Storage Nation

Phew – I hate tap-dancing around things, and I’ve been saying “project Redwood” for too long.  I’m glad the name got changed to vCloud Director – “vCloud Service Director” was a mouthful (note that the builds right before VMworld still have the old name).

Customer interest in active/active datacenters is through the roof – it’s a compelling idea. We’ve got a little pile of VPLEX/vTeleportation sessions at VMworld – I’m doing PC8051 with Beth Phalen, who is the VP who owns the product (which covers practical questions, how it works, but also shows where we are going).   Scott Lowe is doing session TA8101 (which is very focused on do’s, don’ts and best practices in these active/active datacenter use cases. The VMware KB article that covers how EMC VPLEX supports VM HA stretched cluster also went up, you can read it here . I remain convinced that we (VMware and the storage community) have more work to do (specifically around VM HA details discussed in our sessions, as well as partition handling at the VMware and storage layers) before I would personally do this myself.  But we decided that people were going to do stretched clusters, so it was more useful to be explicit about how to do it, pitfalls to be aware of.   The solution spot that is a rock right now is VMotion between clusters.

How’s that for a headline?

My team have something cooking I have NO IDEA about…   Nothing like a surprise! ( I love it gang!) This is some sort of teaser video… For what it’s worth – the whole crew is rolling in…  If you see someone that looks friendly, say hello, and ask them if they are part of the VMware Affinity team at EMC (vSpecialist = field people, but there are others), if they say “yes”, ask them to buy you and your friends a round Here’s a small group of us at the Marriott Marquis – having a good time before the marathon starts…   What’s cool (if you ask me – ever country, continent, role and responsibility – ranging from people who write IETF/IEEE drafts to people who sell are actually in that one shot – and they are all having fun together.  LOVE IT.

Here it is in an nutshell – print out, and have it handy!  It captures the key sessions/content over the week we are leading/participating/supporting.

For the second year running, I’ve decided to hold a 2nd party…. The first is the EMC customer appreciation party @ Temple ( 540 HOWARD ST – 2 blocks from Moscone Center), Tuesday August 31, 2010 6:30-10:30pm.   We’re developing a solid rep that other than the rave, this is the party to be at VMworld    You can go here for the details , but warning, all the seats have been filled – in fact we’re WAY over, and bumping against the fire code for the building (like any good party should be – standing room only).

For the last two years, I hold an open (but anonymous) survey on this blog – and try to do it before VMworld.  The answers I get are enlightening, and help provide context to me as I prep content for VMworld.    This year’s survey is here: Customers – with VMworld 2010 around the corner… what’s on your mind?

With VMworld 2010 coming (my goodness, I have 4 sessions, 3 of which are repeated – gasp.   So.  Much.  Work. To.  Do!), I wanted to ask my readers what’s on their minds VMware-related.   It’s always good to know.  I talk to customers every day, but rarely do much analysis of anecdotal stuff I observe. So – would love to hear from you!   I’ve made a quick little survey.   You’d be surprised how far reaching the last one went within EMC and VMware – so it’s a good chance to have your voice heard.   What’s your IT infrastructure look like

A really great EMC partner, Nexus IS, has built a really cool VDI centric lab where customers can really see and learn. As a partner of many technology leaders – you’ll get a chance to see this across many vendors, and compare VMware View and Citrix. They run these on an ongoing basis, and if you’re in the central US, and thinking about client virtualization – you should check it out.  If you’re near Minneapolis/St. Paul and Wed, August 18th, 2010 – 10-4pm works for you…  Register at the link below… it will be worth your while!

Sure, VMworld is about learning.   It’s also about networking with people – friends, colleagues, customers, and even respected competitors.   Heck – I’m in full on cram mode now.   We are prepping content, kit to support the hands-on-labs, finalizing face-melting demos, giveaways (1 iPad per hour), and much, much more.   Hey, I’m getting daily “where is your content” nag emails (well deserved!) from the VMworld crew. but – it’s also about having a little fun while saying THANK YOU to the customers Since I started being “Mr. VMware at EMC” – one thing I said to Joe was “I want EMC to not only win in the VMware context on our own merits, but have fun while doing it!” So… here are details on the VMworld 2010 EMC/VMware customer appreciation party… Read on (including how to get an invite)…   Where :   (Temple) 540 HOWARD ST (2 blocks from Moscone Center) When: Tuesday August 31, 2010 6:30-10:30pm What: EMC’s Customer appreciation party – our chance to have fun, and thank EMC customers and partners.   There will be great food, two open bars, and in general – a good fun time Who: It’s by invite – only up to 500 people – have your EMC team reach out to their vSpecialists and Brittany Coulson.