Server virtualization firm, Parallels, has selected IT products distributor, Tech Data Corporation, as its exclusive U.S. distributor for Parallels Virtuozzo Containers.

Following Parallels' channel program offering value-added resellers (VARs) access to container-based server virtualization software, distribution of Parallels Virtuozzo Containers will be managed by Tech Data's Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) Division, which provides VARs with specialized sales and technical support for virtualization solutions.

Bill Portin, Vice President of North American sales and operations, Parallels noted, ''Parallels Virtuozzo Containers takes a different approach to server virtualization than many of the other solutions available in the channel, and by doing, so offers enterprises large and small a unique set of advantages, such as better per-server density and superior performance. This makes Parallels Virtuozzo Containers an ideal solution for VARs deploying data center-scale virtualization or for those deploying virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. Working with Tech Data's AIS Division, Parallels will ensure our VAR partners have access to the support, expertise and information they need to profitably deploy Parallels Virtuozzo Containers.''

Parallels Virtuozzo Containers is the world's leading operating system (OS) virtualization solution. On a single physical server and single OS installation, it enables users to run workloads in multiple, simultaneously running execution environments called 'containers'. Compared to other virtualization technologies, Parallels Virtuozzo Containers offers the highest levels of density, performance and manageability.

Amy Belcher, Director of product marketing, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions at Tech Data remarked, ''Tech Data's AIS Division has built one of the channel's most robust data center solution offerings that includes the broadest virtualization practice of any distributor. The addition of Parallels Virtuozzo Containers provides our VAR customers with more options as they develop and deploy server virtualization solutions for a wide range of end-user environments and business-enhancing applications. Parallels has a strong commitment to the channel, and we'll work closely with them to help our VAR partners build profitable and successful virtualization practices.''