What Does Veeam Have Planned for VMworld 2016?
As part of VMblog's live VMworld 2016 coverage coming up in a few weeks, we're in the process of working up our schedules to make sure we can see and learn as much as possible when the show kicks off. VMworld is the leading virtualization event, and there is no shortage of great information coming out of the keynotes, the breakout sessions, the networking and more. But every year, one of the key places to learn a lot in a short amount of time is the Solutions Expo where valuable vendors from the VMware ecosystem and beyond set up shop to display their wares.
Over the years, VMworld has always had a large turnout of vendors sponsoring the event. And the expo floor always seems massive! With so many vendors exhibiting, how do you know which booths to visit and who to get on your schedule?
Like many of you reading this, I've known and followed Veeam for many, many years. But if you don't yet know or follow Veeam, do! VMworld is the perfect opportunity to meet them up close and personal. For most VMware admins, Veeam is probably one of those ecosystem vendors who popped up on the radar screen pretty quickly. I've become friends with many of their team members over the years, and I've also had the pleasure and been fortunate enough to get to know Ratmir Timashev, one of the most passionate and down to Earth CEOs I've ever met. Together, this team and company have transformed VMware backup into what they today call "Availability for the Always-On Enterprise." Oh, and if you're looking for a VMware 2016 Party to attend, Veeam has been one of the premiere party events the last few years, hands down.
Veeam recognizes the new
challenges companies across the globe face in enabling the Always-On
Enterprise, a business that must operate 24.7.365. To address this,
Veeam has pioneered a new market of Availability for the Always-On Enterprise
by helping organizations meet recovery time and point
objectives (RTPO) of less than 15 minutes for all applications and
data, through a fundamentally new kind of solution that delivers
high-speed recovery, data loss avoidance, verified recoverability,
leveraged data and complete visibility. Veeam Availability Suite, which includes Veeam Backup & Replication,
leverages virtualization, storage, and cloud technologies that enable
the modern data center to help organizations save time, mitigate risks,
and dramatically reduce capital and operational costs, while always
supporting the current and future business goals of Veeam customers.
Read this exclusive pre-show interview with Veeam to learn what they have planned for the upcoming VMworld 2016 event.
VMblog: As a VMworld 2016 sponsor, how can people find you this year?
Veeam: Veeam is happy to be returning to VMworld 2016 as a Platinum sponsor. With a 30X30 booth space, and more than 100 Veeam staff attending, you won't be able to miss the Veeam ‘Teeam' at booth #1731.
VMblog: Is there anything interesting or unique about this year's booth setup? Do you have a theme?
Veeam: At VMworld this year, Veeam will be using its brand new booth! With eight demo stations, a cloud station, a "Veeam Expert Bar", and a theater presentation zone, you won't miss the Veeam booth with the signature large green signs!
VMblog: If an attendee likes what they see and hear at your booth... what message about your product can you send them back with to sell their boss on your technology?
Veeam: If you remember one thing about Veeam, it's Availability. Whether your organization is an Enterprise IT operation or an SMB just getting started with modernizing the data center; Veeam can keep your environment available and meet the Always-On expectation of today.
VMblog: Why should a VMworld attendee add you to their MUST SEE list?
Veeam: Because the Veeam booth is the place to be! The Veeam booth at VMworld is a one stop shop. You can come talk to one of our technical or sales staff to get your questions answered as a current customer, partner, or a future customer of Veeam. Pick up your Veeam swag, and enter to win a Norwegian Cruise experience! Our technical staff can show and highlight the upcoming features of Veeam Availability Suite 9.5 and many of the other exciting things Veeam has going on.
VMblog: Great answer! Why is this a must sponsor event for your company?
Veeam: As part of the VMware ecosystem, it's a can't miss event! We love being able to connect with our current customers and partners to talk about Veeam and hear the stories of their product usage so far. It also gives us the chance to talk to our prospective customers and partners to share with them the benefits of Veeam. The atmosphere is an exciting and exhilarating experience and unlike another other show. This is must sponsor event for our company because as Veeam continues to grow we can still get in front of the 25,000+ attendees to share our story.
VMblog: Can you give VMblog readers a sneak peek as to what you will be showing off at your booth this year? What should attendees expect to see and hear at your booth?
Veeam: The main event for Veeam at VMworld is getting up to speed on Veeam Availability Suite 9.5. At the booth, we'll have technical experts to answer your questions as well as showcase the latest of what's new. The same goes for Veeam Availability Suite v9; if you have any questions on that or other products - we can assist.
VMblog: If you would, please explain or give readers a few reasons why your product or service is considered unique?
Veeam: Veeam products have considerable ease of use - that's extremely important to IT administrators today. Additionally, the benefits of the higher levels of availability will keep executives and decision makers happy as well.
Beyond availability, almost every product has a free edition. This is very important for some users as well as a great way to give a look yourself. Additionally, trial software is very easy to get a sample of the Veeam experience.
VMblog: How does your company and product fit within the VMware ecosystem?
Veeam: As an independent software vendor, the VMware partnership is very important to us. VMware is one of our biggest alliances. We enjoy sponsoring VMworld, working with VMware, as well as other vendors in the space as well.
Veeam has been a partner with VMware for nearly its entire existence.
VMblog: Attendees always enjoy a good trade show tchotchke. And you guys never disappoint. What are you giving away this year?
Veeam: At the Veeam booth during VMworld, you will be able to grab a FREE Veeam T-shirt, Dancing Robot, Light Up Yo-Yo, Beer Koozie, and VeeamUP energy shots.
VMblog: Does your company have any speaking sessions during the show? If so, can you give us the who, what, when and where?
Veeam: Veeam has TWO Speaking Sessions at VMworld:
Title: Veeam Availability Suite 9.5 Deep Dive
Session Number: SDDC9461-SPO
Speakers: Anton Gostev, VP Product Management, Veeam Software; and Doug Hazelman, VP Product Strategy, Veeam Software
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 30 at 2:30 pm
and
Title: Data Protection as a service for your vCloud Director environment with Veeam
Session Number: HBC9463-SPO
Speakers: Luca Dell'Oca, Evangelist, Veeam Software; and Clint Wyckoff, Technical Evangelist, Veeam Software
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 31 at 3:30 pm
VMblog: For years now, you guys have had one of the hottest tickets for a VMworld party. What do you have on tap this year?
Veeam: Yes! Veeam will be throwing its annual VMworld Party on Tuesday, August 30th from 8-Midnight at Light Nightclub. Entrance to the party will be granted with a valid Driver's License and/or government issued ID and a VMworld badge. Registration link and event details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veeams-annual-vmworld-party-2016-tickets-26681571298
VMblog: What are you guys looking forward to most at VMworld this year?
Veeam: Being able to showcase our latest versions of the Veeam Availability Suite and telling the Veeam story. Also, we're looking forward to the Veeam Party on Tuesday evening - it's going to be the best VMworld party yet!
VMblog: How many times have you sponsored VMworld?
Veeam: Veeam first sponsored VMworld in 2008 in Europe. Since then, we've gone bigger and better at every event. The same goes for the Veeam parties!
VMblog: How has exhibiting at VMworld helped your company's bottom line?
Veeam: We want everyone who attends VMworld to know who Veeam is. We feel we are successful at that.
VMblog: Do you remember your first VMworld event? What can you tell us about it? What memories stand out?
Veeam: Yes! I was overwhelmed with the amount of people that are at the show. They all come not just for the swag but to really take the time to ask the hard questions and deep dive into the products and solutions that companies have to offer. My first memory of VMworld is the opening night, when they opened the doors to the Solutions Exchange floor for the first time. The attendees came running to be the first ones to their favorite booths. It was the largest show I had ever been to and I had not seen anything like that opening night.
VMblog: Based on past experiences, what are you looking forward to most at this year's event?
Veeam: The excitement and anticipation of the first day! The Welcome Reception the first evening of the event always brings out a large crowd and everyone is bright-eyed and ready for the next several days of meaningful meetings and breakout sessions. Also, getting the chance to meet with attendees who may not be familiar with Veeam so we can share out story.
VMblog: What would you say to prospective attendees who are thinking about attending VMworld but aren't sure if it's worth it or not?
Veeam: Go! If you have the chance to attend the event, definitely do it. It is a jam packed couple of days, but you will leave with lots of information and the chance to meet with companies who you may not have been able to get a hold of previously.
VMblog: What do you think we need to do collectively as an ecosystem to strengthen the industry?
Veeam: There is a great charge to embrace change right now. Whether it be the cloud era, subscription pricing, software defined storage or the next change in enterprise IT; the industry has an opportunity to work together both for the partners in place as well as keeping the customer interests in mind.
VMblog: What do you hope to come away with from exhibiting at VMworld? What does event success look like to you?
Veeam: Leaving VMworld, Veeam hopes to walk away with some great stories from current customers and partners, as well as potential business with prospective customers and partners. We want to know that we were able to talk to a large portion of the attendees, sharing our story. We hope to give out a large amount of our giveaways and send some lucky attendees home with a Norwegian Cruise Experience.
VMblog: Do you have any tips for first time attendees of VMworld that you'd like to share?
Veeam: Drink lots of water and wear comfortable shoes! The day is full of walking and being on your feet, so be sure you are wearing your comfortable kicks, and staying hydrated, especially with the move to Las Vegas this year. I would also say, ask questions! As a sponsor, many attendees just come up to the booth to get their swag. But if you are a current customer or partner, come to the booth and share your story! If you want to learn more about Veeam, ask us the questions that is what the Veeam Teeam is here for. Also, try not to overbook yourself too much on each day. The days are long and full of many activities, so study ahead and plan for the sessions, breakouts, and trainings that you really want to attend.
VMblog: Finally, what are your thoughts about the venue moving from San Francisco to Las Vegas this year?
Veeam: I am excited with the move to Las Vegas this year! Change is good. So many industry events are here so most are already familiar with the venue and the city in general. The weather will be quite a change, but the city itself will be able to handle the large amount of attendees that the event brings.
##
Make sure to get Veeam on your must see list at VMworld
2016 - Visit them at booth #1731 and find out how to keep your environment available and how to meet the Always-On expectation of today.