VMware Labs: A Year-Round Opportunity for Hands-On Training and Showcase

VMworld 2010 has undoubtedly been a roaring success, with attendees from all over the world flocking to the US and EU conferences to learn about the latest developments in virtualization technology. One of the most popular features of these events has been the labs, where participants can get their hands dirty and experiment with various VMware products without the need for local equipment or licenses. However, what if VMware could extend this opportunity beyond the confines of the conference?

The benefits of offering year-round access to the VMware labs are numerous. Firstly, it would provide customers and partners with a valuable resource for training and hands-on learning. This would not only help them become more proficient in using VMware products but also enhance their understanding of the technology and its applications. Additionally, it would serve as an excellent showcase for VMware’s core “cloud” services, demonstrating the enterprise readiness of their solutions and reinforcing their commitment to providing a robust and reliable cloud infrastructure.

Moreover, offering labs access on a regular basis could help build a more engaged and loyal customer base. By giving customers the opportunity to experiment with VMware products at their own pace, VMware can foster a sense of ownership and familiarity that may translate into increased sales and adoption of their solutions. Furthermore, it could also serve as a valuable channel for customer feedback, allowing VMware to refine their offerings based on real-world usage and experience.

From a business perspective, providing year-round access to the VMware labs makes strategic sense. By investing in this initiative, VMware can position itself as a leader in the virtualization market, further differentiating its products and services from those of its competitors. Additionally, it could also help to drive revenue through the sale of additional licenses, support, and training services.

Now, one may argue that offering year-round access to the VMware labs could be logistically challenging and potentially expensive. However, with a little creativity and innovation, these hurdles can be overcome. For instance, VMware could explore partnerships with cloud providers or hosting companies to offer remote access to their labs, thereby eliminating the need for physical infrastructure. Alternatively, they could leverage their existing network of partners and resellers to create a distributed lab setup that spans across different regions and time zones.

In conclusion, extending the VMware labs beyond the confines of the VMworld conferences would be an invaluable resource for customers and partners alike. By providing year-round access to hands-on training and experimentation, VMware can demonstrate its commitment to empowering its customers and showcasing the enterprise readiness of its cloud solutions. This initiative has the potential to drive revenue, build a more engaged customer base, and position VMware as a leader in the virtualization market. It’s time for VMware to take the wraps off this opportunity and give their customers and partners the chance to get their hands dirty all year round!