VMware (NYSE:VMW) has officially named Dave O’Callaghan as its senior VP of global channels and alliances. The move, first reported by CRN earlier this month, arrives as VMware marches channel partners toward software-defined data centers; hybrid cloud services and mobile management opportunities.
O’Callaghan is well-known within channel circles, having previously held senior sales and indirect sales positions at Cisco Systems, Hitachi Data Systems and Memorex Telex. His experience, VMware notes, extends across small, midsize and large enterprises. His expertise also involves worldwide distribution.
O’Callaghan arrives at VMware amid several major market inflection points. They include:
- The push beyond virtualized servers toward virtualized storage and networking. The result, VMware asserts, is the so-called software-defined data center.
- The push beyond on-premise systems toward cloud services. VMware will launch its own vCloud Hybrid Service on May 21, countering Amazon Web Services, Windows Azure and other public clouds.VMware has also launched a cloud credits program to reward VARs that work with VMware’s vCloud service providers.
- The push to extend corporate applications out to smartphones and tablets, even while while end-users embrace BYOD (bring your own device) approaches. A recent VMware-Verizon partnership promotes Horizon desktop as a service (DaaS) capabilities across Google Android-based smart phones.
O’Callaghan also is surrounded by a deep bench of channel talent — including Frank Rauch, VP of VMware’s Americas Partner Organization.
So what is O’Callaghan’s first order of business? Like most of the VMware partner ecosystem, it’s safe to say he’ll tune in the big vCloud Hybrid Service launch on May 21. We will be tuning in for updates as well.
