
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a weekly technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware, recently acquired by Broadcom, and within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise.
Episodes

Jul 22, 2024
Jul 22, 2024
20 min
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Continuing our special 10-part series "Exploring VMware Cloud Foundation." Virtually Speaking hosts Pete Flecha and John Nicholson interview various subject matter experts to break down the components that make up VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and provide insights into its powerful capabilities for private cloud environments.
In Episode 6, 'VCF Networking' we delve into the intricate world of networking within VMware Cloud Foundation, with a focus on the powerful capabilities of NSX. Joining us are Heath Johnson and Kyle Gleed from VCF Technical Marketing, who guide us through the integration of NSX within VCF and its transformative impact on networking architecture.
Our discussion encompasses various facets of networking within VCF, all revolving around the versatile functionalities of NSX. From discussing the essential role of software-defined networking (SDN) for private cloud environments to exploring real-world use cases such as mobility, disaster recovery, and automated networking for Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) deployments, Heath and Kyle provide valuable insights into NSX's applicability in diverse scenarios.
A highlight of the conversation is the introduction of the VPC Simplified UI, seamlessly integrated within vCenter to streamline networking operations within VCF. Heath and Kyle walk us through the simplicity of deployment, catering to both greenfield and brownfield environments, while also offering strategic guidance on migration strategies to maximize efficiency.
Furthermore, the discussion delves into the revolutionary concept of Data Processing Units (DPUs) and their integration with NSX within VCF. By harnessing DPUs, VCF unlocks unprecedented network offloading capabilities, optimizing performance and scalability for modern cloud infrastructures.
Join us in Episode 6 as we unravel the complexities of VCF Networking with NSX, exploring how VMware Cloud Foundation redefines networking paradigms through seamless integration and cutting-edge technologies.

Jul 19, 2024
Jul 19, 2024
38 min

Recently Broadcom announced the latest updates to vSphere 8. This new release includes updates that will help enhance operational efficiency for IT admins, supercharge the performance of demanding workloads, and accelerate the pace of innovation for DevOps engineers, developers, and anyone else that can benefit from self-service access to infrastructure services, in a secure and compliant manner.
On this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast we welcome Féidhlim O'Leary to walk us through the details of this latest release.
Links Mentioned:
- VCF Landing Page
- What's New in vSphere 8 Update 3?
- Announcing VMware vSphere Foundation 5.2
- VMware vCenter Server 8.0 Update 3 Release Notes
- Embracing Change with VMware vSphere Foundation
- VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF) Licensing
- Virtually Speaking YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking Podcast
- vSAN on TechZone
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking

Jul 16, 2024
Jul 16, 2024
18 min
In Episode 5 of the series "Exploring VMware Cloud Foundation" titled 'VCF Storage,' we dive into the dynamic world of storage solutions within VMware Cloud Foundation. Our guest, Rakesh Radhakrishnan, Senior Director of Product Management, expertly navigates through the latest storage offerings and their benefits within the new Go-to-Market strategy for VCF.
Rakesh begins by dissecting the array of storage offerings integrated into the revamped VCF platform, shedding light on their diverse functionalities and advantages. He elaborates on how these innovations elevate storage capabilities within VCF, enhancing performance, scalability, and agility for users.
Throughout the episode, Rakesh guides us through a compelling customer journey, illustrating the seamless transition from vSphere to VCF from a storage perspective. By highlighting real-world scenarios and best practices, he illuminates the path for customers looking to leverage VCF's storage capabilities to their fullest potential.
Furthermore, Rakesh unveils exciting new innovations in storage within VCF, offering a glimpse into the future of data management and storage infrastructure. He shares insights into the strategic direction for storage within VCF, outlining VMware's vision for evolving storage solutions to meet the ever-expanding needs of modern cloud environments.
Join us on this Virtually Speaking Podcast series as we unravel the intricacies of VCF Storage with Rakesh Radhakrishnan, exploring the transformative potential of storage innovations within VMware Cloud Foundation.
Links Mentioned:
- VCF Landing Page
- Announcing General Availability of VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.1
- VCF Webinars
- VCF YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking Podcast
- vSAN on TechZone
Watch the Entire Series
- Ep 01: Inside the Private Cloud
- Ep 02: What’s Inside
- Ep 03: The Cloud Admin Journey
- Ep 04: VCF Compute
- Ep 05: VCF Storage
- Ep 06: VCF Networking
- Ep 07: A Cloud Management Experience
- Ep 08: VMware Private AI
- Ep 09: Data Services Manager
- Ep 10: VMware vDefend
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware and from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking

Jul 16, 2024
Jul 16, 2024
14 min
Continuing our special 10-part series on the Virtually Speaking Podcast: "Exploring VMware Cloud Foundation" in Episode 4,titled “VCF Compute”, Himanshu Singh, Director of vSphere Product Marketing, navigates us through the spectrum of vSphere editions, highlighting their adaptability for diverse customer needs. He then showcases the enhanced value proposition of vSphere within VMware Cloud Foundation, harnessing the synergy with NSX and Aria Automation to elevate private cloud infrastructures.
Drawing from the essence of VMware vSphere, Himanshu emphasizes its role as the enterprise workload engine, integrating cutting-edge cloud infrastructure technology with DPU and GPU-based acceleration to amplify workload performance. vSphere optimizes IT environments, bolstering availability, simplifying lifecycle management, and streamlining maintenance for heightened operational efficiency. Moreover, it establishes an intrinsically secure infrastructure engine, fortified out-of-the-box and complemented by straightforward hardening guidance for compliance adherence.
Links Mentioned:
- VCF Landing Page
- Announcing General Availability of VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.1
- VCF Webinars
- VCF YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking Podcast
Watch the Entire Series
- Ep 01: Inside the Private Cloud
- Ep 02: What’s Inside
- Ep 03: The Cloud Admin Journey
- Ep 04: VCF Compute
- Ep 05: VCF Storage
- Ep 06: VCF Networking
- Ep 07: A Cloud Management Experience
- Ep 08: VMware Private AI
- Ep 09: Data Services Manager
- Ep 10: VMware vDefend
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware and from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking

Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
34 min
VMware vSphere Foundation is the enterprise workload engine with intelligent operations for optimizing IT infrastructure in organizations of all sizes. It boosts operational efficiency, supercharges workload performance, elevates security, and accelerates innovation for your business. This week VMware by Broadcom announced VMware vSphere Foundation 5.2. This week on the Virtually Speaking Podcast we welcome Himanshu Singh and Harshad Kolte to discuss the details of this latest release.
Links Mentioned:
- VCF Landing Page
- Announcing VMware vSphere Foundation 5.2
- VCF Webinars
- VCF YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware and from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking

Jun 24, 2024
Jun 24, 2024
31 min
Welcome to a special 10-part series on the Virtually Speaking Podcast: "Exploring VMware Cloud Foundation." In this series, hosts Pete Flecha and John Nicholson interview various subject matter experts to break down the components that make up VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and provide insights into its powerful capabilities for private cloud environments.
In episode 3, titled "The Cloud Admin Journey," Pete and John are again joined by Kyle Gleed and Heath Johnson from VCF Technical Marketing. This episode is dedicated to explaining the operations involved for day 0, day 1, and day 2. Kyle and Heath detail everything a cloud administrator needs to consider, from initial deployment and lifecycle management to ongoing daily operations. They provide insights and best practices to help streamline and optimize the management of VCF environments. Whether you're just getting started with VCF or looking to enhance your existing operations, this episode offers valuable guidance for cloud administrators at every stage. Tune in to learn how to effectively manage your VCF infrastructure and ensure smooth, efficient operations.
Links Mentioned:
- VCF Landing Page
- Announcing General Availability of VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.1
- VCF Webinars
- VCF YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking Podcast
Watch the Entire Series
- Ep 01: Inside the Private Cloud
- Ep 02: What’s Inside
- Ep 03: The Cloud Admin Journey
- Ep 04: VCF Compute
- Ep 05: VCF Storage
- Ep 06: VCF Networking
- Ep 07: A Cloud Management Experience
- Ep 08: VMware Private AI
- Ep 09: Data Services Manager
- Ep 10: VMware vDefend
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware and from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking

Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024
16 min
Welcome to a special 10-part series on the Virtually Speaking Podcast: "Exploring VMware Cloud Foundation." In this series, hosts Pete Flecha and John Nicholson interview various subject matter experts to break down the components that make up VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and provide insights into its powerful capabilities for private cloud environments.
In Episode 2, aptly titled "What’s Inside?", Pete and John are joined by Kyle Gleed and Heath Johnson from VCF Technical Marketing. This episode delves into a comprehensive exploration of the myriad components and add-ons encompassed within VMware Cloud Foundation. Heath and Kyle expertly navigate us through the realms of compute, storage, networking, automation, and lifecycle management, offering administrators invaluable insights and a roadmap to embark on their VCF journey.
Links Mentioned
- VCF Landing Page
- Announcing General Availability of VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.1
- VCF Webinars
- VCF YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking Podcast
Watch the Entire Serries
- Ep 01: Inside the Private Cloud
- Ep 02: What’s Inside
- Ep 03: The Cloud Admin Journey
- Ep 04: VCF Compute
- Ep 05: VCF Storage
- Ep 06: VCF Networking
- Ep 07: A Cloud Management Experience
- Ep 08: VMware Private AI
- Ep 09: Data Services Manager
- Ep 10: VMware vDefend
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware and from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Jun 13, 2024
Jun 13, 2024
24 min
Welcome to a special 10-part series on the Virtually Speaking Podcast: "Exploring VMware Cloud Foundation." In this series, hosts Pete Flecha and John Nicholson interview various subject matter experts to break down the components that make up VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and provide insights into its powerful capabilities for private cloud environments.
In this kickoff episode titled "Inside the Private Cloud," Pete and John sit down with VP of Product Management, Paul Turner, and Director of Product Marketing, Rick Walsworth. Paul discusses the vision for VMware Cloud Foundation following VMware's acquisition by Broadcom, emphasizing how VCF is a key focus of the acquisition. Rick provides a comprehensive overview of VCF's features, highlighting how they streamline the deployment and management of cloud infrastructure. This episode serves as an essential introduction to the series, offering a clear understanding of what VCF is and the value it brings to modern cloud strategies. Don't miss this foundational discussion as we embark on our journey through VMware Cloud Foundation.
Links Mentioned:
- VCF Landing Page
- Announcing General Availability of VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.1
- VCF Webinars
- VCF YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking YouTube Page
- Virtually Speaking Podcast
Watch the Entire Series
- Ep 01: Inside the Private Cloud
- Ep 02: What’s Inside
- Ep 03: The Cloud Admin Journey
- Ep 04: VCF Compute
- Ep 05: VCF Storage
- Ep 06: VCF Networking
- Ep 07: A Cloud Management Experience
- Ep 08: VMware Private AI
- Ep 09: Data Services Manager
- Ep 10: VMware vDefend
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware and from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking

May 20, 2024
May 20, 2024
27 min

In this episode of Virtually Speaking, Pete and John dive deep into the transformative impact of Data Processing Units (DPUs) on virtual infrastructure with special guest Dave Morera from vSphere Technical Marketing. They explore how vSphere Distributed Services Engine leverages DPUs to modernize infrastructure by offloading critical functions from the CPU. This advancement enables significant resource savings, accelerated networking, and enhanced workload security. Dave explains how the integration of DPU lifecycle management into vSphere simplifies operations, reduces the need for third-party tools, and strengthens security with agentless controls. Tune in to learn how DPUs are enhancing performance, improving workload consolidation, and reducing total cost of ownership while simplifying infrastructure management and boosting security.

May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024
19 min
In the latest episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, Pete and John dive deep into the world of desktop hypervisors with special guest Michael Roy. The discussion takes us on a journey through the history of desktop hypervisors, exploring their various use cases and shedding light on recent changes in licensing following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware.
Desktop hypervisors, notably VMware Fusion and Workstation, have revolutionized the way we approach virtualization on personal computers. These powerful tools enable users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single machine, opening up a world of possibilities for developers, IT professionals, and enthusiasts alike.
During this episode Michael Roy delves into the myriad use cases for desktop hypervisors, highlighting their importance in software development, testing, and education. We explore how these tools have become indispensable for developers seeking to test their applications across different environments, as well as for IT professionals managing complex systems.

