VMware Explore 2024: Change, Commitment, and a Clear Path Forward

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.