Azlan, the enterprise networking division of Computer 2000 (C2000) has passed the 300 VAR recruit milestone after just over three months partnering with virtualisation vendor VMware.

The distributor, which claims it is on track to hit the 400 reseller mark by the middle of the year, was appointed as a VMware partner in December last year with a remit to focusing on increasing VMware's presence in the SME channel and signing new partners for its VIP channel programme.

Andrew Shepperd, director of Azlan UK, said: "We have been very positive about the potential for VMware among our established customer base from the very start and resellers have responded with real interest and enthusiasm. They understand, as we do, that there is tremendous potential for VMWare solutions in the SME market and see the benefits of becoming full engaged and committed to taking the virtualisation message to their customer base.”

VMware’s strong reputation in the virtualisation market has also helped with the recruitment campaign, Shepperd added.

“Whether the customer is a large enterprise or a relatively small business, the VMware value proposition is excellent. It delivers tremendous benefits in terms of performance and cost-reduction and exceptional levels of reliability and control – that makes it much easier to sell into the customer and much easier for the reseller to manage.”

Resellers that qualify as Professional Partners under the VMware VIP Partner Programme are authorised to recommend and install the VMware Infrastructure 3 suite of virtualisation solutions. They also have access to free NFR (Not for Resale) software and a range of tools, collateral and support materials which they can use to drive sales and marketing activity around VMware offerings.