PernixData, a San Jose-based provider of virtualization software, is working to put its platform in the hands of practitioners as part of an aggressive growth strategy that spans innovation and global expansion.

Established by Exadata co-founder Poojan Kumar and former VMware storage CTO Satyam Vaghani, PernixData offers a tool that makes server-side flash resources accessible across all hosts in a cluster. The product is currently only available for VMware environments, but KMV- and Hyper-V-compatible versions will be rolled out within the next 18 months.

The company’s newly announced PernixPro program provides storage professionals with free access to its flagship FVP solution and exclusive promotions, as well as “sneak peak information and technology deep dives.” The initiative also connects users with PernixData staff and fellow customers through company events and an online forum.

PernixData says that its objective is to create a “community for exchanging ideas, sharing best practice recommendations and shaping product direction.” The firm believes that community engagement is key to tearing down the barriers to flash adoption in the enterprise.

“PernixData is committed to working hand-in-hand with industry experts to advance the adoption of server side flash as a key tool in next generation data centers,” commented Kumar, who serves as the company’s CEO. “We are excited to launch the PernixPro program as it offers a unique opportunity to share our technology with the greatest minds in the industry and exchange ideas that will change the face of storage forever.”

In August, PernixData introduced a scaled-down version of its platform that aims to help small and midsize businesses cut storage costs. The software promises to reduce deployment times and simplify the provisioning of entry-level arrays that provide limited IOPS.