Wrap-Up of VMware Explore 2023: All Things vSphere Virtual Volumes and Core Storage

VMware Explore in Las Vegas was a remarkable event. It attracted over 10,000 registrations from 72 countries, offering 6,000 labs and 700 breakout sessions. If you missed any of the exciting announcements, especially regarding vSphere 8 Update 2 Core Storage and vSphere Virtual Volumes (vVols), this recap will bring you up to speed.

vSphere 8 Update 2 Announcement for Core Storage and vSphere Virtual Volumes

During VMware Explore, the unveiling of vSphere 8 Update 2 and advancements in Core Storage, particularly with regards to vSphere Virtual Volumes (vVols). One of the major highlights of this announcement is the capability of vVols to support hot extend functionality for shared disks.

The enhancement allows administrators to extend shared disks seamlessly within the vSphere environment. It eliminates the need to interact with the storage array, benefiting clustered applications like Microsoft WSFC or Oracle RAC.

This development enhances agility, enabling shared disks extension without application disruption. It reduces the complexity by moving away from Raw Device Mapping (RDM), boosting operational efficiency. Check out the guide on migrating a WSFC Cluster on RDMs to vVols.

Here are the announcements around NVMe-oF and NVMe -TCP Support in vSphere.

Learn more about the new features and enhancements for vSphere 8 Update 2 Core Storage.

Virtually Speaking Podcast

The hosts of Virtually Speaking podcast Pete Flecha, Senior Product Line Marketing Manager and John Nicholson, Staff Technical Marketing Architect discuss a number of VMware topics related to Explore. Here is one podcast and video you don’t want to miss around core storage.

VMware Explore: Core Storage Updates

In this episode, the show’s hosts are joined by two guests, Jason Masse, a Staff Technical Marketing Architect at VMware, and Naveen Krishnamurthy, a Senior Product Line Manager at VMware. Together, they dive into the advancements made in vSphere 8 Update 2 Core Storage and the enhancements brought to vVols. Their conversation encompasses various aspects of vSphere Core Storage, as well as provides valuable insights into upcoming features and developments related to vVols. Be sure not to overlook this enlightening and informative dialogue.

VMware Explore: Core Storage Updates

SiliconAngle theCube Interview – John Gilmartin and Phil Brotherton

John Gilmartin, VMware’s Cloud Infrastructure General Manager and Phil Brotherton, NetApp VP of Solutions, join John Furrier and Rob Strechay at SiliconAngle. They delve into storage, vVols and NVMe and provide insights into future innovation. Don’t miss this interview.

SiliconAngle theCube Interview

vSphere Virtual Volumes (vVols) Key Sessions at Explore

VMware Explore Las Vegas 2023 presented sessions spotlighting vVols and its crucial role in modern IT infrastructure and importance in multi-cloud journey. If you missed the event, fear not! Here are key sessions you can catch up on:

Core Storage Best Practices Optimizing NVMeoF and vSphere Virtual Volumes

The featured session delves into vVols and NVMeoF and its exceptional performance and low latency benefits. It dives into the optimal configurations and deployment considerations of NVMeoF and vVols, equipping you with the knowledge to maximize your storage infrastructure’s potential. Additionally, it covers essential techniques for managing and monitoring these technologies within your environment.

Customer Panel vSphere Virtual Volumes Experience Insights

VMware and Pure Storage facilitate candid discussions with customers regarding their experiences with vVols. Hear directly from three distinct customers as they share their journey and recount how vVols have enhanced their environments, making it possible to attain capabilities that were historically difficult to accomplish. Gain firsthand insights into how these customers leveraged vVols to achieve their objectives and enhance both storage and operational efficiency.