Here are my final thoughts on my first VMworld conference:

• If going to the conference, try not to work. While this may not be easy, I found I missed a lot because of working related stuff
• If you are new to VMware technology and want to learn a lot, attend sessions and do as many labs as you can
• If you would consider yourself an advanced VMware administrator, only attend the advanced sessions and do labs that you have no experience with
• VMworld is also about networking. Be sure to find and schedule time with experts as well as introduce yourself to peers in the field
• Night activities are another great way to network. I would recommend checking out:
  • VMunderground - happens the Sunday before VMworld starts; be sure to register in advance though you can get tickets at the venue
  • vGeekFest - great EMC partners event by invitation; be sure to get tickets early as this event always sells out
  • Altor - a small, private party by invitation only
  • CA Associates - by far the best party at VMworld; be sure to get a wrist band at the solutions exchange
  • VMworld Party - largest party with plenty of fun events and games
• Listen to others around you as you can learn a lot. I overheard someone asking VMware personnel why certifications are being added, but training is not. They also suggested making the labs globally available for free training purposes.

The Keynote general session this morning had several presenters talking about the future of computing. Topics included:

• Interacting with the virtual world in the physical world (e.g. Minority Report)
• Creating the virtual world without a traditional computer, but other common appliances (e.g. a desk lamp)
• Controlling the virtual world with your mind (e.g. Yoda of the virtual world)

Here are some of my takeaways from the Day 2 Keynote at VMworld 2010:

• It is clear that Paul Maritz is betting on the cloud
• As was to be expected, vCloud Director was announced and released
• VMware is starting to focus on virtualizing security and networking
• Several announcements around vShield were made
• Project Verizon was announced

In addition, I noticed several shots taken at other companies. Including:

• Oracle - "What is the cloud?"
• iPhone - Fine phone when it works
• UCS + Vblock - No one will through out their existing infrastructure
• 3Par - How does it fit with Dell + VAAI?
• Microsoft - Hyper-what?

Here are some of my takeaways from Day 1 at VMworld 2010:

• The Moscone Center is all decked out and Howard Street is full of people
• The lines are long, the Internet is flaky, but at least my cell phone works
• If you want a seat, arrive really (>30 minutes) early
• It was a great day of sessions, networking, and vendor events
• People seem really excited about what VMworld and what the cloud has to offer
• Sessions and vendors mentioned vCloud Director, but no one could talk about it until tomorrow

The biggest announcement, which has not been official announced at VMworld yet is vCloud Director. I just discovered that all the information is now posted on the VMware site at http://www.vmware.com/products/vcloud-director/. Unless you have been living under a rock, this announcement should not come as a surprise tomorrow as people have been talking about it for months. Some luck beta testers (like me!) have already played around with this sure-to-be revolutionary product and are excited for its first GA release.

I just got back from the VMunderground VMworld 2010 Warm Up Party at the Thirsty Bear Brewing Co. and I must say that they definitely did open a can of W.U.P.a.a.S. While I was unable to secure a T-shirt due to not having an official invitation, I was able to secure a walk-in ticket and enjoy the party. The place was packed as I had expected and it really was a great networking opportunity. It was also a way to get some free stuff both at the party an afterwards (not going to give away the secrets). I would highly recommend checking this out in the future if you have not yet. I cannot wait for what VMworld 2010 will hold!