The VMware Explore event brought together technology experts and industry enthusiasts to mark the transition from one chapter to another in VMware Inc.’s journey. The event provided a platform for innovative discussions and insights, including how the role of the VMware administrator has morphed from virtualization guru to cloud architect in the ever-changing landscape of IT.

The rise of cloud computing has propelled administrators into a realm where mastery of multicloud environments is essential. However, the emergence of artificial intelligence introduces a new dynamic that could automate traditional administrative tasks. This shift calls for the evolution of skill sets and a journey towards becoming true cloud experts.

“Hybrid has won,” said Keith Townsend (pictured), founder and principal at CTO Advisor LLC. “The future isn’t all AWS, it’s not all Google Cloud or Azure, it’s not all VMware. Enterprise IT is cumulative. You hit that point, AI, [virtual intelligence] admin. It’s the ability to take these very diverse business requirements and then translate them to the infrastructure layer.”

Townsend spoke with theCUBE industry analysts John Furrier and Dave Vellante at VMware Explore 2023, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed VMware’s future, including its path in cloud architecture, multicloud strategies and the integration of AI. (* Disclosure below.)

The intersection of cloud and AI

As industry analysts and experts gathered at VMware Explore, the various conversations captured the essence of VMware’s transformative journey and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Townsend lent his unique perspective to the discourse as well.

With insightful analysis of data centers, cloud and hybrid cloud landscapes, the IT world is in transition, according to Townsend. At the heart of the discussion, how VMware administrator’s evolution is akin to that of a cloud architect, especially as AI starts to automate routine administrative tasks.

“We’ve talked about this supercloud conversation where you’re talking about managing dispersed cloud services across multiple environments and you’re talking about this one function, the vAdmin that has to do it, not the Kubernetes admin, but the vAdmin that has to manage Kubernetes,” he said. “The Tanzu message starts to make sense. It starts to make sense to that practitioner and to that executive that they have to do more with less.”

This transition is not about relinquishing control but rather about redefining expertise, said Townsend. There is a sentiment that the modern cloud architect needs to seamlessly traverse diverse business requirements, translating into infrastructure solutions.

Drawing parallels between the evolution of technology then and now, Townsend explained how understanding the underpinnings of virtual machines and networking remains crucial.

“[Virtual machine] is the best abstraction for the infrastructure layer,” he added. “If you understand data and the need and how you service the application with data, your career will be protected for the next 10, 15 years.”

Navigating the cloud architect’s odyssey

As for the future of VMware administrators in the face of the Broadcom acquisition, Townsend addressed concerns about support and opportunities.

Going forward, there will be a surge in prominence for VMware experts and practitioners, according to Townsend, who foresees a landscape where new roles and organizations emerge to fill gaps left by corporate realignments.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for the vAdmin and the VMware expert to rise in a prominent position. Whether they’re starting VARs, partners, support organizations, new user groups, et cetera, that’s the explosion,” he explained

The synergy between VMware’s Tanzu and Aria further emphasized the power of observability and the role of smart people in managing the network control plane, according to Townsend.

There is great potential for the VMware Cloud on AWS, according to Townsend. He envisioned a deep integration with cloud solutions as the key to overcoming complex challenges. AI will also have an impact, though the significance of a skill set grounded in understanding the inner workings of cloud infrastructure will also be needed.

“The whole point why hyperconverged became popular is the same reason why these other products have the potential to take off, single panes of glass. The ability to manage my supercloud in a single pane of glass and this becomes the foundation,” he 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 Inc. and other sponsors of theCUBE’s event coverage do not have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE