Virtual PC Guy at VMworld US 2009

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For the first time ever, I will be attending VMworld this year. 

Long time readers of my blog will know that, historically, I only talk about Microsoft’s virtualization products – and not about other virtualization software.  This has been a deliberate decision on my behalf; it was arrived at due to a couple of reasons:

  • Flame wars are neither fun nor productive.
  • I believe you would rather hear me talk about what is cool and interesting in my own products, than listen to me bash someone else’s work.
  • I want my blog to be a friendly place for people to go to.

That said; I am looking forward to this a lot.  A large part of my job at Microsoft is to understand what our users want to do with virtualization, and as such I spend a lot of time researching and following VMware (and all the other virtualization vendors out there).  I also spend a lot of time talking to VMware customers about what they do and do not like about VMware products.  Attending VMworld will be a great opportunity for me to talk face-to-face with many VMware users, and to hear from VMware about where they see virtualization going in the future.

While I am at VMworld I will be actively blogging / tweeting about things I see that are interesting, and what my thoughts are – as a Microsoft virtualization guy. 

It will still be my aim to keep my blog friendly, so most of the time you can expect to hear me talking about what Microsoft offers in the various spaces that VMware is pursuing, and how we view the playing field.  In fact, as I am preparing for this show, the catch line from Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke” seems to pop to my mind quite often.  My goal is to “see with eyes unclouded by hate…” and to have fun talking with people about cool technology (okay – that last bit is not from Princess Mononoke).

However, I am also a little nervous; as I am not deluding myself here.  This is VMware’s big trade show, and as the “Virtual PC Guy” this will be as close to hostile territory as I can get.

With all of this in mind – I have a few questions for my readers:

  • If you are going to VMworld, which sessions are you going to?  And which sessions do you think I should go to?
  • If you are not going to VMworld, what questions would you like me to be asking people?
  • I have not been to San Francisco in over 5 years, so do you know of any good Sushi restaurants near the Moscone Center?

Cheers,
Ben