VMworld 2014 had three overarching themes: the software-defined data center (SDDC), end-user computing, and the cloud. Flowing beneath them were the sub-themes of hyperconvergence, “co-opetition,” integration and the adoption of enterprise mobile.

Reflecting on a whirlwind three-day event, theCUBE’s Stu Miniman, Dave Vellante, and John Furrier shared their observations on what they learned as VMworld drew to a close.

The final day of VMworld saw Nutanix, Inc. announce that it had raised a $140 million funding round that put its valuation at $2 billion. TheCUBE team agreed that this was validation of Nutanix’s work in hyperconvergence, which brings together hardware and software into a single unit.

VMware is also making forays into hyperconverge with an Oracle-like hardware-software combination and an ecosystem of partners that add value to the base platform. This trend is building momentum.

“Co-opetition” defines the Nutanix and VMware relationship. “VMware needs Nutanix,” because the relationship enables them to tap into the hardware market, Miniman said. Deals like Nutanix integration could make VMware the next Intel, a core technology that lives inside hardware from many vendors.

It’s been five years since virtualization first took hold, Vellante recalled. Now, as companies have gotten comfortable these their new technologies, orchestration, automation, and mobile have taken over the conversation. Progress, Vellante said “has been pretty astounding.”

More than ever, Furrier added, companies are bringing developers in house. “The IT of consumeriztaion is happening,” he said, and an app-centric view is dictating to infrastructure.

Vellante and Furrier complimented the organizers of the conference for fielding “smooth operations” and “phenomenal guests.” VMware is a company in transition, said Furrier, but it is an “execution machine”. VMware’s deal with AirWatch, integration with Nutanix, and its “group hug with Docker,” suggest to Furrier that when “under fire,” VMware’s “response is to go on the offensive.”

Watch the wrap-up video below (9:43)