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Things That Make You Go Hmmmm – Surprise! VMworld is a VMware Conference

May 31st, 2009 |

Author: Rich Brambley

The V12N community ache about the changes to the Exhibitors and Sponsors contract for VMworld 2009 is apparently still throbbing. The most recent gripes seem to be centered on 2 topics:

Whether or not VMware is being deceitful about calling VMworld an “Industry Event”.
VMware is restricting Microsoft and Citrix to 10×10 booths and asking them to keep their crowds and demonstrations within that defined space

Brian Madden has again ignited the blogisphere with his latest and third post on the topic.

VMworld post #3: Diverse ecosystem of competition is allowed and encouraged. Oh, you’re not a partner? Here’s your 10′x10′ booth

“The best part is that a provision in the sponsor agreement says that (1) exhibitor employees must remain in the boundaries of their booths, and (2) no crowds watching demos are allowed to spill out of the booth into the common traffic areas, and if they do, VMware reserves the right to “resolve the situation.” (I am absolutely not making that up.)

[Omitted]

Look, I understand this is a VMware conference, and as such, it’s VMware’s decision to do whatever they want. My problem is that they’re limiting the competition on one hand while at the same time claiming the event is an industry event on the other. That’s the BS that I hope stops.

The bottom line: I’m behind VMware’s decision to limit competition, but ONLY IF they stop calling this thing an industry conference and start calling it a VMware conference. Or, even better, maybe VMware will drop the 10×10 limit for non-partners and really open this up like they’re claiming it is already!”

It’s always been obvious to me that VMworld is a VMware conference. In fact, the VMworld 2009 home page doesn’t mention anything about industry equality or competition fairness.

“This year at VMworld 2009, discover how virtualization is revolutionizing the next generation of computing—providing efficiency and flexibility at a time when both are critical to the future of IT.
As the only event completely dedicated to virtualization, VMworld, brought to you by VMware, is your opportunity to:

Learn how VMware is transforming the datacenter and desktop into a flexible, reliable cloud infrastructure

Discover the best way to introduce more efficiency, control and choice to your organization

Connect with peers and virtualization thought leaders

Today it’s more important than ever for organizations to do more with less. VMworld 2009 is the place to discover how.”

The objectives of VMworld 2009 seem pretty clear cut to me. Furthermore, the VMworld 2009 Sponsors and Exhibitors page shows that most of THE INDUSTRY will be there.

News Flash: VMworld is an industry event because the virtualization industry cannot afford to miss it. The idea that VMware needs to cater to the competition is insane.
If the new contract verbiage and the 100 square foot limitation on the booth is upsetting, then be appreciative of the world spot light VMworld has created.

This also just in – There is an option to not attend VMworld 2009.

Other blogger reactions:

This VMworld Thing is Like Watching a Train Wreck – Scott Lowe

VMworld Exhibitor T&C – Storm in a proverbial teacup? – Mike Laverick

VMworld 2009 contract verbiage causes kerfuffle – SearchServerVirtualization.com

Is VMworld still open for competition or not? – UPDATED – Alessandro Perilli