VMware Explore 2026: Sharing Expertise, Strengthening Partnerships, and Looking Ahead

By Jairo Silva, Capstone IT Solutions Account Executive

VMware Explore has always been more than a technology conference. It’s where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are strengthened, and possibilities are discussed.

This year, Capstone IT Solutions was proud to be part of those conversations as Ken Rider, Corey Dinkens, Jim Richards, and I spent the week connecting with Broadcom leadership, partners, and customers. It was an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the direction of the enterprise software and private cloud industry, learn about the initiatives Broadcom is driving to deliver greater value to customers, the challenges customers are facing to modernize their platforms, applications, and stay secure in the age of AI, and learn more about the opportunities Capstone IT Solutions has to expand our services to our partners and customers and work more strategically with them.

For me, Explore was a reminder that while platforms and products continue to evolve, success still comes down to people. Technology is important, but lasting success and meaningful partnerships are built on trust, expertise, and a commitment to be a Servant Partner.

The week also gave Capstone IT Solutions an opportunity to showcase its expertise on one of the industry’s biggest stages.

Ken Rider presented a session focused on a challenge facing nearly every IT organization: determining where to begin modernization efforts. He demonstrated how application portfolio assessments help organizations uncover security vulnerabilities, identify technical debt, and prioritize initiatives that deliver the greatest business impact.

Watch Ken’s session:
Application Portfolio Assessment and Modernization

Corey Dinkens brought another practical perspective with his presentation, Understanding Kubernetes Operations Friction in a VM-Based World. Corey explored the operational realities organizations face as they adopt VMware Kubernetes Service. It requires the right people, processes, and operational strategies to reduce friction and accelerate outcomes.

Watch Corey’s session:
Understanding Kubernetes Operations Friction in a VM-Based World

The best part of VMware Explore is seeing how technology, partnerships, and people come together. That’s where real momentum is created, and judging by the conversations throughout the week, that momentum is only beginning, many opportunities await us.