VMworld Europe 2016 – Build up

So the time has come for another VMworld.  I’m writing this as I sit in an airport on my way off to Barcelona.

I feel like this VMworld could be different to ones that I’ve been to previously.  I think that VMware will be making some big announcements at the European conference this week… Most notably could be the announcement of the general availability of vSphere 6.5.  Obviously this is only rumour but vSphere 6.5 has been in beta for a number of months and was tipped to be announced at the US conference.  As it happens, the announcements at the US conference didn’t include the vSphere announcement and many feel that the announcements weren’t that significant.  The Europe conference has often been seen as the poor brother of the US conference simply because all of the main announcements are always made at the US conference.  I think that VMware may look to buck this trend this year with the vSphere 6.5 announcement taking place at the Europe conference.

Other interesting items is that it is believed that Michael Dell may appear on stage with Pat Gelsinger during the general session on Tuesday.  Although this is the first year that VMware has been part of Dell, I think that we’ll begin to see more influences from Dell within VMware during this conference and over the coming year… Even though VMware is going to continue to function independently.

Anyone who knows me will know that I have always been a big fan and supporter of Veeam.  This year sees Veeam hit a big milestone, they turn 10 years old.  I’ve been using their Backup & Replication software since version 3 and was one of the first to utilize the software in the UK… I’ve seen many changes with the company and the software since those early days and it just keeps getting better and better.  I wish everyone at Veeam the very best for the future and also recognize the people that helped Veeam in the earlier days before moving on to other things.  I’m also looking forward to helping Veeam celebrate their birthday at their VMworld Europe party.

As I edge closer to my flight leaving, my thoughts turn to Barcelona and the welcome that everyone seems to get during every visit… I also think about the fact that there is the Barcelona vs Manchester City football match on Wednesday.

Anyway, time for me to go now.