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!

After a busy week at VMware Explore 2022, we wanted to reflect on our week. We discuss our experience of being back at live events, what sessions we enjoyed, what we have learnt and of course the key take aways.

Check out our video below to hear our final thoughts.

My second day of VMware Explore was just as jam-packed as day one. I started the day by attending the Microsoft Keynote, hosted by Jeff Woolsey.

Jeff discussed how over the past two years, we have gone through unprecedented change and how this has shifted our focus and objectives as an industry. One message that resonated with me and reflected what VMware presented in the general session, is the message around a cloud smart strategy. Jeff discussed how it is unrealistic to believe that we will have all apps and data in the public cloud, but actually the reality is that we will use hybrid & multi-cloud.

The two key technologies discussed in the session were Azure VMware Solution (AVS) and Azure Arc for vSphere.

Azure VMware Solution

Jeff discussed how AVS allows you to run a vSphere environment within Azure. Therefore, you are able to use the familiar VMware infrastructure you know (and love), within the cloud. Throughout the session, Jeff discussed different use cases where AVS can be extremely beneficial.

The first use case was for organisations that want to migrate their workloads to Azure with simplicity and ease. This may be good for people that are starting their cloud journey or that need to move their workloads to the cloud quickly. The most important factor that Jeff stated and emphasised was that with any move to the cloud, it should always be planned correctly. This resonated with the ‘cloud smart’ message from VMware.

The second use case was to be used for Disaster Recovery. With AVS, you are able to replicate your vSphere workloads on-premises to Azure.

Azure Arc

Azure Arc simplifies governance and management by delivering a consistent multi-cloud and on-premises management platform. Arc allows you to configure, manage and secure your environments regardless of where they are located.

Jeff discussed how this technology is able to save organisations time and resource as it is all centrally managed, allowing teams more time to innovate. We also saw a customer case study from Greggs. It was interesting to hear first-hand how this food chain was using Azure Arc to free up their time to be able to innovate and plan for the future.

It was great to learn more about these technologies and ultimately, it was great to see how Microsoft and VMware are coming together to give customers the best experience, regardless of the technology they use.

vSphere 8 updates

Following this session, I attended the overflowing vSphere 8 session to learn more about the new innovations and features that are introduced with vSphere 8. There was lots covered so I have summarised the key announcements:

• vSphere 8 introduces a cloud consumption interface bringing self-service access to IaaS

• vSphere 8 builds a flexible and open ecosystem of DPU solutions

• vSphere 8 supports higher complexity AI & ML workloads

• vSphere 8 allows you to monitor your workload power consumption so that you can make sustainable adjustments where necessary

In the afternoon, I took the time to explore the expo floor. It was good to learn more about what VMware partners are doing to innovate and ultimately help their customers. There was a lot to learn about the new products from partners and some great conversations about the industry. In my opinion, this is a key element that we miss at virtual events and is great to be able to immerse myself in the industry again.

And lastly, as always, it was great to attend the VMware party. This year, the band was Simple Minds, who put on a great show and of course it was great to catch up with more of the community. I am looking forward to the last day today and learning even more!

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @BizTechMeg to keep up with my live snapshots, short vlogs and more throughout the event!

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.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @BizTechMeg to keep up with my live snapshots, short vlogs and more throughout the event!

Today was the first day of VMware Explore 2022. The event was kicked off with a general session which is always a great opportunity to learn more about VMware’s vision, key announcements and new technology.

The session was kicked off with VMware’s CEO, Raghu Raghuram. Raghu’s key message of the session was focused on shifting focus from a ‘cloud first’ approach to a ‘cloud smart’ approach. VMware found that many with a cloud first approach actually didn’t achieve what they wanted to as effectively or efficiently as they would like. This ineffective cloud first approach has now led to cloud chaos!

Raghuram believes companies that adopt a cloud smart approach can move from disparate teams to a consistent cloud strategy, providing better experiences and a more secure strategy.

The keynote moved quickly with lots of content and announcements from a number of great speakers. Some of the key messages and announcements were:

• How we need to innovate to reduce energy costs and ultimately help ourselves in the future

• vSAN 8 & vSphere 8 are Generally Available (GA) as of today

• That VMware Cross Cloud services give you consistent experiences across any cloud and we need to accept that it is inevitable that businesses will use multiple clouds, not just one.

• Flexible working is here to stay and 75% of organisations recognise the Digital Employee Experience needs to be a top priority

• That organisations need not only to try and prevent Ransomware attacks but have the right tools in place to recover from an attack. An attack happens every 11 seconds, so you need to be able to recover to a good point as quickly as possible. VMware Ransomware Recovery can help.

• And there were some great customer stories from Mclaren and Llyods Banking about how VMware have allowed them to innovate and improve their experiences

Following the general session, I attended an influencer & press panel session with a number of VMware execs, hosted by Joe Baguley. It was great to hear a little more about the company’s vision and get some real detailed answers about various areas of the organisation, building upon what we heard in the general session.

There were great questions and discussions about the Broadcom acquisition, reducing carbon footprint, security and more and it was great to get these insights from the exec’s first hand.

After some lunch and a catch-up with the community, I joined the EUC solutions keynote hosted by Shankar Iyer. The key message from this session was focused on how work has fundamentally changed, and we need to adapt to ensure that the employee experience is consistent and personalised to enable employees to work effectively.

Shankar discussed how organisations also need to bring together experience and security and make sure they are balanced. Many don’t get this balance right and it can either put too much emphasis on security, negatively impacting the experience, or prioritising experience over security and putting your business at risk.
A big focus of session was about automation and how with automated tools and processes, we are able to do more with less. There were some great customer stories and demonstrations that discussed and showed how these organisations are using automation to improve experiences without impacting security.

Lastly, Shawn Bass was on stage demonstrating and discussing some of the Workspace ONE technologies and the autonomous workspace in action. This was a great insight into how this technology can work and actually see some real benefit it can bring organisations.

Whilst my brain was full of content and I was busy digesting all that I had already heard throughout the day, I took a lap around the solutions exchange to learn more about what is happening in the industry. Tomorrow, I want to spend longer in the solutions exchange to learn more about how these VMware partners are enabling businesses and improving experiences, whether that is related to cloud, employee experiences or security.

I am already excited for another day of exploring tomorrow!

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @BizTechMeg to keep up with my live snapshots, short vlogs and more throughout the event!