-point thesis even correct? The VAR Guy will be sure to ask Rauch those very questions in the days ahead…

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