As IT professionals, we have learned to thrive in a multi-vendor environment. We all have legacy equipment, new acquisitions, or mistakes along the way that put us in a situation to support multiple vendors. Most of the time (at least, I hope most of the time) this works out pretty well. Not flawless, but we have been able to get it to work.
The manufacturers have a vested interest in a single environment. Single-vendor environments means more money for the OEM, potential lock-in, and future revenues. I’m a capitalist, and I don’t have an issue with companies trying to maximize their value to the end-user. Let the best company win. I am not a fan of companies – or employees of companies – spreading FUD around to win business.
My message to companies is this: let the products compete for the business. If your product doesn’t win, learn from that and make it better. Also realize that like us, you will not win them all, but I expect you will fight as if you could. Go for it. Tell the end user why your product is best, why it will solve their problem, and why your product differs from your competitors. That’s all fair game. I respect the vendor who explains the differences between products and is honest with me about the differences. In some situations, your product may not be the best fit, and it’s okay to walk away and respect the customer’s decision.
VMUG is for the IT community member who focuses on the VMware environment and ecosystem. We are not a one-stop-shop for all things IT. Our Board is composed of mostly volunteers, and we work to ensure our members can get the most from their VMware and partner environments. VMUG works to provide solid resources – online and in person – for members to gain knowledge about VMware, associated products, and professional development.
We do this because we are part of the greater IT community.
We do this because we care.
We work to make VMUG an avenue where IT professionals can engage and find value. If you don’t find value, please let me know what we can do to improve. If you do find value, please let me know what you liked. If we don’t provide information about the product you are looking for, seek it elsewhere. Then share what you find with the IT community. VMUG will not be the answer for everything, but we are working to provide answers for VMware things.
See you at a VMUG,
Brad
VMUG Office
450 Rev Kelly Smith Way, Nashville, TN 37203
[email protected]