Microsoft and Dell team up

Dell and Microsoft are to combine their business management products, in an effort to attract more commercial customers.

The deal will see Dell’s OpenManage software integrated with Microsoft’s System Centre Management Suite.

Dell will be offering a ‘PRO-Pack’ software bundle with purchases of its PowerEdge servers, which includes Microsoft’s System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 and System Center Operations Manager 2007, along with Dell’s management packs.

“Enterprise customers want comprehensive solutions that span management of both hardware and software, and reduce complexity and cost,” commented Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

“This partnership between Microsoft and Dell will help customers realize the promise of the Dynamic Systems Initiative, Microsoft’s strategy to simplify management of distributed systems by more closely connecting developers and IT professionals throughout the application life cycle.”