VMware-Ready Virtual Appliances are validated, commercial, production-ready solutions that follow best practices and standards. Validated virtual appliances deliver several key benefits, as listed below.
- Simpler deployment and management for enterprise class applications: Since software applications are pre-installed and pre-configured, include an operating system, and are packaged in a run-to-ready format, virtual appliances eliminate complex, expensive, and lengthy, error prone installation and configuration cycles.
- Simplified patch management: Virtual appliances are supported by patches and service packs provided directly by the software developer. The patches supplied can be applied against the application and the operating system relieving the customer of incompatibility problems that could have occurred had separate patches been provided.
- Enhanced security: Virtual appliances running on JeOS - Just enough Operating System - are less vulnerable to security breaches. Since JeOS only includes the programs and components required to successfully support the specific application, it occupies a much smaller footprint compared to general purpose operating systems and therefore a smaller attack surface. JeOS is also much easier to maintain and manage since fewer updates are required for a slimmer OS.
- Portability and Vendor Independence: OVF formatted virtual appliances deliver the greatest level of flexibility for customers deploying enterprise software. Customers can deploy an OVF formatted virtual appliance on the virtualization platform of their choice, providing vendor independence and allowing them to select the platform that best meets their needs.
Requirements
- Currently be enrolled in the VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program at any level.
- Complete VMware Ready testing successfully in an existing product category, such Application Software, Management, Storage, etc.
- Complete VMware Ready Virtual Appliance testing as defined in the Virtual Appliance Testing Matrix and follow the Virtual Appliance Guidelines to ensure your virtual appliance is in compliance with the requirements for packaging your VMware Ready product as a virtual appliance.
- Maintain at least one VMware Certified Professional on your staff at all times.
- Post product listing on the VMware Solution Exchange.
Note that qualification for VMware Ready is required and is separate from virtual appliance testing. Meeting virtual appliance standards does not mean that a partner can use the VMware Ready logo unless the product is qualified in an appropriate VMware Ready category before it is tested as a virtual appliance.
Get Started
To Validate and Post a VMware Ready Virtual Appliance:
Step 1: If necessary, enroll as a member of VMware’s Technology Alliance Program (TAP).
Step 2: Review the VMware Ready Program Guide available on VMware Partner Central to ensure that you can comply with both technical and commercial requirements for the appropriate VMware Ready product category. If you have questions, you can request assistance from tapalliance@vmware.com. When you are ready, test your product to qualify for the VMware Ready logo in the appropriate category.
Step 3: Review the Virtual Appliance Testing Matrix and Virtual Appliance Guidelines to ensure your virtual appliance is in compliance with the requirements for packaging your VMware Ready product as a virtual appliance. You may wish to use VMware Studio or any compatible tools provided by VMware partners to assist in development.
Step 4: When you are ready, proceed with the virtual appliance qualification process:
- Purchase virtual appliance testing from the VMware online store.
- Upload your complete virtual appliance here for review.
- The Virtual Appliance Administrator will screen your virtual appliance application and work with you through the validation process.
- If necessary, VMware will contact the partner via email during the validation process. You can work with the VMware team to resolve any issues identified in the test process. VMware's Validation Team will provide you with a completed score card outlining the results of the validation test when it is complete, typically in less than two weeks. VMware will send an email notification when the virtual appliance is approved.
To Post a Non-validated Virtual Appliance:
Step 1: Register as a VSX Partner.
Step 2: Accept the click-through program agreement to become a VSX Partner.
Step 3: Complete and submit the virtual appliance listing request by clicking on "Administration" and then "Manage Products" in the Administration Center.
Step 4: Click "Add a Product" and fill out the required information. Each virtual appliance listing will be reviewed prior to publication.
