The digital frontier is never static, and this week’s VMware Explore event has crystallized this fact with an array of insights, discussions and revelations about VMware Inc.’s evolving landscape.

From the explosive growth of multicloud integration and artificial intelligence advancements to the delicate intricacies of the company’s relationship with Broadcom Inc., the event unveiled a future that promises both innovation and challenges.

“The big stories here are Broadcom, multicloud and AI,” said industry analyst Dave Vellante (pictured, center). “The, within multicloud …  it’s really all about the core: vSphere, vSphere+, vSAN Max, NSX and, obviously, Tanzu. The other big takeaway is … a lot of customers that are ‘all-ins’ on VMware. Those all-in customers on VMware, they’re not going anywhere.”

Vellante was joined by fellow industry analysts Lisa Martin (right) and David Nicholson (left) for the day two keynote analysis at VMware Explore 2023, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed VMware’s multicloud, AI and Broadcom strategies. (* Disclosure below.)

Mapping the future: Multicloud, AI and VMware’s ecosystem

VMware Explore proved to be a hotbed of insights and discussions around VMware’s future prospects and challenges. The broad array of topics ranged from multicloud integration to AI advancements and the company’s relationship with Broadcom.

“We are all in this tech business. Chaos is the name of the game. Change is the name of the game,” Nicholson said. “I think that’s the main feedback … I didn’t hear anyone, frankly, saying this is prompting us to reevaluate whether we will keep certain things on-premises or continue to pursue a multicloud or hybrid cloud strategy.”

Another big topic of discussion is the future of AI at VMware, specifically its integration within the company’s infrastructure and how it all fits within VMware’s model. VMware will have to make the decision on how it wants to help organizations when it comes to the world of AI, including the use of on-premises and private AI, according to the analysts.

“There’s no question that VMware will embed AI in its infrastructure to make its infrastructure run better. That will happen, guaranteed,” Vellante said. “But that’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about things like private AI. The trend that’s in their favor is that customers will say, ‘We’re going to do some in the cloud and we’re going to do some on-prem.’ The issue is, ‘Why VMware?’”

Regarding VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom, the heart of VMware’s success, particularly in the cloud strategy, are components such as vSphere, with which Broadcom clearly aligns. VMware’s partnership with Nvidia Corp. was also showcased at the event.

“Have to mention that having Nvidia represented in the best way you possibly can … that is a clear indication that Broadcom absolutely received the feedback that it got from regulators and is making sure that the marketplace is understanding that Broadcom intends to have a thriving ecosystem,” Nicholson said.

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of VMware Explore 2023:

(* Disclosure: This is an unsponsored editorial segment. However, theCUBE is a paid media partner for VMware Explore 2023. VMware and other sponsors of theCUBE’s event coverage do not have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE