Reflections on VMware Explore 2024: Pragmatic Insights and the Road Ahead
As VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the event, the changes VMware is undergoing, and what it all means for their future—and for us as users, customers, and partners. This year’s conference felt like a turning point, cementing the direction VMware is heading under Broadcom’s ownership.
Below, I’ve shared my key takeaways, but to get the full picture, watch my video embedded below for a deeper dive into my thoughts.
The Evolution of VMware: A Necessary Shift?
We all know VMware has undergone significant changes since the Broadcom acquisition, and for many, these changes haven’t been easy to stomach. However, walking through the event and speaking to VMware staff and attendees, it’s clear that these changes were perhaps necessary.
VMware had grown into a sprawling giant with a complex array of product lines. While vSphere remained beloved, the rest of the portfolio had become unwieldy. Under Broadcom’s leadership, VMware has been forced to simplify, focusing on its strengths and crafting a clearer vision for the future.
A Clear Vision: Private Cloud at the Core
That vision is private cloud—with VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) at its heart. At every session, every keynote, and every conversation, the focus was on VCF and its role in delivering VMware’s private cloud strategy.
Hock Tan, Broadcom’s CEO, reiterated on stage that simplicity was essential. Everyone loves vSphere, but everything else needed to be streamlined. VMware Cloud Foundation 9, while still in development, promises to be the biggest shift in VMware’s portfolio. VMware’s decision not to rush its release could be a good sign, allowing the time needed to deliver a product that’s operationally sound and easy to adopt.
But simplicity isn’t just about the product. VMware’s new pricing models and the shift to VCF have created challenges for customers, particularly those moving from traditional vSphere deployments. For VMware’s vision to succeed, it’s critical that these customers not only transition to VCF but also see the tangible benefits it offers. That’s a big ask, and only time will tell if VMware can deliver on that promise.
Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity
One of VMware’s greatest strengths has always been its inclusivity. Whether you were a small business running a two-node cluster or a global enterprise with hundreds of nodes, VMware was for everyone. But as VMware moves forward with its private cloud focus, this inclusivity seems to be fading.
Hock Tan openly acknowledged that not everyone will see the value in VMware’s new direction. For some, the costs and complexity of transitioning to private cloud won’t make sense. These customers will move on, and VMware will focus on serving organisations for whom the private cloud vision aligns with their strategy.
This shift feels significant. It’s a departure from VMware’s legacy as a solution for all and a step towards a more exclusive focus on private cloud specialists. For those who fit into this vision, VMware remains a strong partner. For others, alternatives will need to be explored.
A Smaller, More Focused Event
Reflecting on the event itself, VMware Explore 2024 felt smaller and quieter than previous years. It’s been suggested that attendance was about a third of what it was in past years, and the Expo floor reflected this with fewer vendors and simplified stands.
However, this didn’t diminish the sense of community. From the enthusiasm around Joe Baguley’s contributions to the respect for Hock Tan’s leadership, the VMware community is as strong as ever. The reduced scale of the event may signal VMware’s more focused strategy, but it hasn’t eroded the connections that make VMware Explore so special.
Looking Ahead
As I look to the future, one thing is clear: VMware is betting big on private cloud, and VCF is the cornerstone of that strategy. For organisations aligned with this vision, there’s a lot to look forward to—VCF 9, private AI, and continued investment in simplifying operations.
But for those who don’t fit into this private cloud narrative, it may be time to re-evaluate what you need from your infrastructure. VMware’s new direction isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. As Hock Tan said, “Not everybody will see the value, but we move on.”
The next year will be pivotal as VMware works to deliver on its promises and customers decide whether this new direction aligns with their needs. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: VMware remains a key player in shaping the future of IT.
Watch My Full Critique
Want to hear more of my thoughts? Watch my video below for a detailed, pragmatic critique of VMware Explore 2024, the changes underway, and what it all means for the industry.
What do you think of VMware’s new direction? Do you see value in their private cloud strategy, or are you exploring other options? Let me know in the comments or connect with me on LinkedIn to continue the conversation!