Expand Networks has developed a VMware-packaged virtual version of its Compass WAN accelerator appliance.

The company reckons that virtualization will be key to getting WAN acceleration into many of the enterprises that haven't yet picked it up. In particular, Expand said it will help it target the growing market for server-based computing and VDI, or virtual desktop infrastructures, as well as offering a cheaper solution for branch offices.

The virtual WAN optimization controller, or VWAN, also ties into the virtual data center concept - which is seeing companies use virtual machines to increase server utilization, cut energy and software licensing costs, and simplify system management - said Expand CTO Efi Gatmor.

"Our modular and open architecture enables us to provide a full virtual solution that doesn't rely on specific hardware," he claimed. "In line with this trend, our VWAN optimization roadmap supports the enterprises' strategy for moving to a pure virtual data center infrastructure.

"Initially, our VWAN optimization deployment will be done on VMware ESX and VMware Server. In the future, other virtualization platforms will be supported."

Expand is the latest of several companies who have seen virtualized appliances as a significant opportunity.

Gatmor acknowledged that there are performance overheads involved in running WAN acceleration in a virtual machine, especially in the area of I/O, but said these can be overcome by using shared or networked storage.

The VWAN package is planned to be available in the third quarter, he said, adding that it would give Expand "flexibility in pricing."

Expand did a deal last year with 3Com to run its WAN accelerator software, which is Linux-based, on the latter's MSR routers.

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