VMware plans to invest $100 million in India by 2010

VMware Inc., the virtualization software company controlled by Hopkinton data-storage giant EMC Corp., said today that it will invest $100 million in the next two years to expand its research and development operations in India.

VMware plans to double its development work force in the country to 1,000 people and open a facility in Bangalore.

VMware makes virtualization software, which allows a computer to act like multiple machines, each with its own operating system and software. It helps companies spend less on equipment and energy in their data centers.

The company has more than 300 customers in the country and offices in five cities. Its total work force in India is nearly 700 people, about 500 of whom are developers.

California-based VMware's shares rose $1.13, or 2.5 percent, to $46.25 in premarket trading on the New York Stock Exchange. (AP)