Salesforce.com and VMware in pact to bring cloud to iPad

28 Apr 2010

Salesforce.com and VMware have formed a strategic alliance to launch what they claim to be the world’s first enterprise Java cloud.

VMforce will provide the trusted, open path to the cloud for 6 million enterprise Java developers, including the 2 million member Spring community.

As part of the alliance, VMforce will enable Java developers to instantly tap into Force.com platform services, including the Force.com database, Chatter collaboration, workflow, analytics and search.

VMforce will include new VMware vCloud technology that dramatically simplifies the management and orchestration of applications on VMware vSphere-based infrastructure.

What VMforce does for Java developers

As part of the industry-leading Force.com cloud platform, VMforce will enable Java developers to quickly and easily build next-generation enterprise Cloud 2 apps that are instantly social, mobile and collaborative

“Enterprise Java developers, welcome to Cloud 2,” said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO, Salesforce.com. “This fundamental shift incorporates cloud computing, real-time collaboration and mobile devices like the iPad to meet the new needs of the enterprise. Now, in partnership with VMware, we are delivering VMforce and bringing Java to Force.com so enterprise Java developers can create powerful new innovative Cloud 2 apps.”

Now, CIOs and IT departments will be able to leverage their existing programming skills and investments in Java applications, and take full advantage of the industry-leading Force.com platform to build Cloud 2 enterprise applications that are social and work on any mobile device in real time.

Both companies say that VMforce will dramatically simplify how enterprises and enterprise Java developers can harness the economics of cloud computing without compromising the flexibility, control and choice they require.

“Companies are looking for solutions that deliver the benefits of cloud computing while leveraging existing resources, expertise and infrastructure,” said Paul Maritz, president and CEO of VMware.

“By creating a dramatically simplified solution for modern application development, VMforce is a significant step forward in offering our customers a path that bridges existing internal investments with the resources and flexibility of the cloud.”

By John Kennedy

Photo: Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO, Salesforce.com

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com