As the VMworld Turns

By Aaron Sweemer
published: Saturday, September 13 2008

Man, how time flies!  It's been almost 9 months since I joined VMware as a Senior Systems Engineer and at that time, it seemed like VMworld would never come.  But in the blink of an eye, VMworld is here!  It's a very exciting time as this is the virtualization event of the year.  Over 14,000 virtualization industry professionals are expected to trounce the Venetian for three days of exhibits, labs, breakout sessions, key note speeches, special invitation only meetings and parties, leaving nothing but virtual insanity in their wake.  Ah yes, the parties!  Almost every vendor with a few extra marketing bucks is throwing a party and inviting everyone in sight, hoping the lure of liquor and rock bands will get the attention of someone with the authority to purchase their wares.   There will be liquor, there will be dancing, there will be ... well, let's just say, 14k attendees are gonna party like full on rock stars.

Technically VMworld is still a few days away.  As I write this, it's early Saturday morning and I'm currently 30,000 feet above sea level on my way to Atlanta where I have a 3 hour layover before jetting off to fabulous Las Vegas, the location of this year's event.  My wife and I are heading out a few days early to visit with some of my dear friends who live in Las Vegas and to catch a few rolls at the craps table before my VMware responsibilities kick in Monday morning. 

My goal is to try and complete 2 to 3 posts per day, describing the event and relaying exciting news as the week unfolds.  And speaking of exciting news, as a VMware employee I have the fortuitous privilege of knowing much of what will be revealed this week.  Of course, I can't post anything until news is officially made public.  But believe me when I tell you, a ton of crazy wicked cool stuff is going to be announced this week by VMware and our partners.  So if you're not attending the event, stay tuned and check back here often.