One of the standout aspects of VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona wasn’t just the keynotes or the tech on display—it was the people. The VMware community has always been the backbone of this event, and it was a privilege to sit down with Megan Warren to reflect on what makes this community so special, why it’s so important, and how it continues to thrive even amidst all the changes at VMware.

Below, I’ve shared some of the highlights from our discussion, but make sure to watch the full video to hear our thoughts in more detail. You’ll also get tips on how to get involved with the VMware User Group (VMUG), whether you’re in the UK or elsewhere in the world.

Why the VMware Community Matters

1. A Platform for Connection
Community means so many things to different people. For Megan and me, VMware Explore is a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new faces, and share stories with peers. Whether it’s through the social events, conversations on the expo floor or sessions run by the community, this event reminds us why VMware’s user base is among the most engaged and supportive in the tech world.

It was particularly inspiring to hear both Joe Baguley and Hock Tan acknowledge the critical role of the VMware community during the General Session. Their words reaffirmed that, even under Broadcom’s leadership, the contributions of VMUG members and vExperts will remain integral to VMware’s success.

2. Community as a Career Catalyst
From my personal experience, the VMware community has been pivotal to my career. Being part of VMUG and connecting with peers has provided countless opportunities to share strategies, overcome challenges, and grow professionally. Megan echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the community supports learning and development in ways that extend far beyond formal roles or job descriptions.

For anyone in tech—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out—finding your group and engaging with the community can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

3. Giving Back and Growing Together
One of the biggest takeaways from our discussion was the importance of giving back. The VMware community thrives because of its willingness to share knowledge, whether it’s through blogging, vlogging, or simply participating in conversations online or in person.

Megan shared how she learns from the incredible content others share and how that inspires her to give back in return. It’s a powerful cycle—when you contribute to the community, you’re not only helping others but also reinforcing your own learning.

If you’ve ever considered blogging or sharing your expertise, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. As Megan said, “If you help even one person, it’s worth it.” And, as I’ve often found, the person you help might just be your future self when you revisit your own content down the line!

The Friendliest Community in Tech

One thing we both agreed on is how welcoming and inclusive the VMware community is. Whether you’re a technical expert, a marketer, or just starting your journey, there’s a place for everyone. It’s a testament to the culture VMware has cultivated over the years, and it’s one of the reasons why events like VMware Explore feel so special.

Get Involved with VMUG

If you’re not already part of VMUG, there’s no better time to get involved. For those in the UK, the UK VMware User Group is happening at the end of the month, and it’s a fantastic way to meet others in the industry, share insights, and grow your network. If you’re outside the UK, head to the VMUG website to find your local chapter and start building connections that could transform your career.

Watch the Full Discussion

Want to hear more of our reflections on the power of community? Watch the full video below to join the conversation and find out why community is at the heart of everything VMware does.

Watch on YouTube

What does community mean to you? Whether it’s through VMUG, vExperts, or another group, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Connect with us on X (Twitter) or LinkedIn to keep the conversation going!

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.

Watch on YouTube

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!

The show floor at VMware Explore is always an exciting place to get a pulse on the industry. It’s where you can see which vendors are making waves, which technologies are being showcased, and, sometimes, what’s missing. This year, at VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona, I took some time to explore the Expo Hall, reflecting on how it compares to previous years and what these changes might mean for VMware, its partners, and the wider IT landscape.

Below, I’ve shared some of my key observations, but to truly get a feel for the show floor, watch the full video embedded below!

Key Observations from the VMware Explore Show Floor

1. Who’s In and Who’s Missing
The first thing that struck me as I walked into the Expo Hall was the presence of major sponsors like Google, Microsoft, Rubrik, and Intel—big names that signal where VMware’s focus lies. But equally noticeable were the absences.

HPE, Dell, and AWS—companies that once dominated these events—were nowhere to be seen. HPE and Dell, staples of past VMworld conferences, didn’t have a presence, and AWS’s absence may reflect ongoing tensions in its relationship with VMware. These gaps felt significant and perhaps hint at shifts in VMware’s partner strategy and focus on its own ecosystem, particularly VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF).

2. A Smaller, More Simplified Show Floor
The Expo Hall itself felt smaller and less crowded than in previous years. Large, hardware-packed stands that were once the highlight of these events have been replaced with more streamlined setups. Companies like Lenovo, NetApp, and Pure Storage were present, but their stands reflected the industry’s shift towards cloud services and away from traditional hardware.

Even the VMware stand itself emphasised simplicity, aligning with the company’s messaging around VCF, private AI, and private cloud solutions. It seems VMware is leaning into its streamlined vision not just in product offerings but in how it presents itself at events like these.

3. Fewer Attendees on the Show Floor?
Walking around, it was hard not to notice that the Expo Hall felt quieter than in past years. While the rest of the conference seemed as lively as ever, the Expo floor didn’t have the same buzz. This could simply be down to timing, but it might also reflect changing priorities.

Perhaps attendees are focusing more on VMware’s end-to-end solutions rather than cherry-picking from multiple vendors. With VMware’s strong emphasis on VCF and an integrated ecosystem, fewer external vendors and a simplified show floor may be a natural consequence.

4. The Evolution of Community Presence
One of the highlights of the Expo Hall was the community stand, a reminder that while the format of VMware’s events may evolve, the role of its community remains critical. It’s always inspiring to see the contributions of VMUG and vExperts celebrated in these spaces, even as the industry shifts.

Final Thoughts: What Does It All Mean?

The VMware Explore 2024 show floor tells a story—not just about the event itself, but about the changing dynamics of VMware and the wider tech industry. The focus on VCF, the absence of some big names, and the streamlined setups all point towards a more integrated and VMware-centric ecosystem.

Whether this approach excites or frustrates attendees will depend on their perspective. For those fully bought into VMware’s vision, this year’s event felt like a natural progression. For others, particularly those used to the diversity of technologies and vendors at past events, it may feel like a shift away from the collaborative spirit that once defined these conferences.

Watch the Full Tour

Want to see the Expo Hall for yourself? Check out my full walkthrough in the video below, where I share more thoughts on what’s changed and what it might mean for the industry. Don’t forget to watch last year’s video for a side-by-side comparison!

Watch the Full Expo Tour on YouTube

What do you think of this year’s show floor? Are you seeing similar trends at other events? Let me know in the comments!

During VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona, we had the privilege of sitting down with Umesh Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom’s Application Networking and Security (ANS) Division. Umesh’s passion for the ANS portfolio was palpable as he discussed its mission, the evolving landscape of security challenges, and how Broadcom is positioning VMware's offerings to address them.

We posed five key questions during the interview, each shedding light on Broadcom’s vision and VMware’s approach to innovation in this critical space. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the standout points, but we highly recommend watching the full video for Umesh’s detailed insights. You can find the video embedded below!

Key Takeaways from the Interview

1. The Vision Behind ANS
   Umesh began by outlining ANS’s mission: to provide seamless security and load balancing solutions tightly integrated with VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). Broadcom is focused on delivering advanced services that are as easy to deploy as they are powerful. In Umesh’s words, VMware aims to create solutions that “just click in” like adding features to a Tesla – simple, intuitive, and ready to use.

2. Industry Trends and Challenges
   From ransomware attacks to increasing complexity in security infrastructure, the stakes for businesses are higher than ever. Umesh highlighted how frequent and sophisticated attacks, particularly on financial institutions, have underscored the need for best-of-breed security and load balancing solutions. VMware’s approach is to make these tools accessible and scalable for businesses of all sizes, providing both protection and recovery capabilities in one unified stack.

3. Key Announcements and Licensing Simplification
   Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has brought significant changes to how ANS products are packaged and licensed. VMware now offers just three key SKUs: one for Avi load balancing and two for security (firewall and advanced threat protection). These SKUs have been streamlined to reduce complexity and ensure seamless integration with VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF).

   However, these products are now positioned as add-ons to VCF, meaning they are optional but essential for customers deploying VCF. As Umesh explained, organisations need robust security and load balancing capabilities to complete their VCF deployments, making these Advanced Services critical for operational success. Broadcom’s goal is to simplify the consumption and deployment of these services, ensuring customers can get up and running quickly with minimal friction.

4. Introducing Security Scoring and Co-Pilots
   A standout moment was Umesh’s discussion of security scoring, a feature in development that will help organisations gauge their security posture at a glance. Similar to Microsoft’s approach, the security score will highlight areas of vulnerability, empowering businesses to make informed decisions. Additionally, VMware’s investment in AI-driven Co-Pilots promises to simplify security operations by providing actionable insights in real time.

5. The Road Ahead for ANS
   Broadcom’s focus is clear: delivering scalable, best-of-breed products that integrate seamlessly with VMware’s ecosystem. Whether through automation, AI-driven insights, or enhanced recovery capabilities, ANS is committed to simplifying the way businesses secure and optimise their private cloud environments.

Why Watch the Interview?

For anyone interested in VMware’s evolving approach to networking and security. Umesh not only outlines how ANS is addressing today’s challenges but also shares his vision for a simplified, integrated future. From ransomware protection to AI-powered Co-Pilots, there’s a lot to unpack.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the leader shaping the future of VMware’s security and networking portfolio. Click below to watch the full interview:

Watch the Interview on YouTube

Final Thoughts: Simplifying Security for a Complex World

As Umesh said, security doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By delivering intuitive solutions and minimising complexity, VMware and Broadcom are equipping businesses to handle today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s. Whether you’re a long-time VMware customer or exploring their solutions for the first time, this interview offers valuable insights into how VMware’s Application Networking and Security Division is leading the way.

What do you think of VMware’s approach to security and networking? Let us know in the comments below!

This week at VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona, the energy was high and the message was direct. Joe Baguley, VMware’s CTO for EMEA, kicked things off by acknowledging the community – especially the VMUG members and vExperts who have been the backbone of VMware’s ecosystem. It’s always inspiring to hear from Joe, and his gratitude set a tone of appreciation and camaraderie that resonated with the audience. When Hock Tan, Broadcom’s CEO, took the stage shortly after, he echoed this sentiment, underscoring how crucial the community’s support is to VMware’s vision.

But from Hock, we also got a sharper perspective on VMware’s future. His statement – “Some people aren’t willing to pay for the value – we move on!” – made it clear that VMware is committed to its path, focusing on customers and partners who recognise the value in its streamlined, VCF-centred portfolio.

A Strong Commitment to VCF, with Promises of Simplicity and Unified Services

The commitment to VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) was unmistakable at VMware Explore 2024. Hock Tan made it clear that Broadcom has been listening closely to customers. They’ve heard the feedback: customers love vSphere – it’s the gold standard in virtualisation. But for the rest of the portfolio, simplification is key. VMware’s vision is to streamline these offerings, making them more accessible and cohesive under the VCF umbrella.

VCF 9 was initially announced earlier this year at VMware Explore in Las Vegas, but it remains a work in progress. In Barcelona, we were shown canned demos that gave us a glimpse of what’s to come. These demos highlighted VMware’s promise of a unified interface, simplicity, and a collection of VCF Advanced Services that aim to bring added value and functionality to private cloud environments.

The unified interface, in particular, is set to make managing complex environments smoother and more intuitive. While we’ll need to wait for the final release to see the full capabilities, the message was clear: VMware is doubling down on VCF as the cornerstone of its future. They’re committed to delivering a product that not only meets today’s business needs but also makes it simpler for organisations to harness the power of private cloud.

This approach underlines VMware’s broader vision: a streamlined, VCF-centric offering that builds on the best of vSphere while addressing the complexity that customers have flagged. With VCF 9, VMware is not just adding features but delivering a new way of managing infrastructure – a unified, simplified experience that reflects their commitment to listening and evolving with their users.

Innovation for a New Era: Security, AI, and Private Cloud

Beyond VCF, VMware emphasised security and resilience, introducing tools like VMware Live Recovery for Google Cloud VMware Engine and Intelligent Assist for vDefend, which uses natural language processing to help users tackle security issues more efficiently. These innovations reflect Broadcom’s commitment to investing in VMware’s capabilities, particularly in areas where businesses need robust, responsive solutions.

Private AI also took the spotlight, with Joe and Chris Wolf introducing VMware’s vision for AI that keeps data secure and within reach. The VMware Private AI advancements included options like GPU reservations and guided deployment for AI workloads, making it possible to run AI right next to the data source. This approach aligns with VMware’s emphasis on control and data privacy, giving businesses an alternative to public cloud AI solutions.

Final Thoughts: A Changing VMware – for Better or Worse?

The General Session at VMware Explore 2024 wasn’t just about new features and products; it was about VMware’s commitment to those who believe in their platform. Joe Baguley’s opening words of gratitude to the VMUG community and vExperts reflected the heart of VMware, while Hock Tan’s message showed a determination to stay true to VMware’s new direction.

For those who see the value in VMware’s path, there’s a powerful ecosystem ready to support them. But for those feeling sidelined by the shift towards a streamlined, VCF-centric model, there’s a sense of distance. VMware is pressing forward, and while some are enthusiastic about the changes, others are left wondering if this new direction aligns with their needs.

This year’s VMware Explore offered a glimpse into the company’s next chapter – and, for better or worse, it’s a bold one.

I’m excited to be heading back to VMware Explore in Barcelona from 4th to 7th November 2024. This year feels different—it’s my first VMware Explore since Broadcom completed its acquisition of VMware, and that shift is sure to be a key talking point throughout the conference. From changes in VMware's portfolio and pricing to the spin-off of the EUC (End User Computing) division into the newly branded Omnissa, this year’s event is set to have a very different feel.

What’s Changed with the Broadcom Acquisition?

The acquisition by Broadcom has brought some significant shifts for VMware’s customers. Broadcom has streamlined VMware’s portfolio, aiming for simplicity. While this is a welcome move for those who prefer fewer overlapping products and clearer pathways to deployment, the flipside has been a notable increase in pricing. Many customers have been vocal about these price hikes, and it has left a bitter taste for some.

It will be interesting to see how this translates into attendance and the general mood at the conference. Will the community come together as it always has, or will there be a more reserved, cautious vibe? The spin-off of the EUC division into Omnissa means that this year, VMware Explore is likely to focus much more on infrastructure and development rather than the blend of EUC and infrastructure content we’ve seen in past years.

Hopes for Innovation and Community Spirit

Despite the changes, I’m looking forward to seeing if VMware can keep its usual spirit of community unity alive. Conferences like these have always been about more than just the sessions—they’re a chance to connect, to share stories, and to get a real pulse on where the industry is headed. I hope to hear announcements and messages that signal not only further innovation but also a focus on making technology easier and more accessible, allowing VMware to stand out from its competitors.

There’s a lot of discussion in the industry that Broadcom’s primary focus is now on selling VMware’s full suite of solutions to large enterprise customers. I’d like to see a commitment to innovation that brings value across the board, not just to the biggest customers. This is an opportunity for VMware to show that it can still be a leader in the hybrid cloud space and to demonstrate how its strategy is evolving.

Top Tips for First-Time Attendees

Having attended every VMware Explore (and VMworld) event that has taken place in Barcelona, I’ve gathered some tips for making the most out of the experience:

• Explore the Expo Hall: It’s not just about VMware. The expo hall is a fantastic opportunity to meet other ecosystem vendors. Take the time to explore, ask questions, and get demos—you never know what insights you’ll pick up.

• Engage with the Community: The real magic happens when you connect with others. Find opportunities to chat with fellow attendees, whether that’s in the halls between sessions or at social events in the evening. It’s a great way to get a sense of the latest trends and challenges people are facing.

• Use the Metro and Be Prepared: Barcelona’s metro system is easy to navigate, and getting a 10-trip pass usually covers my time there. Bring comfortable trainers, don’t over-pack your bag, and leave space for the SWAG you’ll pick up along the way.

• Plan Your Sessions, but Be Flexible: Use the session scheduler to book key sessions you don’t want to miss, but remember that you can catch recordings later. Prioritise time in the expo hall and talking to people—those real-time conversations are often where the most valuable insights come from.

• Stay Safe: While Barcelona is an incredible city, be mindful of pickpockets and avoid wearing your conference badge in public spaces. Most incidents I’ve heard of involve distractions at night—keep your wits about you, especially after social events.

Setting Goals for the Conference

For me, it’s important to go into the conference with clear goals—what do I want to learn, and why am I attending? This ensures I make the most of my time there and come away with meaningful insights. Here’s what I’ll be focusing on at VMware Explore this year:

1. Hybrid Cloud Strategy: How is VMware really helping organisations on their hybrid cloud journey? Has their strategy shifted since the acquisition, or is it more of the same?

2. VMware and Symantec Collaboration: With Symantec already under Broadcom’s umbrella, I’m curious to see how this deeper relationship with VMware will influence their overall security strategy. What new integrations or synergies can we expect between VMware’s cloud capabilities and Symantec’s security expertise?

3. Practical AI Applications: We’ve all heard the AI hype, but I’m looking for real-world examples—how are businesses actually using AI today? I want to hear beyond the buzzwords and see the practical applications that are making a difference.

4. Post-Acquisition Innovation: Now that the acquisition is complete, what’s next for VMware’s innovation? Beyond changes in pricing and packaging, what new technologies or improvements are coming down the pipeline?

Let’s Connect!

Who else is planning to attend VMware Explore in Barcelona this year? I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to, and what you think of the changes we’ve seen over the past year. Let’s catch up, compare notes, and see where VMware is headed together! Whether you’re excited, uncertain, or just curious to see how things play out, it’s going to be an event to remember. See you there!

At the bustling Shift event held in the iconic BAFTA in London, we were fortunate to engage in a profound conversation with Anna Griffin, the Chief Marketing Officer at Commvault. Our discussion shone a light on the exciting transition within IT, moving from traditional data protection methodologies to a comprehensive cyber resiliency strategy. With a palpable enthusiasm, we explored Commvault's proactive response to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

The Heart of Cyber Resiliency

Cyber resiliency has become the cornerstone of contemporary data protection strategies. Anna elaborated on how Commvault is navigating this pivotal shift, with a keen focus on integrating security within the data itself. This strategic move is indicative of Commvault's foresight in tackling the challenges of safeguarding data across the increasingly hybrid environments of today.

A Data-Centric Approach

The conversation highlighted the significance of adopting a data-centric mindset in today's dispersed data realms. Commvault is at the forefront, advocating for a unified protection strategy that alleviates the complexity of managing various security tools across different environments. This integrated approach is crucial in a landscape where data is scattered across multiple platforms, each presenting its own set of vulnerabilities.

Innovating Data Recovery

One of the most captivating aspects of our talk was discovering Commvault's pioneering work in cloud-based clean room recovery. This forward-thinking initiative enables organisations to test and affirm their recovery processes in a cost-effective and manageable way. It marks a significant advancement, empowering businesses to confidently navigate and recover from cyber incidents.

AI: Transforming Data Protection

The discussion wouldn't be complete without touching on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in data protection. Commvault is leading the charge in embedding AI into their platforms, transforming the way data protection is administered. AI acts as a co-pilot for administrators, offering recommendations, insights, and reducing the likelihood of human error. This integration marks a shift towards smarter, more efficient, and reliable data protection practices.

Conclusion

Our enlightening discussion with Anna Griffin at the Shift event was truly revelatory. Commvault's dedication to steering the data protection discourse towards cyber resiliency, their commitment to a data-centric security philosophy, and their innovative use of AI and cloud technologies underscore their leadership in the data protection realm.

As our conversation drew to a close, it was evident that Commvault is not merely adapting to changes in the IT landscape; they are actively shaping the future of data protection. Their approach to cyber resiliency is a proactive endeavour to ensure that businesses can not only survive but thrive in the digital era. Commvault's vision for a more secure, resilient, and intelligent digital ecosystem is not just aspirational; it's a reality they are diligently creating, making the digital world a safer place for businesses to innovate and expand.

Stepping into the BAFTA HQ for the Commvault SHIFT event felt like entering a nexus where the legacy of storytelling meets the cutting edge of technology. With walls echoing cinematic greatness and rooms sponsored by the Dolby family and Steven Spielberg, the stage was perfectly set for a narrative of transformation and forward-thinking strategy in cyber resilience.

As we've observed Commvault's transition from a data protection platform to a holistic cyber resilience solution, this event painted a vivid picture of that strategic evolution.

The Hybrid IT Landscape and the Commvault Cloud

Today's IT landscape is nothing short of hybrid – offering staggering business advantages but at the same time, bringing forth data fragmentation and complex management challenges. The day was filled with conversations around the ensuing chaos and the pivotal role of a cyber resilience platform like Commvault Cloud.

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NIST Framework in Focus

A significant part of the presentation revolved around the NIST framework, which is fundamentally a blueprint for improving cybersecurity and resilience. The framework lays out five key functions – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover – that help organisations develop a robust cybersecurity posture. The message was clear: whilst Indentify, Detect and Protect often takes the limelight, respond and recovery is just as crucial. The focus on thorough testing and robust recovery plans is not just recommended; it's essential.

Innovative Recovery with Cleanroom Technology

A standout feature that piqued interest was Commvault's cleanroom recovery functionality. In the event of a breach, the ability to swiftly and safely recover is paramount, and Commvault's solution facilitates this by enabling businesses to recover quickly into Azure. This isn't just about speed; it's about providing a controlled environment for both testing and actual recovery scenarios, automating the setup of the landing zone in the process.

Meet Arlie: The AI Virtual Assistant

Another highlight for me was the introduction of Arlie, Commvault’s AI virtual assistant. Arlie takes user interaction to a new level, providing insights and support embedded right into the AI. It's not just about delegating tasks; it's about empowering admins with the knowledge to carry out these tasks themselves – a truly educational approach that resonates with our belief in not just delivering solutions but also delivering knowledge.

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Conversations with the Commvault Team

The day culminated with an influencer and analyst session, offering us a golden opportunity to engage with Commvault's key team members. It was more than just a chance to see the technology – it was a window into the minds shaping the technology, understanding the 'whys' and 'hows', and witnessing the solutions in action.

Wrapping Up an Enlightening Day

As the event wrapped up, it was clear that Commvault is not just participating in the cyber resilience conversation; they're actively sculpting it. With the community buzzing, the Cleanroom Technology on the horizon, and the prospect of getting hands-on with Arlie, it’s safe to say we're not just excited – we're looking at the future of cyber resilience with eyes wide open.

We're diving into Commvault’s latest shift with my new video on Commvault's announcements from their Shift event. It's about their new platform, Commvault Cloud, powered by Metallic AI, and it's set to redefine what we expect from cybersecurity and data protection.

For a deeper look at my complete analysis and the implications of Commvault’s innovative direction, check out my full blog post at Tech Doodles. We discuss the looming $30 billion ransomware threat, Commvault's smart use of AI with Arlie, and how this platform is not just about recovery, but a proactive stance against cyber threats.

Get the full story - Commvault's Vision for Cyber Resilience: Introducing Commvault Cloud — Tech Doodles

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, data protection and security have become paramount concerns for organisations worldwide. Cyber threats are growing in sophistication, and traditional reactive approaches are no longer sufficient. That's why we are thrilled to present our latest video, which delves into the groundbreaking announcements from Commvault's recent event, "Accelerating Cyber Defence and Response with Next Generation Data Protection."

Key Takeaways:

During the event, we explored how Commvault is revolutionising the field of data protection and security. Our video uncovers the powerful features and innovative solutions that make Commvault a leader in the industry.

1. CEO Sanjay Mirchandani's Keynote: Sanjay discussed the dual implications of AI, the blurring boundaries between data protection and security, and the vital importance of swift recovery. Commvault's proactive approach ensures that their platform acts as an active shield against potential cyber threats.

2. Advanced Features: We dive into the technical aspects of Commvault's innovative protection and security solutions. From the centralised Cloud Command dashboard to Risk Analysis, Threat Scan, Auto Recovery, and Threatwise Advisor, Commvault offers an all-in-one solution that simplifies management, secures sensitive data, and enhances recovery readiness.

3. CISO Panel Discussion: We also highlight the engaging panel discussion hosted by Steve Preston, featuring industry experts who share insights on the critical role of the CISO, the AI threat, and the changing face of risk in the age of COVID-19.

To learn more about these exciting announcements and gain deeper insights into Commvault's next-gen solutions, we invite you to read our detailed blog post on TechDoodles.co.uk. There, you'll find our TechDoodles capturing key points, thoughts, and additional information about the event.

Conclusion:

In this ever-evolving digital landscape, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve regarding data protection and security. Commvault's innovative approach and proactive solutions are setting new industry standards.

I recently had the opportunity to attend Tech Field Day 27, where industry leaders in the CXL space, Memverge, AsteraLabs, and the CXL Consortium, presented their latest developments in high-speed interconnect technology. These presentations highlighted how Compute Express Link (CXL) is poised to revolutionise server architecture and transform memory utilisation in data centres.

CXL provides a unified, high-performance interface for memory, storage, and computational resources, enabling efficient processing of large amounts of data with reduced latency. With CXL, data centre operators can build more scalable, efficient, and versatile systems, allowing for better energy efficiency and reduced costs.

One of the key advantages of CXL is its ability to provide a high-speed interface between CPUs and other accelerators. This can significantly reduce latency and improve performance in data centre applications such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. CXL also provides a unified interface for memory, and computational resources, simplifying system design and management and improving resource utilisation.

CXL is highly scalable and efficient, allowing data centre operators to build systems that can scale up or down as needed without sacrificing performance or efficiency. By reducing the complexity and cost of memory management, CXL promises to improve the overall performance of data centre applications.

Just as Storage Area Networks (SANs) revolutionised how storage is managed in data centres, CXL is poised to transform how memory is utilised in server architectures. Like SANs, CXL offers a scalable and efficient solution to a critical problem in data centre architecture. As data centre applications have grown in complexity and demand, the need for faster and more efficient memory utilisation has become increasingly important. CXL provides the necessary bandwidth and performance to keep up with these demands, allowing companies to build systems that can scale up or down as needed without sacrificing performance or efficiency.

CXL is a game-changing technology that promises to transform memory utilisation in data centres. With its scalability, versatility, and energy efficiency, CXL will play a critical role in the future of server architecture. The developments presented at Tech Field Day 27 highlight the exciting advancements and demonstrate the potential for CXL to revolutionise the data centre industry, just as SANs did for storage.

If, like me, you are new to the concepts of CXL, I highly recommend you watch the presentation by the CXL Consortium below. Also, be sure to check out the websites of the CXL presenters for more information, the links are below.

Astera Labs

CXL

MemVerge

Commvault has recently released its semi-annual platform release introducing new capabilities across the hybrid cloud. Check out my video and doodle below for more information regarding what you can expect in this release.

Features within this release include

• Google Cloud Regional Snapshot support

• New Data Protection support for DevOps Protection

• Oracle Compute Infrastructure (OCI) Storage Tiering

• Improved backup times for Hadoop File Systems (HDFS)

• Enhanced security integrations with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms

• Compliance Lock – Protect critical data with immutable storage

• Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP

• New security enhancements & certifications help improve security posture and compliance.

In my doodle below, you can see my thoughts and further information about this release.

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Further to this, Commvault has released a blog post drilling into these features
Commvault Platform Release 2023

You can now watch the Commvault webinar covering this release on demand using the button below.

Whilst at VMware Explore in Barcelona I attended this awesome session regarding the new features in vSphere 8. This session was hosted by Dave Morera and Himanshu Singh both from VMware. Much of the session focused on how vSphere 8 can now be used in many hybrid configuration with vSphere+ as well as the new hardware architectures allowing vSphere to make use of DPU’s for offloading of processing.

If you would like to read more about vSphere 8 be sure to check out the blog linked below.

What's New in vSphere 8? | VMware

You can see my doodle below capturing my key thoughts from the session.

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The roadmap session was the third session I created a doodle for at Commvault Connections 2022. Be sure to check out the other blog posts and doodles at the links below.

1. Commvault Connections Keynote

2. Customer Panel

3. Roadmap

The roadmap session built upon the fundamental principles of the Commvault strategy with further insight into the direction and products that are coming. It is clear that Commvault takes a high level of pride in its ability to connect with its users, their community and listen to what is needed. One of the statistics that was shared was the fact that four hundred product enhancements in the last year have come from direct customer feedback.

Key to the Commvault strategy are the following three principles

1. End-to-end data visibility

2. Broadest Workload Protection

3. Faster Business Response

You can see further detail regarding the announcements and planned focus areas in the doodle below.

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Commvault Connections was a great opportunity not only to hear an update from Commvault on their strategy but also to get insight into wider technology trends and real-life insights from customers. Across the conference, I created doodles for three of the sessions. You can find the links to the other sessions below.

1. Commvault Connections Keynote

2. Customer Panel

3. Roadmap

Keynote Thoughts

The keynote was led by Commvault’s fantastic CEO, Sanjay Mirchandani. Sanjay is a great keynote speaker, always giving great clarity and getting through the fluff to the points that matter.

There was a theme across the conference about innovating with confidence. The keynote set about explaining what this means and the backstory behind how we got to where we are today.

Ultimately IT professionals are now responsible for delivering the dreams of the organisation and its leaders. But delivering the dreams isn’t enough on its own it needs to be done in a managed and secure way.

To deliver these dreams, IT and business professionals have turned to SaaS applications and multiple cloud resources to achieve what is needed. Whilst these disparate resources have allowed for an increase in innovation and a reduction in time to value, it has led to massive complexity around security and data protection.

Mirchandani explained that your data has a higher value to not only you but also attackers, which has led to an increased need to protect and secure.

He explained that IT professionals need the right tools to gain control of these disparate workloads, offering the confidence to the business that they can innovate with confidence whilst IT ensures that everything is professionally managed, protected, and secure. These tools are exactly what Commvault sets to deliver.

Several technologies were discussed to help with this overall goal. This included Metallic Threatwise, an early warning system that proactively baits, deceives, and surfaces bad actors. Threatwise makes it harder for hackers to find your organisation’s valuable data, reducing their dwell time to help ensure you aren’t compromised. This was a completely different approach from those I have heard of before, especially for it to be included as part of a data management platform. I look forward to digging more into this in the future.

Also discussed was Commvault’s breadth of portfolio, offering protection across not only a wide range of solutions but also across on-premises and cloud technology with a unified management solution in their Command Center product.

It was clear that Commvault’s approach focuses on simplicity and flexibility across its portfolio.

You can see my doodle from the keynote below, covering the key elements that stood out to me.

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My second session at ChefConf 2022 was ‘Config Management Isn’t Dead’ by Brittney Woods, Manager - Server Automation, H&R Block.

This was a great session based on Brittney’s learned experiences using Chef for config management across multiple roles. Brittney is a fantastic presenter and hopefully, we get to meet her hermit crab and hamster in her next presentation 😄.

This really is a session you must watch to get the most out of the content

https://prgress.co/3cSJtgI

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My main take ways from this session were as follows

1. Configuration Management is about much more than deployment alone. It is about continuously managing you configuration. Only with good config management and compliance can you understand drift over time and ensure your solutions remain in compliance.

2. Configuration management is about much more than just VMs. Configuration management extends to containers and the cloud as well.

3. Using configuration management to manage images for VMs and containers can ensure compliance and expedite delivery.

4. Configuration management can and should be integrated with infrastructure automation platforms like Terraform.

5. Chef can be used to ensure that your resources always comply with CIS benchmarks and DISA-STIGs etc

6. Config Management is a critical component to allow the barrier for entry to be lowered for developers who need to innovate faster whilst ensuring security and compliance

Watch the session for yourself

https://prgress.co/3cSJtgI

Disclaimer: Tech Doodles through Tech Crossing Limited has been paid by Progress to create content covering ChefConf22. Whilst Tech Crossing Limited and the authors of this blog post have been paid to create the content, there has been no influence or editorial control by Progress.

The first session I attended at ChefConf 2022 was the roadmap session with Prashanth Nanjundappa, VP of Product Management Progress Chef.

You can watch the session yourself at the link below.

https://prgress.co/3ARHT6N

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Prashanth was joined by his colleagues to review the progress they have made over the last year and their plans for the year ahead.

Presenting alongside Prashanth was:-

Stephen Blankenship - Principal Product Manager - Infra, Desktop and Application Delivery

Sharan Rayakar - Principal Product Manager - Compliance and Security

Nischal Reddy - Principal Product Manager - Platform and Cloud

Looking Back

Over the last year, it was discussed how there had been a focus on making the products easier to use as well as ensuring they deliver quicker time to value.

To this end the following features have been worked upon or improved over the last year.

1. Flexible deployment models

   1. On-Premises

   2. Chef SaaS

   3. Marketplace Deployments (Azure and AWS)

   4. High-Availability Deployment Models

2. Automation of Infra Views

   1. Allowing users to undertake increased management tasks from the UI rather than just the command interface. This makes the product easier to use and to pick up for inexperienced users whilst advanced users can continue to use the command interface.

3. Data Feed

   1. Send Chef Client Run and Compliance Scan data to 3rd party tools like IT Asset Management and Config management solutions.

      1. Webhook Integrations

         1. ServiceNow

         2. Splunk

         3. ELK

         4. Custom

      2. Storage Integrations

         1. Amazon S3

         2. minio

4. IoT and Edge Management

   1. Using Chef Habitat to manage all applications and dependencies across and IoT estate.

      1. This has been proven to save management time and increase efficiencies.

5. Chef Cloud Security - Chef CSPM

   1. Chef Cloud Security allows users to assess their cloud infrastructures in AWS, Azure and GCP against up-to-date best practise and compliance guidelines.

   2. Container orchestration platforms such as Docker and Kubernetes are also supported.

6. New Audit and Remediation Content for Chef Compliance

   1. A large amount of new audit and remediation content has been added to Chef Compliance, allowing support for new and updated OS’s and Apps.

Looking Forward

As the session turned to look at the roadmap there was a discussion regarding how Progress had engaged with their users and the Chef community to decide upon the roadmap items. The highest voted requests were, Easy upgrades, support for scheduling push jobs, integration with IT operational support systems, support for agentless models and the ability to manage container environments.

Based upon this feedback the forward-looking roadmap is going to focus on the following three areas 1. Ease of Use and Upgrades, 2. Job Orchestration and 3. Hybrid Cloud and SaaS. It was explained how moving forward they are going to take a platform approach building a unified and extendable Enterprise Automation Platform.

Key messages from the roadmap included

• General Availability of Chef SaaS at the beginning of 2023

• Persona-related insights to be added to Compliance and Security, allowing users to identify relevant insights quickly and to remediate as required.

• Chef CPSM will have improved flows with fewer clicks allowing quicker time to value across an increasing number of cloud resources.

• The Chef Client will support rolling updates and centralised management with the ability to support two client versions simultaneously for cookbook compatibility.

• Job Orchestration Service - Will have a push-centric model with granular control allowing jobs to be run on a reoccurring basis with exception supported. It will also support jobs to be run based upon conditions.

• Workstation will have the introduction of a frequent actions UI

  • Based upon user research, it will enable new team members and non “Chef experts” to be productive in Chef faster.

Watch the session: https://prgress.co/3ARHT6N

Conclusion

It was interesting to hear directly from the people managing the products, learning what had been implemented over the last year and the direction of the products moving forward. I was impressed by how the product roadmap had been driven by direct feedback from the users and the community.

It was clear there is a big focus on ease of use and value to the users. I particularly like the sound of the SaaS platform for ease of adoption, the persona-based insights, and the ability to check cloud infrastructure compliance quickly and easily.

You can watch the session yourself at the link below.

https://prgress.co/3ARHT6N

Disclaimer: Tech Doodles through Tech Crossing Limited has been paid by Progress to create content covering ChefConf22. Whilst Tech Crossing Limited and the authors of this blog post have been paid to create the content, there has been no influence or editorial control by Progress.

Recently I joined Commvault to discuss the challenges with data protection as organisations embrace the cloud.

You are able to watch the recent webinar where I spoke on this subject alongside Commvault’s Marc Lucas and Ronnie Kaftal here >> Commvault-Spotlight on Digital Transformation.

The doodle below summarises the areas for discussion in the webinar.

Most of us at the moment are seeing fast adoption of cloud based services such as SaaS like Microsoft 365 or IaaS with platforms like Azure, AWS, Google Cloud and more. Whilst these services help organisations accelerate innovation and remove the burden of many administrative functions, there is still the need to manage and protect the data.

In this situation it isn’t uncommon for many point fix solutions to be implemented. This fixes the problem in a specific area but equally leads to a fragmentation of points of management, policy and monitoring.

This is where Commvault comes in unifying data management and protection across on-premises and the cloud, across tradition applications and modern applications.

Metallic is Commvault’s data management as a service platform, it uses the same code base as the on-premises version but delivered a full cloud service and importantly you have a single point of management on-premises and in the cloud with their Control Center management plane.

Operators further get to choose where the data they wish to protect is stored with three different storage plane options.

1. Full SaaS storage plane delivered as part of the service in a local Azure Region or with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

2. Bring your own storage from private cloud, public cloud or on-premises options.

3. Commvault’s HSX appliances .

During the webinar we saw how the Metallic platform allowed data to be managed across all infrastructure and application areas.

• Demo One - Backup of a VM rom Nutanix being recovered to Azure

• Demo Two - An Azure VM being backed-up to Metallic Cloud Storage and recovered to AWS

• Demo Three - A SQL server database on-premises being recovered to a cloud based PaaS solution

• Demo Four - Kubernetes and Database backup via Metallic.

Conclusion

It has been really good to work with Commvault to understand their offerings for hybrid-cloud management. Commvault aren’t a company that has gone and acquired companies to fix gaps in their portfolio, they have built the integrations from scratch and importantly unlike some others this results in a single management plane.

If you would like to learn more about Metallic you can check out the website below

SaaS Backup & Recovery Solutions for Data Protection & Compliance (metallic.io)

Disclaimer: Tech Doodles through Tech Crossing Limited has been paid by Commvault to create content covering the Metallic product set. Whilst Tech Crossing Limited and the authors of this blog post have been paid to create the content, there has been no influence or editorial control by Commvault.

Dell Tech World 2022 was important for two reasons. First, this was the first Dell Tech World since the spin-off of VMware. Second this was one of the first major in person tech conferences since the start of the COVID pandemic.  

I didn’t make it out to Vegas this year but tuned in online, after all we are now in the era of flexibility and freedom. Attend any major conference, from anywhere and on any device or something like that.  

As a long time, VMware vExpert, Dell Partner and Technologist, keeping up to date with what is going on in the world of infrastructure is of high importance to me.  

There were several themes covering Dell Tech World 2022, these being flexible and hybrid working, multi-cloud, cyber protection or resilience and the power of data.  

During Michael Dell’s Monday keynote, he spoke about the on-prem / off-prem debate being over. He said that the future is in multi-cloud with data flowing seamlessly across.   

90% of customers already have workloads on-premises and in public clouds and 75% are using three or more clouds 

Michael Dell – Dell Tech World 2022 Keynote 

Dell wants to be the leader in multi-cloud and at the edge. He spoke about the rise in use cases such as IoT and highly automated environments requiring new edge computing solutions near the source of the data. This is an area Dell will be able to excel in due to their hardware offerings and close relationship with VMware despite the spin-off.  

10% of data today is processed outside of datacentres, but by 2025 75% of enterprise data will be processed at the edge.  

Michael Dell – Dell Tech World 2022 Keynote 

However due to this growth in data, Michael Dell explained that the attack surface will also be bigger for cyberattacks.  

Ransomware attacks are the #1 threat for most organisations and are occurring every 11 seconds. With an average cost of $13m per occurrence.   

Michael Dell – Dell Tech World 2022 Keynote 

Dell have been innovating in these spaces and desire to create an end-to-end integrated path. What really stood out for me at Dell Tech World was many of the big announcements were all about services or software. Dell, a well-known hardware giant is certainly investing a lot in these areas to be relevant in this multi-cloud as-a-service world.  

Central to this is Dell APEX, Dell’s as-a-Service portfolio. Michael Dell spoke about APEX being focused on business outcomes and being accessible to developers. APEX was announced last year at Dell Tech World as a companywide transformation to as-a-Service. Chuck Whitten spoke of the principles of APEX being simplicity, agility and control in the multi-cloud world.   

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Previously announced within the APEX portfolio was APEX Cloud Service with VMware Cloud and APEX Backup Services.  

At Dell Tech World ‘22 we saw the announcement of APEX Cyber Recovery Services with the promise of further APEX services to come including high-performance computing, machine learning operations, VDI and more.  

APEX Cyber Recovery Services is run and managed by Dell, offering a secure immutable cyber recovery vault for workload replication. Customers should be able to be reassured of their ability to recover from a cyberattack whilst benefiting from being able to offload the day-to-day tasks to Dell.  

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But the innovation towards multi-cloud didn’t end there. There were announcements from both the data protection and storage divisions further embracing integration with the public cloud.   

CyberSense for AWS – Uses adaptive analytics, machine learning and forensic tools to detect, diagnose and help with cyber recovery operations. Dell say this will allow you to diagnose and recover quickly within AWS.  

PowerProtect Cyber Recovery for Azure – Available from the Azure marketplace next month, this will allow you to isolate and protect workloads from ransomware attacks. You will get an isolated data centre environment via an isolated recovery vault. Data is replicated from production with minimal access for data protection. When it comes to recovery you can recover on-premises or within Azure.  

Also demonstrated at the conference was Project Alpine. Project Alpine offers Software Defined Storage capabilities to expand Dell’s storage portfolio to the cloud. Demonstrated was the ability to connect storage from a PowerStore device to the public cloud. Google Cloud, Azure and AWS were shown on screen during the demo.  

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The final big announcement was regarding a partnership with Snowflake, a cloud data platform vendor. With this partnership users of Dell’s object storage will be able to move data to Snowflake’s cloud platform for analytics and warehouse capabilities. Secondly, you will be able to leverage snowflakes capabilities on-premises without the need to move the data. 

For me, Dell Tech World is a positive step in the right direction for Dell. They are wanting to maximise their capabilities and reach with their hardware solutions by embracing the public cloud with their software solutions and services capabilities. For me it now all comes down to the execution and how we see these solutions being delivered and utilised by the customers. I look forward to seeing the Project Alpine and the APEX solutions in action.