VMware Snags AIS as New Service Provider

VMware (VMW) announced this week that it is adding AIS (American Internet Services) to its growing list of service providers. AIS will take on the role of an Enterprise level member as the latest addition to the VMware Service Provider Program (VSPP).
AIS has been a major provider of VMware-based cloud services in the U.S. Southwest since 2012, most notably with the company’s popular AIS BusinessCloud1 IaaS which utilizes VMware infrastructure, according to the press release. AIS also provides resellers with client-specific network, compute and storage resources for virtual data centers on internet accessible secure platforms, making it a prime candidate for the VSPP. 
“Elevating to the enterprise level of the VMware Service Provider Program reflects our commitment to, and success in, supporting the IT infrastructure needs of businesses throughout the southwest,” stated Greg Rollet, CEO, AIS in a prepared statement. “With geographically-diverse VMware cloud instances in San Diego and Phoenix, AIS has the experience, resiliency, and resources to help customers migrate securely to the cloud for maximum operational and economic benefit.”
VMware says that its service provider program was created to allow its partners to offer cloud computing and hosted IT services to both enterprise and SMB customers. The program utilizes a standard product subscription model and helps service providers to expand their revenue streams based on VMware’s evolving product portfolio, as the company continues to build out its virtualization and software defined networking offerings.
“We are pleased that AIS has entered the VMware Service Provider Program at the Enterprise level,” said Geoff Waters, vice president, Global Channel Partners, VMware. “VMware is uniquely positioned to help service providers like AIS develop their own cloud computing businesses to enable them to increase revenue, differentiate service offerings, and accelerate growth opportunities, and we’re excited to welcome AIS as an enterprise level member.”
Last month, VMware released several new program enhancements to the VSPP within its VMware Partner Network, including vCloud Automation Center, vCenter Operations Management Suite, and vCenter Log Insight, among others. The additions to the VSPP were originally teased during February’s VMware Partner Exchange 2014, where the company said that it planned to help simplify its partner program to increase profitability for resellers and allow them to earn more rewards.