At the bustling Shift event held in the iconic BAFTA in London, we were fortunate to engage in a profound conversation with Anna Griffin, the Chief Marketing Officer at Commvault. Our discussion shone a light on the exciting transition within IT, moving from traditional data protection methodologies to a comprehensive cyber resiliency strategy. With a palpable enthusiasm, we explored Commvault's proactive response to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

The Heart of Cyber Resiliency

Cyber resiliency has become the cornerstone of contemporary data protection strategies. Anna elaborated on how Commvault is navigating this pivotal shift, with a keen focus on integrating security within the data itself. This strategic move is indicative of Commvault's foresight in tackling the challenges of safeguarding data across the increasingly hybrid environments of today.

A Data-Centric Approach

The conversation highlighted the significance of adopting a data-centric mindset in today's dispersed data realms. Commvault is at the forefront, advocating for a unified protection strategy that alleviates the complexity of managing various security tools across different environments. This integrated approach is crucial in a landscape where data is scattered across multiple platforms, each presenting its own set of vulnerabilities.

Innovating Data Recovery

One of the most captivating aspects of our talk was discovering Commvault's pioneering work in cloud-based clean room recovery. This forward-thinking initiative enables organisations to test and affirm their recovery processes in a cost-effective and manageable way. It marks a significant advancement, empowering businesses to confidently navigate and recover from cyber incidents.

AI: Transforming Data Protection

The discussion wouldn't be complete without touching on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in data protection. Commvault is leading the charge in embedding AI into their platforms, transforming the way data protection is administered. AI acts as a co-pilot for administrators, offering recommendations, insights, and reducing the likelihood of human error. This integration marks a shift towards smarter, more efficient, and reliable data protection practices.

Conclusion

Our enlightening discussion with Anna Griffin at the Shift event was truly revelatory. Commvault's dedication to steering the data protection discourse towards cyber resiliency, their commitment to a data-centric security philosophy, and their innovative use of AI and cloud technologies underscore their leadership in the data protection realm.

As our conversation drew to a close, it was evident that Commvault is not merely adapting to changes in the IT landscape; they are actively shaping the future of data protection. Their approach to cyber resiliency is a proactive endeavour to ensure that businesses can not only survive but thrive in the digital era. Commvault's vision for a more secure, resilient, and intelligent digital ecosystem is not just aspirational; it's a reality they are diligently creating, making the digital world a safer place for businesses to innovate and expand.

Stepping into the BAFTA HQ for the Commvault SHIFT event felt like entering a nexus where the legacy of storytelling meets the cutting edge of technology. With walls echoing cinematic greatness and rooms sponsored by the Dolby family and Steven Spielberg, the stage was perfectly set for a narrative of transformation and forward-thinking strategy in cyber resilience.

As we've observed Commvault's transition from a data protection platform to a holistic cyber resilience solution, this event painted a vivid picture of that strategic evolution.

The Hybrid IT Landscape and the Commvault Cloud

Today's IT landscape is nothing short of hybrid – offering staggering business advantages but at the same time, bringing forth data fragmentation and complex management challenges. The day was filled with conversations around the ensuing chaos and the pivotal role of a cyber resilience platform like Commvault Cloud.

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NIST Framework in Focus

A significant part of the presentation revolved around the NIST framework, which is fundamentally a blueprint for improving cybersecurity and resilience. The framework lays out five key functions – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover – that help organisations develop a robust cybersecurity posture. The message was clear: whilst Indentify, Detect and Protect often takes the limelight, respond and recovery is just as crucial. The focus on thorough testing and robust recovery plans is not just recommended; it's essential.

Innovative Recovery with Cleanroom Technology

A standout feature that piqued interest was Commvault's cleanroom recovery functionality. In the event of a breach, the ability to swiftly and safely recover is paramount, and Commvault's solution facilitates this by enabling businesses to recover quickly into Azure. This isn't just about speed; it's about providing a controlled environment for both testing and actual recovery scenarios, automating the setup of the landing zone in the process.

Meet Arlie: The AI Virtual Assistant

Another highlight for me was the introduction of Arlie, Commvault’s AI virtual assistant. Arlie takes user interaction to a new level, providing insights and support embedded right into the AI. It's not just about delegating tasks; it's about empowering admins with the knowledge to carry out these tasks themselves – a truly educational approach that resonates with our belief in not just delivering solutions but also delivering knowledge.

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Conversations with the Commvault Team

The day culminated with an influencer and analyst session, offering us a golden opportunity to engage with Commvault's key team members. It was more than just a chance to see the technology – it was a window into the minds shaping the technology, understanding the 'whys' and 'hows', and witnessing the solutions in action.

Wrapping Up an Enlightening Day

As the event wrapped up, it was clear that Commvault is not just participating in the cyber resilience conversation; they're actively sculpting it. With the community buzzing, the Cleanroom Technology on the horizon, and the prospect of getting hands-on with Arlie, it’s safe to say we're not just excited – we're looking at the future of cyber resilience with eyes wide open.

In an era where digital threats are accelerating, Commvault's recent Shift event laid down the modern-day standard: the introduction of Commvault Cloud, powered by Metallic AI, signals a profound transformation from a data backup company to a cyber resilience authority.

Commvault Cloud emerges as a beacon of adaptability and scalability in cyber resilience. At the heart of this platform is a design that decouples the control and data planes, ensuring data security across many environments and storage platforms. The platform’s architecture embraces a distributed, hybrid world with fragmented workloads, apps, and data.

The crux of the Shift event was not just the unveiling of a platform but the introduction of Metallic AI, a suite of advanced AI capabilities. This sophisticated set of tools is geared towards providing the highest level of cyber resilience, combining the latest in machine learning with risk scanning and threat detection. The capabilities of Metallic AI extend to early identification of security threats and minimisation of their impact, leading to faster recovery times, intelligent quarantining, and the fastest path to a clean recovery.

You cannot overlook the statistics presented during the event: ransomware is anticipated to cost companies an astounding $30 billion by the end of 2023. Moreover, a staggering 99% of ransomware attacks target security and recovery tools. This backdrop makes Commvault’s advancements not only timely but essential.

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Commvault Cloud addresses these concerns head-on with features like Cleanroom Recovery and Cloudburst Recovery. Cleanroom Recovery combines Commvault Cloud’s robust platform architecture with application verification automation and the cloud capabilities of Microsoft Azure to deliver a clean, ransomware-free environment. Meanwhile, Cloudburst Recovery offers rapid restoration using massively parallel recovery techniques, leveraging the cloud's scale and cost efficiencies.

The event also showcased the power of unified management through Commvault Cloud. This global management capability allows for active control and visibility, which is essential for managing SaaS, edge, and on-prem environments. It streamlines compliance and simplifies the complex task of securing live and backed-up sensitive data. With the current climate of sophisticated cyber threats, such as AI-driven ransomware, the platform’s AI-driven threat prediction and anomaly detection position Commvault as a proactive defender.

But the technological prowess of Commvault Cloud goes beyond automated defences. Enter Arlie – the AI-driven resilience co-pilot. Arlie interprets technical complexities into comprehensible advice. Arlie provides context-aware walk-throughs, not only informing but also educating users, ensuring that every level of the organisation can contribute to cyber defence. Arlie aims to turn every Commvault user into a power user.

The Shift event didn't just articulate a product; it was an industry-wide call to recognise the evolution of cyber threats and the need for a resilient response. The message was clear: organisations need to be ready all the time, while bad actors only need to be ready once. This poignant observation underscores the critical need for a platform like Commvault Cloud, which offers quick recovery times and enhanced security, all within an intelligent and simplified management framework.

Commvault's Shift event was not just about a product launch but about setting a new standard for cyber resilience. Integrating Commvault Cloud with Metallic AI underlines a steadfast commitment to evolving cybersecurity measures. It’s a forward-thinking approach that recognises the dynamic nature of threats and the importance of agile recovery and robust defence mechanisms.

I look forward to being able to look further at the Commvault Cloud and particularly the capabilities of Arlie in the future. Check out more information about Commvault Cloud at the link below.

For over a decade, I’ve journeyed through the evolving world of VMware Explore, an event that has consistently set the bar for IT industry gatherings. This year, however, the experience took a different turn, one that reflects the shifting sands of our industry, particularly in light of Broadcom's impending acquisition of VMware. Join me as I recount my walk around the expo floor, a stroll that felt like a journey through the changing heart of our tech universe.

A Different Vibe in the Air

As I navigated through the stands of VMware Explore 2023, the change in atmosphere was palpable. Once the undisputed kingpin of IT events, it now shared the limelight with other significant gatherings. This shift wasn’t just physical; it was emblematic of a deeper change in the industry’s DNA, perhaps catalysed by the looming acquisition by Broadcom.

The Cloud Era Takes Centre Stage

Strolling around the expo, what stood out was the dramatic shift from the hardware-centric days of yore to a more cloud-centric narrative. The giants of cloud technology – Google, Microsoft, AWS, Oracle – dominated the scene with their impressive stands. This transition to a cloud-focused landscape wasn’t just observable; it was a vibrant, living testament to the industry’s current ethos.

Notable Shifts and Surprises

Amidst the large stands of the cloud hyperscalers, I noticed the evolving roles of traditional tech players. Dell, for instance, scaled back from diamond to gold sponsorship, a subtle but telling indicator of strategic realignment. The presence of companies like Pure Storage, showcasing their hardware, served as a reminder that while the cloud era is upon us, the foundations of hardware remain relevant.

Reflections on VMware’s Future

Every corner of the expo seemed to whisper questions about VMware's future under Broadcom. This acquisition is not just a business transaction; it’s a pivotal moment that could redefine VMware’s trajectory in the industry. How will this influence VMware's innovation path, its community, and its position as a trailblazer? These are questions that add a layer of intrigue to the event.

A Decade of Change and the Road Ahead

Reflecting on my decade-long journey with VMware Explore, it’s clear that the event has been a mirror to the industry's evolution. From the hardware-focused beginnings to today's cloud-dominated narrative, each year has been a chapter in a grand story of technological progress. This year, more than ever, I felt like I was walking through a moment of transformation, a pivotal chapter in our ongoing tech saga.

Final Thoughts

As I wrapped up my tour of the expo, it struck me how VMware Explore 2023 was more than just an event; it was a microcosm of the rapidly changing IT landscape. With the cloud era in full swing and significant corporate shifts underway, we’re standing at the cusp of an exciting, albeit uncertain, future in technology. I’m eager to see how VMware, under Broadcom, will navigate these changes and continue to shape our industry.

Stay tuned for more in-depth insights and stories from VMware Explore 2023. The journey through the ever-evolving landscape of technology continues, and there's much more to explore and discover. The path ahead is as exciting as it is uncertain, and I'm thrilled to share every step of this journey with you.

For the latest updates and deeper analysis of VMware Explore 2023, keep an eye on upcoming posts. We're not just witnessing the evolution of a company or an event; we're part of an industry-wide transformation that promises to redefine the way we interact with technology.

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At VMware Explore, I attended a session with Jeff Woolsey that delved into integrating Microsoft Azure and VMware technologies, including Azure Arc, Windows, and SQL Server. My TechDoodle provides a snapshot of the significant strides Microsoft is making alongside VMware.

Azure: Paving New Paths

Azure has taken impressive steps forward, showcasing a robust array of capabilities. Undoubtedly, the Azure VMware Solution offers organisations looking to leverage the cloud's potential while maintaining familiar environments the best way of achieving this fast. It is now good to see it is now available in the Azure Government offering for those that require it.

Azure Arc: Unity in Management

The general availability of Azure Arc for vSphere is a highlight worth noting. The promise of a unified management experience across diverse environments is now within grasp for customers. Azure Arc's ability to bring Azure’s management layer to any infrastructure is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to creating cohesive ecosystems.

The Enduring Value of Windows and SQL Server

This session reminded us of the enduring value of Windows Server and SQL Server. These platforms continue to evolve, ensuring they remain relevant and highly effective in a hybrid environment.

A Balanced Perspective

It's great to see Microsoft's collaboration with VMware yielding tangible results. The advancements in unified management and governance, as demonstrated by Azure Arc, are poised to enhance operational efficiency for many. As these technologies become generally available, the prospect for simplifying complex architectures becomes increasingly achievable.

Final Thoughts

For me this was one of the most enjoyable sessions of VMware Explore. Jeff has a brilliant, engaging style, and as I spend most of my time focusing on Microsoft technologies these days, it is great to see how these two areas of strategic technology for my customers can be united.

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The Spirit of Exploration: Charting New Territories in Tech and Life

At VMware Explore, I was captivated by a session that took us on a journey from the expansive reaches of outer space to the very oceans that cradle our planet. Sarah Cruddas, Alastair Humphreys, and Dee Caffari spoke not only of the pioneering spirit that drives us towards the stars but also of the tenacity that propels us across the waves and into the adventures that lie just outside our front doors.

The Cosmos as a Canvas for Innovation

Space journalist Sarah Cruddas eloquently painted space as the next business frontier, one where the leaps in technical innovation have vaulted us from the pages of science fiction into a reality where SpaceX rockets are almost routine. She shared a vision of a future where our exploration of space is not just about exploration but also about using space to sustain and expand our earthly enterprises.

Adventures in the Everyday

Alastair Humphreys introduced us to micro adventures – a philosophy that adventures don't have to span continents; they can be as simple and accessible as climbing a tree or savouring an adventurous cup of coffee. His approach reminds us that adventure is a mindset, not a destination, and it's one we can cultivate every day.

Navigating Our World’s Waters

Dee Caffari, a world-record-setting yachtswoman, brought her tales of adventure to the forefront. She spoke of the sailing voyage around the world, a team mission of people from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, united by a shared goal to combat the scourge of single-use plastics.

Dee's journey was not just about setting records but about raising awareness and tackling the environmental challenges that face us all. Her mission to measure microplastics across the world's oceans is a testament to the fact that grand adventures can also serve a grand purpose. It’s a poignant reminder that our explorations, whether leading us to the stars or across the seas, carry the power to effect real change.

The Unifying Message: Purposeful Exploration

What resonated deeply from these sessions is the idea that exploration, whether it’s in the vast vacuum of space, the great blue of our oceans, or within the microcosms of our daily lives, is driven by a sense of purpose. It’s about setting sail with intention, whether literal, as with Dee Caffari’s environmental odyssey, or metaphorical, as with Alastair’s micro adventures.

Embarking on Our Own Voyages

As I reflect on the insights from Sarah, Alastair, and Dee, I'm inspired to look at my own 'doorstep mile' – that first crucial step towards personal discovery and change. VMware Explore itself could be seen as a 'doorstep mile', challenging us to embark on new paths of innovation and personal growth.

Final Thoughts

Exploration is the essence of the human spirit, and the speakers at VMware Explore have exemplified this spirit in its purest form. They've shown us that whether you’re charting a course among the stars, circumnavigating the globe, or finding adventure in your local environment, the journey of exploration is an endless source of growth, challenge, and inspiration.

So, what adventures await you? What new horizons are you eager to discover? Let's take that first step together and see where our explorations lead us.

Stay tuned for more stories of adventure and discovery. The journey continues, and each step promises new vistas of possibility and opportunity.

A Glimpse into Tomorrow: VMware's Cloud and AI Innovations

The journey through VMware Explore is like navigating a roadmap of the future. The sessions I've attended have been nothing short of a deep dive into the heart of innovation. With Kit Colbert’s insights on the VMware Cloud Foundation and the intriguing revelations about AI in VMware's ecosystem, there's a lot to unpack. Here’s a snapshot of the cutting-edge developments that are steering us towards a smarter cloud journey.

VMware Cloud Foundation: The Bedrock of Innovation

Kit Colbert, VMware's CTO, shed light on the VMware Cloud Foundation's latest capabilities. It's evident that the foundation is more than just infrastructure; it's a springboard for accelerating application delivery and enabling autonomous workspaces. The focus on a software-defined edge and the promise of a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation speaks volumes about VMware's vision for the future.

Edge Computing: The New Frontier

The session on VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator was a revelation. The orchestration of edge workloads is set to redefine network capabilities, with VMware Tanzu playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The updates to Tanzu Intelligence Services and the application platform suggest a seamless, more intelligent edge management experience is on the horizon.

AI: From Orchestration to Operations

Perhaps the most striking update comes from the world of AI. VMware is not just running AI; they are redefining it. The demonstration of AI running on top of CPUs, not GPUs, was a standout moment, challenging preconceived notions about infrastructure and AI capabilities. The use of generative AI in Tanzu Hub, helping administrators navigate with ease, showcased VMware’s commitment to not only adopt AI but to innovate within the space.

Private AI: Meeting the Enterprise Needs

Amidst the technological showcase, Chris Wolf’s discussion on private AI addressed key enterprise requirements like privacy, choice, cost, performance, and compliance. It's a clear message that VMware is dedicated to delivering AI solutions that align with the stringent needs of enterprises, ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of security and governance.

Closing Reflections

This year's VMware Explore has been an exposition of the tangible strides VMware is making towards a Cloud-Smart approach. From the foundations laid by VMware Cloud Foundation to the frontiers opened up by edge computing and AI, VMware is paving the way for a future that is innovative but also intuitive and inclusive.

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Navigating the Intersection of AI, Data Sovereignty, and Cyber Resilience: Reflections from VMware Explore

Amidst the buzz of innovation at VMware Explore, a Press & Analyst session helmed by Joe Baguley provided a bird's-eye view of VMware's strategic direction, particularly in AI, data sovereignty, and cyber resilience. It was a session that reinforced the idea that as we march towards a data-driven future, the paths of technological advancement, regulatory compliance, and security are ever-intertwined.

VMware's AI Ambitions with a Privacy-First Approach

The advancement of AI within VMware's ecosystem is evident. Collaborating with Intel, VMware is unlocking new AI workloads with a keen eye on privacy, enabling enterprises to harness AI's power within VMware Private AI environments. What's exciting is VMware's commitment to helping customers create and deploy AI applications and navigate the complexities of data privacy and locality. The unveiling of services to help customers deploy AI applications in privacy-focused environments is a critical step forward.

The Evolution of Data Services and Sovereign Cloud

VMware's announcements around new advanced data services capabilities for the VMware Cloud Foundation and the unveiling of the Sovereign Cloud are pivotal. The Sovereign Cloud ensures that data remains within jurisdictional boundaries and is managed according to local regulations and preferences, a cornerstone for many enterprises in today's global economy.

vSAN Max and the Future of Storage

The discussions around vSAN Max piqued interest, particularly its ability to scale storage independently to compute. This game-changer for AI-based workloads, often requiring significant and flexible storage solutions. VMware's vision for storage aligns with the demands of the modern data landscape, which prioritises scalability and performance.

Software-Defined Edge and Autonomous Workspaces

The session also shed light on the innovations and expanded partnerships to accelerate the adoption of a software-defined edge, which is crucial for developing autonomous workspaces. This move is in sync with the IT modernisation and enhanced automation trends shaping the future of work and operations.

Cyber Resilience at the Forefront

A standout theme from the session was the emphasis on cyber resilience. It's been noted that the need for robust cyber defences has grown massively, with conversations around it reaching the highest levels of corporate governance. VMware's approach to integrating new security integrations into their platform exemplifies their commitment to building a secure foundation for modern enterprises.

Regulations and Innovation: Striking a Balance

Lastly, VMware addresses the delicate balance between fostering innovation and adhering to regulations. There's a recognition that innovation must be allowed to flourish but within the framework of established regulations. VMware's efforts to ensure appropriate guardrails are applied for regulation and control demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the regulatory landscape.

Final Observations

As VMware celebrates 20 years since the advent of the first hypervisor,

the company's pride in its legacy of innovation was palpable in the session. Raghuram's reflections highlighted the journey and growth of VMware, reaffirming its position as a leader in the IT space. It's clear that as VMware continues to push boundaries, it remains cognizant of the evolving needs for security and compliance within enterprise environments.

Reflecting on the session, it's evident that VMware's trajectory is set towards a future where AI and data services are not only advanced but also secure and compliant with global data policies. As we explore the offerings and potential of these innovations, we must consider how they will integrate into our workspaces and impact our approach to data management and security.

Stay tuned for more detailed explorations of these topics. VMware Explore has once again opened up a dialogue on the critical intersection of technology and policy, and the conversation is just getting started.

At the Crossroads of Change: VMware Explore's General Session Amidst Acquisition

The atmosphere at this year’s VMware Explore is one of eager anticipation, as the event unfolds amidst the significant backdrop of VMware's acquisition by Broadcom. Hock Tan, Broadcom’s CEO, heightened this sense of anticipation, taking the stage for the first time. His presence was brief yet meaningful, heralding a new chapter for VMware, with reassurances of continued innovation, enhanced research and development, and a reinforced commitment to the VMware ecosystem.

Embarking on a Cloud-Smart Journey

The General Session showcased VMware's strategic blueprint for a Cloud-Smart future. With initiatives to accelerate application delivery, modernise cloud infrastructure, and pave the way for autonomous workspaces, VMware is setting the stage for the next wave of enterprise technology.

The VMware Cloud Foundation was a focal point. It stood out as the bedrock upon which VMware plans to build its vision for a seamless, integrated multi-cloud experience.

AI as the Multicloud Workhorse

A revelation for many was the framing of AI as a multicloud workload for many. VMware's approach to AI, considering the critical importance of data privacy and proximity, brings to light a strategic direction where AI is not just a tool but a core component of the multicloud infrastructure.

The session also highlighted the economic impact of AI, with VMware's collaborations with industry leaders like Nvidia and IBM hinting at the enormous potential of AI across multicloud platforms.

Innovating at the Edge and Upholding Data Sovereignty

The discussion also ventured into the advancements of the software-defined edge and the introduction of sovereign cloud services. These developments signal VMware's response to the increasing need for secure, scalable, and regulation-compliant cloud solutions, which is particularly pertinent in a diverse and evolving global regulatory landscape.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate through VMware Explore, we do so knowing that these are transformative times for the company. The General Session set a confident tone for the future—one of bold steps forward under Broadcom's guidance. I look forward to uncovering more about VMware's strategic initiatives and how they will flourish in this new era.

Keep an eye out for more updates, and while the detailed session notes won't be posted, they remain a crucial influence on these reflections.

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Check out more of my thoughts from the VMware Explore 2023 general session at the blog post below

Broadcom’s CEO takes stage during VMware Explore ‘23 General Session and more - Video — Tech Doodles

VMware Explore: Charting the Course of Innovation Amidst Transition

As I walk the familiar grounds of VMware Explore, it feels like an annual pilgrimage—a chance to reconvene with the vibrant community that VMware has nurtured over the years. This gathering is more than just a conference; it's a barometer for the industry, reflecting the currents and undercurrents of the IT world.

Community and Innovation at the Heart

Year after year, VMware stands out for its ability to bring together a legion of technical professionals and enthusiasts. It’s not just about showcasing their innovations; it’s a broader conversation about the future of our industry. From the General Session to the exhibition floor, every aspect is a peek into what lies ahead.

The Cloud Journey: A Path Still Being Paved

Many of my customer conversations echo a common theme: the ongoing cloud journey. For some, it's about taking those initial steps towards cloud adoption; for others, it's about optimization, squeezing every ounce of efficiency out of their cloud investments. Then, there are those looking towards AI to catapult their businesses to new heights of productivity.

The Modern Workspace: User-Centric and Evolving

The modern workspace is evolving. No longer are users expected to adapt to technology; the technology must be intuitive and supportive of their needs. With giants like Microsoft investing in tools like co-pilot and innovations in the space, I’m keen to see VMware’s take on enhancing user experience and productivity in the workplace.

Security: The Ever-Evolving Battlefield

Security remains a paramount concern, with data becoming increasingly fragmented and attack vectors growing more sophisticated. It's a complex landscape, and VMware has historically been a beacon of stability here. I'm eager to discover how they continue to navigate and lead in this crucial area.

An Era of Uncertainty

This year's VMware Explore comes at a time of uncertainty for the company, with the pending acquisition by Broadcom casting a long shadow over the proceedings. While this may limit the revelations we can expect, it's a poignant reminder of the ever-changing nature of the tech landscape. My thoughts are with the VMware employees awaiting clarity on what this transition means for them. VMware has been a cornerstone of stability for so many of us in the tech community, and this acquisition marks a significant shift.

The Missed Opportunity for Clarity

The acquisition's timing is unfortunate, as it curtails the potential for certain discussions at VMware Explore. There’s a sense of a missed opportunity to delve deeper into what the future holds under Broadcom’s stewardship. Yet, we must navigate these changes as they come, with patience and a keen eye on the horizon.

Looking Forward with Anticipation

Despite these uncertainties, my enthusiasm for the conference remains undiminished. I'm looking forward to the announcements, the insights shared on the main stage, and, most importantly, reconnecting with community peers and the array of organizations that contribute to the richness of VMware Explore.

Stay Connected

As the conference unfolds, I will capture key moments and insights through my Tech Doodles. Stay tuned for updates and reflections on the latest from VMware Explore, as we collectively steer through these transformative times.

In today's cloud age, with data fragmenting and IT resources becoming increasingly strained, cyber threats are a growing concern for all organisations. While traditional data protection measures remain vital, they often feel reactive rather than proactive. Commvault, however, is shifting this narrative, developing a dynamic, proactive defence against cyber threats. 

What impresses me about Commvault's strategy, particularly compared to other vendors, is their blend of data protection and security. By merging these two key aspects, Commvault's platform evolves from a 'last resort' recovery solution to an active shield against potential cyber threats. 

This approach was discussed during Commvault's recent online event, "Accelerating Cyber Defence and Response with Next Generation Data Protection". CEO, Sanjay Mirchandani, outlined several thought-provoking points that underline Commvault's proactive and integrated approach to cyber defence: 

1. The dual implications of AI, arming both defenders and adversaries with advanced tools. 

2. The complexity and vulnerabilities of using various tools to protect cloud data. 

3. The blurring of boundaries between data protection and security necessitates a unified approach. 

4. Commvault are taking security capabilities used in production directly into their protection platform.  

5. The vital importance of swift recovery, helping organisations minimise downtime and enhance resilience. 

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Commvault's CTO, David Ngo, then unveiled the latest advancements, each contributing to the company's innovative protection and security solution: 

Commvault Cloud Command: A unified dashboard for managing all Commvault services, with integrated visibility into the health, risk levels, security, and recovery. 

Commvault Risk Analysis: A machine learning-powered tool that works as a cyber sentinel, securing sensitive data to prevent cyber exposure. 

Commvault Threat Scan: A digital detective of sorts, inspecting backup content to quarantine suspicious datasets and ensuring clean recoveries. 

Commvault Auto Recovery: This tool tests your recovery readiness and offers forensic analysis to pinpoint clean recovery points.

Commvault Threatwise Advisor: This new feature enables intelligent assessment of backed-up workloads, recommending where sensors should be configured to ensure key data is protected.

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One of the event's highlights was an insightful panel discussion hosted by Steve Preston, Commvault's VP for Security. The panel comprised Moriah Hara and Dr. Ed Amoroso from TAG Cyber LLC, Commvault's own CISO, Javier Dominguez, and Yabing Wang, CIO at Just Works. This diverse group touched on a broad range of topics, such as: 

1. The critical role of the CISO in organisations: With the rising complexity of digital threats, the importance of having a strategic leader guiding an organisation's cyber defence can't be overstated. 

2. The AI threat: Imagine a video or voice message that sounds exactly like your CEO but isn't! The panel discussed the dangers of AI-manipulated communication and its implications. 

3. The changing face of risk in the age of COVID-19: The pandemic and the resultant shift to remote working have drastically changed our perception of risk and risk acceptance. 

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For those aiming to stay ahead of the curve in our evolving digital landscape, Commvault's unique approach provides a compelling solution. By prioritising proactive data protection and security, Commvault demonstrates adaptability and foresight in the face of the rapidly changing cyber threat environment. 

I recently joined the awesome Tech Field Day crew for #TFD27 taking part in a not so sunny silicon valley. Unfortunately for me this time I joined remotely but that didn’t stop the content being as awesome as ever!

First up at #TFD27 was Men&Mice presented micetro a management and orchestration solution for DNS, DHCP and IPAM (DDI).

There were two specific elements I really liked about micetro. The first is the fact it is an overlay tool, not aiming to replace your existing tools but abstract the management from them whilst improving workflow and orchestration. The second stand-out point for me was the comprehensive list of supported solutions that they were able to manage.

During the demonstration, they were able to show unified management of DDI across Linux, and Windows as well as cloud-based solutions in Azure, AWS and beyond.

Recorded live in Silicon Valley as part of Tech Field Day 27 on March 8, 2023. Watch the entire presentation at Men&Mice Presents at Tech Field Day 27 - Tech Field Day

DDI is such a critical element for organisations, and with the introduction of cloud and multi-cloud requirements, the complexity of managing it is only growing. micetro allows administrators to have a single point of truth across multiple solutions allowing corporate standards to be set, maintained and monitored across the multitude of implementation points. Many organisations today rely on an Excel spreadsheet to try and manage DDI, so a solution like micetro can infinitely improve this experience, savings time, improving security and offering enhanced functionality.

Check out my doodle from the presentation below.

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If you would like to learn more about Men&Mice, check out their website here.

You can also get a free trial here.

Whilst at VMware Explore in Barcelona I attended this awesome session regarding the new features in vSphere 8. This session was hosted by Dave Morera and Himanshu Singh both from VMware. Much of the session focused on how vSphere 8 can now be used in many hybrid configuration with vSphere+ as well as the new hardware architectures allowing vSphere to make use of DPU’s for offloading of processing.

If you would like to read more about vSphere 8 be sure to check out the blog linked below.

What's New in vSphere 8? | VMware

You can see my doodle below capturing my key thoughts from the session.

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My second session at ChefConf 2022 was ‘Config Management Isn’t Dead’ by Brittney Woods, Manager - Server Automation, H&R Block.

This was a great session based on Brittney’s learned experiences using Chef for config management across multiple roles. Brittney is a fantastic presenter and hopefully, we get to meet her hermit crab and hamster in her next presentation 😄.

This really is a session you must watch to get the most out of the content

https://prgress.co/3cSJtgI

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My main take ways from this session were as follows

1. Configuration Management is about much more than deployment alone. It is about continuously managing you configuration. Only with good config management and compliance can you understand drift over time and ensure your solutions remain in compliance.

2. Configuration management is about much more than just VMs. Configuration management extends to containers and the cloud as well.

3. Using configuration management to manage images for VMs and containers can ensure compliance and expedite delivery.

4. Configuration management can and should be integrated with infrastructure automation platforms like Terraform.

5. Chef can be used to ensure that your resources always comply with CIS benchmarks and DISA-STIGs etc

6. Config Management is a critical component to allow the barrier for entry to be lowered for developers who need to innovate faster whilst ensuring security and compliance

Watch the session for yourself

https://prgress.co/3cSJtgI

Disclaimer: Tech Doodles through Tech Crossing Limited has been paid by Progress to create content covering ChefConf22. Whilst Tech Crossing Limited and the authors of this blog post have been paid to create the content, there has been no influence or editorial control by Progress.

The first session I attended at ChefConf 2022 was the roadmap session with Prashanth Nanjundappa, VP of Product Management Progress Chef.

You can watch the session yourself at the link below.

https://prgress.co/3ARHT6N

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Prashanth was joined by his colleagues to review the progress they have made over the last year and their plans for the year ahead.

Presenting alongside Prashanth was:-

Stephen Blankenship - Principal Product Manager - Infra, Desktop and Application Delivery

Sharan Rayakar - Principal Product Manager - Compliance and Security

Nischal Reddy - Principal Product Manager - Platform and Cloud

Looking Back

Over the last year, it was discussed how there had been a focus on making the products easier to use as well as ensuring they deliver quicker time to value.

To this end the following features have been worked upon or improved over the last year.

1. Flexible deployment models

   1. On-Premises

   2. Chef SaaS

   3. Marketplace Deployments (Azure and AWS)

   4. High-Availability Deployment Models

2. Automation of Infra Views

   1. Allowing users to undertake increased management tasks from the UI rather than just the command interface. This makes the product easier to use and to pick up for inexperienced users whilst advanced users can continue to use the command interface.

3. Data Feed

   1. Send Chef Client Run and Compliance Scan data to 3rd party tools like IT Asset Management and Config management solutions.

      1. Webhook Integrations

         1. ServiceNow

         2. Splunk

         3. ELK

         4. Custom

      2. Storage Integrations

         1. Amazon S3

         2. minio

4. IoT and Edge Management

   1. Using Chef Habitat to manage all applications and dependencies across and IoT estate.

      1. This has been proven to save management time and increase efficiencies.

5. Chef Cloud Security - Chef CSPM

   1. Chef Cloud Security allows users to assess their cloud infrastructures in AWS, Azure and GCP against up-to-date best practise and compliance guidelines.

   2. Container orchestration platforms such as Docker and Kubernetes are also supported.

6. New Audit and Remediation Content for Chef Compliance

   1. A large amount of new audit and remediation content has been added to Chef Compliance, allowing support for new and updated OS’s and Apps.

Looking Forward

As the session turned to look at the roadmap there was a discussion regarding how Progress had engaged with their users and the Chef community to decide upon the roadmap items. The highest voted requests were, Easy upgrades, support for scheduling push jobs, integration with IT operational support systems, support for agentless models and the ability to manage container environments.

Based upon this feedback the forward-looking roadmap is going to focus on the following three areas 1. Ease of Use and Upgrades, 2. Job Orchestration and 3. Hybrid Cloud and SaaS. It was explained how moving forward they are going to take a platform approach building a unified and extendable Enterprise Automation Platform.

Key messages from the roadmap included

• General Availability of Chef SaaS at the beginning of 2023

• Persona-related insights to be added to Compliance and Security, allowing users to identify relevant insights quickly and to remediate as required.

• Chef CPSM will have improved flows with fewer clicks allowing quicker time to value across an increasing number of cloud resources.

• The Chef Client will support rolling updates and centralised management with the ability to support two client versions simultaneously for cookbook compatibility.

• Job Orchestration Service - Will have a push-centric model with granular control allowing jobs to be run on a reoccurring basis with exception supported. It will also support jobs to be run based upon conditions.

• Workstation will have the introduction of a frequent actions UI

  • Based upon user research, it will enable new team members and non “Chef experts” to be productive in Chef faster.

Watch the session: https://prgress.co/3ARHT6N

Conclusion

It was interesting to hear directly from the people managing the products, learning what had been implemented over the last year and the direction of the products moving forward. I was impressed by how the product roadmap had been driven by direct feedback from the users and the community.

It was clear there is a big focus on ease of use and value to the users. I particularly like the sound of the SaaS platform for ease of adoption, the persona-based insights, and the ability to check cloud infrastructure compliance quickly and easily.

You can watch the session yourself at the link below.

https://prgress.co/3ARHT6N

Disclaimer: Tech Doodles through Tech Crossing Limited has been paid by Progress to create content covering ChefConf22. Whilst Tech Crossing Limited and the authors of this blog post have been paid to create the content, there has been no influence or editorial control by Progress.

Dell Tech World 2022 was important for two reasons. First, this was the first Dell Tech World since the spin-off of VMware. Second this was one of the first major in person tech conferences since the start of the COVID pandemic.  

I didn’t make it out to Vegas this year but tuned in online, after all we are now in the era of flexibility and freedom. Attend any major conference, from anywhere and on any device or something like that.  

As a long time, VMware vExpert, Dell Partner and Technologist, keeping up to date with what is going on in the world of infrastructure is of high importance to me.  

There were several themes covering Dell Tech World 2022, these being flexible and hybrid working, multi-cloud, cyber protection or resilience and the power of data.  

During Michael Dell’s Monday keynote, he spoke about the on-prem / off-prem debate being over. He said that the future is in multi-cloud with data flowing seamlessly across.   

90% of customers already have workloads on-premises and in public clouds and 75% are using three or more clouds 

Michael Dell – Dell Tech World 2022 Keynote 

Dell wants to be the leader in multi-cloud and at the edge. He spoke about the rise in use cases such as IoT and highly automated environments requiring new edge computing solutions near the source of the data. This is an area Dell will be able to excel in due to their hardware offerings and close relationship with VMware despite the spin-off.  

10% of data today is processed outside of datacentres, but by 2025 75% of enterprise data will be processed at the edge.  

Michael Dell – Dell Tech World 2022 Keynote 

However due to this growth in data, Michael Dell explained that the attack surface will also be bigger for cyberattacks.  

Ransomware attacks are the #1 threat for most organisations and are occurring every 11 seconds. With an average cost of $13m per occurrence.   

Michael Dell – Dell Tech World 2022 Keynote 

Dell have been innovating in these spaces and desire to create an end-to-end integrated path. What really stood out for me at Dell Tech World was many of the big announcements were all about services or software. Dell, a well-known hardware giant is certainly investing a lot in these areas to be relevant in this multi-cloud as-a-service world.  

Central to this is Dell APEX, Dell’s as-a-Service portfolio. Michael Dell spoke about APEX being focused on business outcomes and being accessible to developers. APEX was announced last year at Dell Tech World as a companywide transformation to as-a-Service. Chuck Whitten spoke of the principles of APEX being simplicity, agility and control in the multi-cloud world.   

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Previously announced within the APEX portfolio was APEX Cloud Service with VMware Cloud and APEX Backup Services.  

At Dell Tech World ‘22 we saw the announcement of APEX Cyber Recovery Services with the promise of further APEX services to come including high-performance computing, machine learning operations, VDI and more.  

APEX Cyber Recovery Services is run and managed by Dell, offering a secure immutable cyber recovery vault for workload replication. Customers should be able to be reassured of their ability to recover from a cyberattack whilst benefiting from being able to offload the day-to-day tasks to Dell.  

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But the innovation towards multi-cloud didn’t end there. There were announcements from both the data protection and storage divisions further embracing integration with the public cloud.   

CyberSense for AWS – Uses adaptive analytics, machine learning and forensic tools to detect, diagnose and help with cyber recovery operations. Dell say this will allow you to diagnose and recover quickly within AWS.  

PowerProtect Cyber Recovery for Azure – Available from the Azure marketplace next month, this will allow you to isolate and protect workloads from ransomware attacks. You will get an isolated data centre environment via an isolated recovery vault. Data is replicated from production with minimal access for data protection. When it comes to recovery you can recover on-premises or within Azure.  

Also demonstrated at the conference was Project Alpine. Project Alpine offers Software Defined Storage capabilities to expand Dell’s storage portfolio to the cloud. Demonstrated was the ability to connect storage from a PowerStore device to the public cloud. Google Cloud, Azure and AWS were shown on screen during the demo.  

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The final big announcement was regarding a partnership with Snowflake, a cloud data platform vendor. With this partnership users of Dell’s object storage will be able to move data to Snowflake’s cloud platform for analytics and warehouse capabilities. Secondly, you will be able to leverage snowflakes capabilities on-premises without the need to move the data. 

For me, Dell Tech World is a positive step in the right direction for Dell. They are wanting to maximise their capabilities and reach with their hardware solutions by embracing the public cloud with their software solutions and services capabilities. For me it now all comes down to the execution and how we see these solutions being delivered and utilised by the customers. I look forward to seeing the Project Alpine and the APEX solutions in action.  

This week saw the Juniper Networks 2021 global summit for analysts, influencers and the media. I have covered my thoughts on this event and Juniper’s strategy in my earlier blog post. In this blog post, I am going to cover the three key announcements from the summit. 

1. Juniper Support Intelligence

2. New Wi-Fi 6E Access Points

3. Juniper Mist IoT Assurance

Juniper Support Insights

Juniper Support Insights is a cloud-connected, AI-driven support platform for customers using Junos OS devices such as ACX. EX. MX, PTX, QFX and SRX.

With Juniper Support Insights, there is no need to replace or upgrade your device to get this functionality - it is already included. You can choose to connect your devices directly to the cloud, like the Mist AI connected devices, or alternatively, you can use a lightweight collector appliance. The collector is a hardware appliance that can support up to 20,000 devices with a single collector. I think many organisations will choose to opt for the collector in their secure environments.

Once connected to the cloud, Support Insights will give operations actionable insights into their network to allow them to be proactive in their maintenance. In addition, Support Insights will use the small amount of data collected about your devices to give insights regarding the following:

• Product data

• Contracts

• Machine learning

• Install base

• Service requests

• Knowledge base

• PBN’s

• SIRTS

• RMAs

• EOL/EOS

As Support Insights uses machine learning, the more devices that are connected to the cloud, the more accurate and relevant the insights that will be delivered. 

I like the fact that Support Insights is readily accessible without additional cost, upgrade or replacement of existing Junos products. It will undoubtedly help operations teams get better insights into their install base and hopefully assist them in moving from reactive to proactive support. Whilst Support Insights is a read-only freemium offering, at a cost, Juniper also has products that offer read and write interactions with the network, with solutions like Paragon Insights. 

Juniper Support Insights solution

Juniper Support Insights blog

AI-driven Wi-Fi 6E Access Points

The second announcement covered two new AI-driven Wi-Fi 6E access points. The two new access points leverage the Mist cloud and AI engine for rich insights, enhanced troubleshooting and optimisations. The two access points that were announced are both tri-band and quad radio with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy Support).

The AP45 access point offers Juniper’s patented virtual Bluetooth LE technology. This will be attractive to organisations that need enhanced location-based services.

Product webpage: Juniper Wireless Access Points and Edge

• Product datasheet: AP45 Datasheet

• Product datasheet: AP34 Datasheet

Juniper Mist IoT Assurance

The final announcement focused on the lifecycle of IoT devices on a wireless network, particularly those that lack the support for 802.1x (WPA3 Enterprise).

With IoT devices increasingly being added to our corporate networks and at scale within many networks, it's essential that this process is quick, easy - and importantly, secure. Unfortunately, many IoT devices aren’t enterprise-ready and will lack the necessary features to secure and isolate traffic, all resulting in security issues or configuration complexity. This is where IoT Assurance comes in.

IoT Assurance is a cloud-based service that leverages a Multiple Pre-Shared Key mechanism (MPSK) to easily onboard devices at scale, offering micro-segmentation of devices as well as traffic engineering and full policy management. IoT Assurance provides a full suite of access control functionality using MPSK or Private Pre-Shared Keys, all without relying on having a client MAC address available in advanced or a configured NAC device.

Once the devices are on board, IoT Assurance takes control of day two operations, including automatic PSK expiration in conjunction with automatic key rotation, making sure that keys are regularly rotated whilst ensuring there is no downtime. Some additional tools are integrated, such as the ability to monitor active device utilisation per PSK, a fully-featured API and the ability in the future to create self-provisioning portals that can be used for BYOD workflows.

IoT Assurance Datasheet

Final Thoughts

These announcements further build upon Juniper’s portfolio of products as well as their vision of experience-first networking. With tools like Support Assurance and IoT Assurance, admins can streamline workflows, take proactive actions, and deliver higher levels of reliability, security, and service to end-users.

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Disclaimer: Tech Doodles through Tech Crossing Limited has been paid by Juniper to create content following the Juniper Networks Analyst, Influencer and Media Global Summit 2021. Whilst Tech Crossing Limited and the authors of this blog post have been paid to create the content, there has been no influence or editorial control by Juniper Networks.

Juniper Networks Analyst, Influencer and Media Global Summit 2021

This week saw Juniper present an update on its vision, strategy and latest innovations at the company’s virtual global summit for analysts, influencers and the media. Leading up to this event, I have been lucky enough to meet a number of Juniper execs to understand first-hand its strategy, vision, and latest product offerings.

Juniper has a laser focus on experience-first networking. This is much more than a marketing spin on its products and this was clear throughout the summit and across the company’s product innovations. Experience-first networking for Juniper is all about simple operations for network admins and a superior end-user experience for IT users. Anyone who knows me will know that I'm a simple soul, and while I love enterprise technology, I firmly believe it doesn't need to be complicated. So this messaging and focus both sit well with me.

How is Juniper delivering experience-first networking?

Often when you hear terms like experience-first networking, you will think it is just about marketing spin on top of the same old products. It is clear with Juniper that it goes much deeper than this. It appears to all start with the 2019 acquisition of Mist Systems and particularly the AI offerings surrounding the Marvis technology. If you haven't seen Marvis in action, head over to Tech Field Day to learn more. During the summit there was a short demonstration of the Marvis technology in action, initially showing troubleshooting of a wired network where the root cause had been diagnosed as a faulty network cable. Secondly and most impressively to me, the technology was able to troubleshoot and pinpoint an end-user's issue with Microsoft Teams. These kinds of quick and straightforward troubleshooting abilities make a real difference to both the end-users and the IT teams, allowing them to focus more time on innovation and moving forward, rather than tackling business as usual issues.

The image below was discussed during the summit. It depicts logged support tickets over time and how they were resolved. The green portion shows the tickets resolved (and logged) without human intervention, and the red portion indicates tickets with human intervention. As you can see, with AI technology built into the systems and more nodes being added to improve intelligence, tickets are being resolved before IT even needs to intervene.

Juniper discussed that, moving forward, networking was about much more than speeds and feeds alone. Of course, speeds and feeds are still important, but now it's about delivering real business value - and for Juniper Networks as a software company, this is all about the experience.

What was announced?

Building on the experience-first networking approach and maintaining its leadership within its products, Juniper Networks announced three new offerings during the summit:

• Juniper Support Insights

  • Allows you to connect any Junos OS device securely to the cloud to offer AI-led insights to help operations proactively support the network.

    Juniper Support Insights solution

• Two new Wi-Fi 6E AI-powered Access Points

  • Leveraging the Mist AI technologies, these Wi-Fi 6E access points offer the latest Wi-Fi standards and are combined with technologies such as BLE, other location-based services and much more.

    Wireless Access Points and Edge | Juniper Networks

• IoT Assurance

  • With more and more IoT devices being added to corporate networks, it can often be a challenge to manage the lifecycles of these devices. Whilst some IoT devices will support 802.1X for onboarding, many more devices do not. IoT Assurance allows operations to manage this full lifecycle across all IoT devices using Private Pre-Shared Key (PPSK) technology.

    Delivering Better User and Network Operator Experiences with New Wi-Fi 6E APs and IoT Assurance Driven by Mist AI | Official Juniper Networks Blogs

I have expanded on these announcements in this blog post, but these products further help operations deliver a better experience to end-users, with better uptime, quick resolution to issues, better performance and in-built security.

Final Thoughts

I have been really impressed to hear and understand Juniper's vision, and importantly, how it plans to achieve it. Juniper has been on a journey to modernise its business, and the focus on software and innovation around AI results is a real differentiator that will matter to customers.

Personally, moving forward, I look forward to learning more about Marvis and seeing it in action for myself.

Here are two of my Doodles from the event. Please click them to see them in more detail.

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Disclaimer: Tech Doodles through Tech Crossing Limited has been paid by Juniper to create content following the Juniper Networks Analyst, Influencer and Media Global Summit 2021. Whilst Tech Crossing Limited and the authors of this blog post have been paid to create the content, there has been no influence or editorial control by Juniper Networks.