XenSource has signed an agreement with NEC which it hopes will push demand and boost sales for its virtualisation server platform, XenEnterprise.

The open source startup said the partnership will include plans to embed XenEnterprise with NEC's integrated management infrastructure, Sigma System Center as well as developing products for NEC's integrated VM Vision.

"This is a very important agreement for us because it gives us access to a top-tier OEM and a business with a global presence that will help establish XenEnterprise as a major provider of the next generation of virtualisation solutions," said general manager of the firm's Asia division, Nima Homayoun in an interview with eweek.com.

NEC, which is a leading internet and broadband network provider, already works closely with XenSource rival and current market leader VMware.

But under the new agreement, XenSource appears to have marked out its intention to narrow the gap within the virtualisation technology market place with its open source offering.

NEC expects to ship XenEnterprise from August 2007, with the NEC Sigma System Center with XenEnterprise integrated VM capability set to follow in December. Pricing is yet to be announced.

The full press release is here. ®