VMworld 2014 Roundup: Day 1

Utter Madness

This year I gave myself a reprieve from the crush that is the opening of the doors to the Solutions Exchange for the VMworld Welcome Reception. Instead I occupied my time in the VMworld Store, picking up two books I’ve had my eye on: “Virtualizing SQL Server with VMware”, by Michael Corey, Jeff Szastak and Michael Webster and “Networking for VMware Administrators” by Chris Wahl and Steven Pantol. Do you have SQL in your environment? Do you have networking in your environment? Well then you have no reason not to pick up these excellent tomes.

Books secured I ventured down to the Solutions Exchange floor and into the cacophony that is food, booze and sales. I understand and appreciate the nature of the Solutions Exchange, however it can be at it’s most rauckus after it first opens and the lead generation tickers begin. There’s gold to mined there and it’s worth the venture, especially if you have a plan in mind regarding who you want to talk to and about what.

I was quite pleased to pick up a copy of the PernixData Press vSphere Design Pocketbook 2.0 Blog Edition book. It’s full of excellent information from a great selection of authors. I am humbled to have been included among their number. Make sure you stop by the PernixData booth to pick up your copy.

Friends Both Old and New

The day was capped off by the VMUnderground party. Think of it as a combination of a quiet house party and family reunion. While people enjoy beverages and snacks, old friends get together to welcome each other back to VMworld, and new friends are made as introductions are made. I managed to catch up with a few folks better known to me, as well as chat with a number of new people. Some were community folks I wanted to introduce myself to, and others were not as well known to me but just as welcome and welcoming. A quick shout out to Jason and Phil, with whom I had very interesting discussions about Canada, fast food joints, the tech behind the modern cinema experience and digital telephony systems. Only at the VMUnderground do these topics go together, and well!

Wrap Up

Another one in the can. Time to get ready to see what’s in store in tomorrow’s general session. VMware’s sure to expand on their announced rebranding of vCHS to vAir, plus we’re likely to be introduced to VMware’s new convergence product offering. It should be a fun and interesting time. See you there!