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!

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive VMware briefing in Barcelona, marking a significant moment following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. The day offered a blend of strategic updates, in-depth discussions about VMware’s new direction, and a unique opportunity to experience the buzz of the Formula 1 practice session at the Barcelona Circuit. Here’s a recap of what I learned and what it means for VMware’s future.

A Fresh Start: VMware’s Renewed Focus under Broadcom

The morning sessions began at a hotel in Barcelona, where Joe Baguley, now CTO EMEA at Broadcom, outlined VMware’s vision under Broadcom’s ownership. Many of us were keen to know what would change and what would remain consistent.

Joe’s message was clear: focus and simplicity. Post-acquisition, VMware is embracing a streamlined approach to its product offerings, centring around VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). By consolidating its focus into a single business unit, VMware aims to provide a platform that is easier to manage on-premises than in the cloud a bold statement for businesses navigating hybrid environments.

The key themes for the next year include further modernising infrastructure, creating a cloud-like experience for developers, and enhancing security and resilience. This strategy is all about making VMware’s core offerings more accessible and impactful, ensuring that customers can seamlessly manage their digital transformation journey while keeping operational complexity in check.

Investing in Innovation: AI and Cybersecurity Take Centre Stage

Joe’s presentation highlighted a renewed focus on innovation, with a strong emphasis on AI and cybersecurity. VMware is actively partnering with industry leaders like NVIDIA to simplify AI deployment. The goal is to enable businesses to harness advanced AI capabilities without the typical complexity, making it easier for organisations to leverage AI to gain a competitive edge in their industries. This aligns with the broader trend of businesses seeking to adopt AI solutions that are both powerful and user-friendly.

Spotlight on Symantec: A Bridge Between Acquisitions

Following Joe’s presentation, Clive Finlay took the stage to discuss Symantec’s journey under Broadcom’s ownership. As Symantec was acquired by Broadcom prior to VMware, Clive’s session offered valuable insights into how Broadcom has continued to invest in and evolve its cybersecurity portfolio.

Clive’s discussion was particularly interesting for two reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated Broadcom’s commitment to fostering innovation within its acquisitions. Even after the acquisition, significant resources have been allocated to enhancing Symantec’s capabilities, particularly in threat intelligence and data-centric security. It was a clear indication that Broadcom’s strategy goes beyond merely acquiring companies—it involves nurturing their growth.

Secondly, Clive highlighted how integrating Carbon Black into Symantec, under the Broadcom umbrella, is creating a more cohesive security solution. The combined strengths of Carbon Black’s proactive threat detection and Symantec’s comprehensive security suite provide customers with an adaptable and powerful solution to safeguard their environments. For many in the audience, this was a reassuring sign of the synergies being realised between these two powerhouse brands, delivering a seamless security experience that spans both cloud and on-premises environments.

Connectivity is Key: Broadcom’s Role in the New VMware

Throughout the briefing, there was a recurring emphasis on interconnectivity—the ability to seamlessly connect and secure data from the datacentre to the cloud and beyond. This is where Broadcom’s broader portfolio becomes a critical part of the story. With expertise ranging from technology in the mobile phones we use every day to data centre hardware, secure connectivity solutions, to F1 cars, Broadcom is enabling VMware to deliver a more integrated approach.

This integration is crucial for businesses that rely on hybrid models, allowing them to manage workloads more effectively across distributed environments. The message was clear: the future of VMware lies in its ability to leverage Broadcom’s strengths to create an ecosystem that supports both traditional IT and emerging technologies like AI.

From Strategy to Speed: The F1 Connection

After Clive’s presentation, the morning’s final session featured Chris Medland, an F1 journalist and broadcaster, who provided a unique perspective on the parallels between the fast-paced world of Formula 1 and the evolving tech landscape. His insights highlighted how data, precision, and speed are critical in both realms, making the connection between VMware’s approach to data management and the high-stakes environment of F1.

Chris’s talk highlighted how F1 teams rely on real-time data, with hundreds of sensors generating millions of data points every second. The analogy with VMware’s approach was striking. Just as an F1 team needs to analyse and respond to data quickly, businesses need solutions that allow them to adapt to changing conditions without missing a beat.

A High-Speed Future: What This Means for VMware Customers

The event left me with a sense of hope about VMware’s path forward after the disruption of the acquisition. Under Broadcom’s leadership, VMware is positioning itself as a leaner, more focused player in the enterprise IT space. The emphasis on simplifying operations while investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI makes VMware’s platform even more appealing for organisations looking to modernise their on-premises infrastructure.

The day at the F1 track wasn’t just about watching cars speed by; it was a fitting metaphor for VMware’s next chapter. With a streamlined product strategy, deepened security capabilities, and the support of Broadcom’s vast expertise, VMware is ready to accelerate into its future—faster, more focused, and prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Final Thoughts

Attending the VMware briefing in Barcelona provided valuable insights into the company’s evolution post-acquisition. With a renewed focus on innovation and simplicity, VMware is doubling down on what matters most to its customers—resilience, ease of management, and cutting-edge security. And just like the high-speed cars at the F1 track, VMware is geared up and ready for the next lap, confident in its ability to deliver value at every turn.

The general session is always a favourite of mine at VMware Explore because it gives such great insight into what the vision of VMware is, what the focus is for the organisation and of course, there is always some great announcements thrown in for good measure.

Check out the video below to hear my thoughts and what my key take aways were from the session this year.

Check out my Tech Snapshots that highlight some of the key statistics and messages from the session.