Hundreds of ISVs are developing business applications to support the new platform.
REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 26, 2008 — Hundreds of independent software vendors (ISVs) including BEA Systems Inc., CA, Citrix Systems Inc., Epicor Software Corp., Quest Software Inc. and Symantec Corp., are demonstrating overwhelming support for the Windows Server 2008 operating system in anticipation of the largest enterprise and developer platform launch in Microsoft Corp.’s history, encompassing the release of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008.
“Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 deliver a powerful overall platform for our solutions,” said Steve Dickson, vice president and general manager of Windows Management at Quest. “From migration to management and from Windows PowerShell to compliance, we’ve worked closely with Microsoft to ensure that our products will support the new platforms at the launch or soon after. As the 2007 Global ISV Partner of the Year, we look forward to providing the latest and greatest technologies to our mutual customers.”
Hundreds of ISVs Pledge Support for Windows Server 2008
Industry partners have been working with Microsoft on product testing, evaluation and certification, and hundreds of ISVs have already demonstrated their support with the development of a wide variety of business applications for industries including accounting, commerce, engineering, financial services, health care, retail and supply chain based on the new offerings. Further demonstrating their support of the Windows Server 2008 platform, more than 40 partners are making announcements at the Microsoft “Heroes Happen Here” launch event tomorrow.
“We’ve been working with the partner community to help ensure that their products take full advantage of the capabilities and features of Windows Server 2008,” said Bob Visse, senior director of the Windows Server Marketing Group at Microsoft. “We are delighted to see that approximately 80 applications have already been certified by key ISVs, and that number continues to grow. Our top priority is to provide our partners with the best development environment possible so they can address new business opportunities and bring differentiated solutions to their customers.”
“Windows Server 2008 has opened up new opportunities for innovation, helping us deliver increased value to our customers,” said Scott Hays, director of product marketing for Epicor Software Corp. “Our relationship with Microsoft allows us to extend the value of our customers’ investment in technology and consistently exceed their expectations with solutions that provide great flexibility and choice.”
Ensuring Compatibility
To help OEMs, independent hardware vendors (IHVs), ISVs and other developers build solutions that take full advantage of the capabilities of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft provided the following programs to engage with partners around the world. These programs and their free supporting test tools help ensure that applications designed for Windows Server 2008 will meet the high bar required by enterprise customers by focusing on compatibility and validating mission-critical applications on the Windows platform:
- Windows Software Logo Program. The Windows Software Logo Program was redesigned for 2008 based on partner and IT professional feedback into a program that is more achievable, affordable and valuable for the ecosystem. The Windows Software Logo Program has two engagement tiers: Works with and Certified fo
- Works with Windows Server 2008 includes 20 test cases that help determine baseline compatibility with Windows Server 2008.
- Certified for Windows Server 2008 includes approximately 100 test cases and defines mission-critical line-of-business applications that have passed Microsoft best practices for security features, availability, reliability and Windows fundamentals.
- Metro Early Adoption Program. Microsoft has worked with over 1,000 strategic and managed partners to enable them to support Windows Server 2008 through access to training, support and early software with a goal of ISVs shipping applications that take advantage of key features in Windows Server 2008.
- Windows Server 2008 “Pledged Applications” Program. ISVs can pledge application support for Windows Server 2008. To date, ISVs have pledged to support more than 500 applications on the new platform. More information can be found at http://windowsservercatalog.com/ready.aspx.
- Application Compatibility Labs. Microsoft hosted over 85 Application Compatibility Labs with ISVs to help ensure compatibility of their offerings with the requirements of Windows Server 2008.
“Microsoft is helping the industry take a huge leap forward with the increased functionality Microsoft Windows Server 2008 provides,” said Jay Simons, vice president of marketing for BEA Systems. “Our customers have a growing need for a platform that provides flexible solutions delivered more cost-effectively. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 provides a solid foundation for our technologies, and alongside products and infrastructure from BEA helps our customers deliver new and innovative business functionality at overall lower cost.”
A full list of vendors offering applications certified for Windows Server 2008, or pledging to provide support for their applications on Windows Server 2008, can be found at http://www.microsoft.com//presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-26PartnerWS08FS.mspx.