Day 2 of PTAB was based mostly around Desktop virtualization.    

Though ThinApp is an awesome product, I have always thought that the application virtualization piece could use some work, especially packaging and deployment.  We discussed some cool new ways of dealing with ThinApp that cover both of those gaps.  It is now clear to me that VMware agrees and will soon be addressing it.

We also discussed the future roadmap of View and were able to see some of the features of the next release.  There are MANY new features/enhancements coming, and I would venture to say that it could be a bigger release than View 4.0.  Unfortunately, I can’t go into more detail than that.

We even had a surprise visit by EVP of Worldwide Field Operations Carl Eschenbach.  Mr. Eschenbach visited with the PTAB at our last meeting during VMWorld 2009, so I think his appearances really show the high level interest VMware has in this group.  For even more evidence, look no further than the fact that the Desktop, Server and PSO teams all chipped in to fund PTAB this year.

As always it was a great time for all involved.  VMware received a lot of frank opinions and advice, and the PTAB members were able to see a lot of VMware’s vision and learn a lot from each other.  Thank you to all who sponsored or attended the meeting with a special thank you to Danny Meeks and the other presenters who bravely walked across the hot coal pit that is the Partner Technical Advisory Board.  I look forward to doing it again soon.

I didn’t attend much of the Welcome Reception, but did spend a little time catching up with my coworkers and a few friends.  After the party I spent some time with a few new friends and a few old friends over drinks and a craps table.  Thanks for a fun evening guys!