Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) are demonstrating tremendous support for the SUSE(R) Appliance Program from Novell, the industry*s first, complete, end-to-end appliance solution that enables ISVs to rapidly build, update, configure and go to market with fully supported software and virtual appliances. These ISVs are taking advantage of the comprehensive go-to-market support for appliances offered by Novell, including distribution channel, joint marketing, pricing, and redistribution agreements that reduce the time to get an evaluation or production appliance ready for the market.

“Market trends such as cloud computing are revolutionizing the way businesses package, distribute and utilize software,” said John Dragoon, Channel chief and chief marketing officer at Novell. “Software appliances provide an ideal platform for independent software vendors in their pursuit of new markets and business models. Novell is responding to this opportunity by delivering the first fully supported, complete technical and marketing solution to help our ISV partners simplify appliance creation, reduce development and support costs, and enter new markets.”

Built on the SUSE Linux Enterprise platform, the SUSE Appliance Program consists of a comprehensive program and group of technologies that enable ISVs to quickly deliver existing applications to physical, virtual and cloud computing environments, reduce sales cycles and pursue new market opportunities.

The SUSE Appliance Program is designed to help ISVs significantly expand their routes to market. A key component of the program is a new partnership with Tech Data Corporation, which enables ISVs to market their appliances through the Tech Data network of value-added resellers.

“In addition to the SUSE Appliance Program helping ISVs more efficiently deliver their software applications, we see tremendous opportunity for VARs as well,” said Stacy Nethercoat, vice president, Software Product Marketing at IT products distributor Tech Data Corporation. “VARs can provide this solution to end-user customers with in-house software development teams, enabling them to more efficiently deploy and manage applications enterprise-wide. Tech Data has teamed with Novell to train our software licensing specialists, who are ready to help VARs and ISVs take full advantage of the SUSE Appliance Program.”