EMC CEO says VMware spinoff is possible

BOSTON (Reuters) - EMC Corp Chief Executive Joseph Tucci said that his company may spin off its VMware Inc (VMW.N) business software unit, though it won't happen in 2008.

The company said in May that it did not plan to spin off the business, disappointing investors who had been anticipating a spinoff.

When asked in an interview on Wednesday whether a spinoff might be in the works, Tucci said it was possible.

"We're committed to optimizing the value of this asset over the long term," he said.

"What does that mean? That means we're going to optimize this asset. That doesn't mean you spin it or you won't spin it. It just means we are going to optimize this asset and make sure that the shareholders get value over the long term."

When asked how often the board reviews such matters, he said, "You are constantly reviewing it. You are constantly looking at everything that happens out there. For the board this is a big strategic asset."

(Editing by Phil Berlowitz)