VMUG at VMware Explore Barcelona

There was plenty of news for VMware User Group members to be excited about at VMware Explore Barcelona, which was alive with VMware users from across Europe and beyond.

During the general session, Broadcom announced new VMware portfolio innovations, services, and partnerships to help customers succeed in their cloud transformations, and to harness the power of AI.

The news I'm most excited about is how VMUG Advantage is evolving under Broadcom, and how we now have the ability to get full VCF licenses for our home labs. This will accelerate utilization and adoption of the full cloud operating model.

The alignment of VMUG and Broadcom is critical as we move to a cloud operating model. It takes more than tech to implement such a huge move; people and process are key. VMUG is here to help along the way.

It's worth noting that Broadcom is listening to VMUG members and customers. Just before Explore Barcelona, Broadcom announced a new SKU bringing back VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus, something members have been asking for.

The general session speakers featured Broadcom execs who have also supported and presented at VMUG UserCons around the world this year, including Chris McCain, Chris Wolf, and, of course, Hock Tan.

VMUG was out in force in Barcelona, helping members get the most out of their VMware solutions. The event, as well as VMware Explore Las Vegas in August, gave me a renewed sense of optimism as we look forward to 2025. Many of Broadcom's transition changes are complete. Now we understand the full breadth of the VMware portfolio powered by Broadcom.

Buckle up, it's going to be a fun 2025!