Back at Interop Las Vegas in 2013, less than one year after VMware acquired Nicira, then VMware’s chief architect of networking Martin Casado stated what was probably the understatement of the decade: “it’s a very exciting time to be in networking.”

With the birth of software-defined networking, pioneered by folks like Casado, the industry entered into a transformation unlike anything we’ve seen since the invention of Ethernet. The entire industry — from fascinating start-ups to the big players — rushed to challenge networking’s historical operational model, leveraging the power of software to help move networking into the future. Customers have embraced this model, where they can not only provision networking components in minutes without the need to modify the application, but they can also deliver micro-segmentation and granular security to each individual workload. It’s become a huge part of the success story for our customers, our partners and VMware ourselves.

Since then, we have continued to build out the portfolio with Software-Defined WAN, multi-cloud networking, hybrid cloud connectivity and network operations management and visibility solutions. And this week at Dell Technologies World, our CEO Pat Gelsinger laid out the Virtual Cloud Network, our vision for a software-defined network architecture that delivers pervasive connectivity that spans edge to edge, across software-defined data center, branch, cloud, and telco environments.

Along with the introduction of the Virtual Cloud Network, we are excited to announce that a true veteran in the security software industry will lead our Network and Security Business Unit. Tom Gillis, currently the CEO and co-founder of Bracket Computing, will be joining VMware as senior vice president and general manager of our Networking and Security Business Unit, effective May 14, reporting to me. Tom’s background gives him a keen understanding about the direction of cloud, security and enterprise computing, making him an ideal leader to drive VMware’s networking and security strategy.

Prior to Bracket, Tom was vice president and general manager of Cisco’s Security Technology Group, leading business units responsible for Cisco’s entire Network and Content Security product portfolio. And before that, he was part of the founding team at IronPort Systems, which was acquired by Cisco in 2007. He’s also held leadership roles at IBEAM Broadcasting, Silicon Graphics, the Boston Consulting Group and Raytheon Corporation.

In addition to Tom’s appointment, VMware will acquire the intellectual property and some of the key technical members from Bracket Computing, subject to close.

We look forward to welcoming Tom and his colleagues to VMware.

Rajiv Ramaswami
COO, Products and Cloud Services
VMware