In a symbolic gesture marking the new friendship between VMware, Inc. and Microsoft, VMware’s Sanjay Poonen, executive VP and GM for end-user computing, welcomed Jim Alkove, Microsoft Corporate VP of Windows enterprise and security, to the stage during the VMworld 2015 general session for on Tuesday, September 1.

Windows 10 + AirWatch = Project A2

“IT simplified. That’s our vision for Windows 10,” said Alkove, who explained how Windows 10 and VMware’s AirWatch have combined to create Project A2 (A squared), which allows simple movement of apps from previous Windows operating systems into the Windows 10 environment. Users at all levels across the globe use Windows, and Project A2 means the process of transferring all software – not just those managed by Microsoft – into Windows 10 will be as simple as a few clicks. Alkove told VMworld 2015 attendees: “Our goal is to make Windows the most easily managed device on the market, both for teachers and IT professionals.”

After demonstrating the capabilities of Project A2, Alkove handed the discussion over to VMware’s EUC CTO and VP Product Management Noah Wasemer. Keeping with the theme of “Are you ready for ANY?” Wasemer showcased how Project A2 will apply not just to Windows 10, but to any application on any device.

Project A2 to automatically configure natively to apps on vCloud Air

“We are thrilled to introduce Project A2,” said Wasemer. In Project A2, VMware has “brought the capabilities of AirWatch and App Volumes together: Unified employee management.” He demonstrated accessing apps on various devices, including an iPad, MS Surface and Samsung Galaxy phone. Using a display with NVIDIA real-time graphics, he highlighted how “old school” applications can be accessed, providing practical business mobility.

Project A2 will automatically configure natively to all the best apps on vCloud Air, providing seamless configuration on any device. Wasemer told attendees, “We have picked all the top apps and auto-configured to AirWatch.”

Aware that security is always a concern, the security features of NSX have been tied in to Project A2. “This is the ultimate form of mobile and network security coming together,” said Wasemer.

“The application has evolved into a network. Infrastructure has evolved into a software layer.”

Continuing with the topic of security, Martin Casado, VMware SVP and GM of networking and security, introduced VMware NSX 6.2. He told the audience that NSX has been universally adopted, with customers showing no adherence to vertical or size, and he listed three drivers to adoption:

1. Security
2. Automation
3. Application continuity

Two short demonstrations showcased the new features of NSX, with VMware Senior VP of Security Products Tom Corn showing the advanced security services. Corn stated that in the current hyper-connected world, the perimeter is porous and we live in state of security compromise. The goal of NSX is to create trust in services on any infrastructure. We are “taking something that was once a point product and changing into an infinite service,” Corn said.

He ended his demonstration by inviting any audience member who wished to go into more depth on this subject to attend his session at VMworld titles “Security for the New Battlefield.”

Pat Gelsinger: “It is a powerful time to literally be changing the earth”

VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger promised to “pull together the threads and discuss VMware’s path to the future” in his keynote. Focusing on the theme of global connectivity, he quoted a predication that by the end of Q3 2019, we will pass the threshold of half the population of the planet connected, and that by 2030, 80% of the population of the planet will have connectivity.

Using the example of Angry Birds versus the movie Birdman, Gelsinger demonstrated how the app industry brings in more revenue than Hollywood. He showed another indicator of the growth of connectivity as the amount of connectivity-related objects in space and the use of microscopic robots in the bloodstream to pinpoint exact locations for treatment.

Mobile Cloud has transformed business

“We truly are entering an age of predictive technologies,” said Gelsinger, who listed a series of situations and examples for how companies will be forced to reinvent themselves and innovate to stay relevant in the new Cloud-based economy. Like many in the IT industry, Gelsinger thinks that “taking risks becomes the lowest risk,” and he advised businesses that they “must break out to stay relevant in this future.“

Wrapping up the keynote, he told the audience that as IT professionals, they have to seize the day, take the opportunity to lead and become the innovators for their business: “We are going to be your best partner to navigate this world together.”

Watch the full interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of VMworld 2015.

Photo by SiliconANGLE