Riverbed Obtains Microsoft SVVP Validation

Riverbed Technology is expanding its position within the Microsoft Server Virtualization Validation Program (SVVP) by obtaining validation of its Riverbed Steelhead appliance to run Windows Server 2008 R2.

Riverbed is the first WAN optimization vendor to obtain SVVP validation for Windows Server 2008 R2. With the combination of Windows Server 2008 R2 infrastructure services and the Riverbed Steelhead appliances, mutual customers can simplify their branch office infrastructure, while at the same time ensuring application performance for end users.

SVVP is open to any vendor that delivers a machine virtualization solution that hosts Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) and subsequent service packs. Riverbed customers are already running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 and branch services such as Active Directory, DNS/DHCP, Media Streaming and Print Services on the Riverbed Services Platform (RSP), a virtualized partition within the Steelhead appliance. As the next step in its strategic partnership with Microsoft, Riverbed announces today it will also support Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 on the RSP.

"Our two companies have worked to ensure the growth of our partnership. The expansion of our relationship – to include the SVVP validation – seems only natural as enterprises look to take advantage of our next generation platforms, but at the same time need to ensure performance while consolidating costs and infrastructure," said Eric Jewett, director of server marketing at Microsoft. "Riverbed is working closely with Microsoft to ensure that our joint efforts are focused on providing enterprises with solutions that accelerate the performance of Microsoft environments."

Riverbed offers the option to have Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system pre-installed on the RSP, allowing customers to leverage this platform to run Windows server. In addition, Riverbed is promoting awareness of the integrated solution among its channel resellers and customers through its partnership with Microsoft.

"As our customers begin to bring IT consolidation initiatives to fruition, branch services are an obvious starting point. Many of our customers are Windows Server users and we anticipate they will migrate to Windows Server 2008 R2," said Eric Wolford, senior vice president of marketing and business development at Riverbed. "Our customer base, which is over 7,000 enterprises and government agencies, is finding that WAN optimization is a key component to ensure performance of their consolidated infrastructures. By leveraging our WAN optimization solution these enterprises are getting the best of both worlds – further consolidation and increased performance."