VMware (NYSE: VMW) is preparing Partner Link, a private social community that allows channel partners to connect, share knowledge and more. The virtualization company is pilot testing Partner Link in February 2013. It sounds like the social network will be available to all partners shortly after VMware Partner Exchange (Feb. 25-28, Las Vegas), one of The VAR Guy’s Top 100 Channel Partner Conferencesof 2013. Here’s the background.

In a blog, VMware says the secure social platform will run within Partner Central, the virtualization company’s online system for VARs, technology consultants and service providers. The production system will be available in March 2013, the blog said. It’s a safe bet software-defined datacenters will be a central topic of conversation within the social network. Building partner-driven social networks requires a tricky balancing act. On the one hand, the network needs to be compelling enough to inspire partners to log in and interact. But on the other hand, the network needs to be secure and selective in terms of who can log in.

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