VMware Explore Chock-Full of Multicloud News for Partners

VMware this week is holding its annual conference, which now goes by VMware Explore rather than VMworld.

First, to address the elephant in the virtual room: Attendees may be listening and hoping for updates on the pending Broadcom acquisition. However, we advise readers not to hold any collective breath. In various pre-briefings leading up to VMware Explore, the company has remained steadfast in its decision not to discuss the $61 billion deal. Top executives may touch on the agreement during their keynote speeches this week, but do not expect deep details. Much of the reason, of course, pertains to the standard quiet period that kicks in when publicly traded companies undergo M&A. In fact, for that reason, VMware did not hold an earnings call on Aug. 25 regarding its second-quarter results. (Profit declined, though not as sharply as analysts had predicted.)

Product Focus

Instead, expect VMware Explore to focus on product enhancements and launches, especially as those that pertain to cloud computing. VMware is full-steam ahead on getting out of its legacy, one-time-purchase model and into the more lucrative software-as-a-service world. The company continues to make strides on that front, including within its newly revamped channel partner program. Executives who have spoken with Channel Futures in recent months keep reiterating the theme that everything VMware does is aimed at producing recurring revenue for shareholders.

With that in mind, look for a plethora of news to come out of VMware Explore this week. (Channel Futures is onsite in San Francisco and will have daily coverage.) To kick off the event, we’ve compiled the most channel-relevant announcements. And, no surprise here, pretty much everything revolves around multicloud. Click the slideshow above to dive in to this year’s VMware Explore happenings.