The topic of virtualization has exploded in recent years. Companies looking for ways to cut costs and reduce the complexity of their networks have all realized the benefits of consolidation and virtualization.
There are many vendors including VMWare, Citrix and even Microsoft operating in this arena. You might find yourself overwhelmed and wondering how best to keep up with the latest industry news.
Today we’ll explore 3 easy ways to stay in the know with virtualization.
1. Top Virtualization Sites and Blogs
The Internet is always one of the first places to start. Vendor website are an obvious place to obtain specific information, but there are also blogs and other sites to visit. Here are a few:
Virtualization Info
This website contains the latest news, whitepapers, books suggestions, and other information to keep you up to date on the entire virtualization industry.
DABCC
Having partnered with some of the major vendors, this is probably the most extensive website on the subject. DABCC features: virtualization news, technical support, podcasts and videos. There are also downloads and Citrix support, VMware support, Microsoft Virtualization, Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services), Application Virtualization, Server Virtualization, Desktop Virtualization (VDI), Virtualization Security, and Desktop Management Software. They top all this off with an events calendar that focuses on virtualization events.
Virtualization Directory
A collection of news and reports from a variety of sources. Think of this as a website virtualization aggregator.
There are also a few more widely recognized industry websites that cover a variety of technical topics, but have special focus areas on virtualization:
InfoWorld’s Virtualization Center
InfoWorld is a leading technology website. They cover a variety of hardware, software and industry topics along with their dedicated virtualization segment.
Eweek Virtualization Center
Eweek is another widely read technology news source. They also have a dedicated virtualization topic center.
ZDNet’s Virtualization Center
This topic center has news, webcasts, and whitepapers all on virtualization. Also included is the column Virtually Speaking by Dan Kusnetzky & Paula Rooney. Good advice can also be had at the TechRepublic community discussion board.
CIO Magazine’s Virtualization Center
Coupled with general IT industry news aimed at the CIO, you’ll also find virtualization news, expert analysis and advice, case studies, how-to, and blogs on virtualization issues.
As far as virtualization blogs go, there are hundreds to choose from. Thankfully, Eric Siebert has narrowed the list down to top 66 virtualization blogs and had the community vote on their favorite ones. Here are the top 5 virtualization blogs:
- Yellow Bricks by Duncan Epping
- Virtual Geek by Chad Sakac
- Scott Lowe
- NTPro.nl by Eric Sloof
- RTFM Education by Mike Laverick
For a complete list of top virtualization blogs visit vsphere-land.com.
2. Virtualization Conferences and User Groups
Looking to network with other virtualization industry leaders and peers? Conferences provide a forum for networking and learning about the latest news and products.
VMworld 2010
This is an annual conference both in the U.S. (August 20-Sept 2, 2010) and Europe (October 12-14, 2010, Copenhagen). It is also the biggest virtualization event of the year.
Virtualization Conference & Expo
In its 10th year, this conference in Santa Clara California is hosted by Sys-Con Media, a technology magazine publisher. This year the conference is from November 1-4, 2010.
Interop (Virtualization Track)
Interop is UBM Techweb’s annual technology conference. This year, it will take place in New York, October 18-22, 2010. Virtualization will be one of the focus topics, led by Track Chair – Barb Goldworm.
Virtualization User Groups
Don’t forget about your local virutalization user group, this can be a great way to continue learning about virtualization throughout the year. A quick search for virtualization user group in your area will get you to a good start.
3. Virtualization Magazines
Admittedly, many magazines are of the online variety nowadays. The list below includes both online and print versions.
Virtualization Journal
Published monthly by Sys-Con Media, Virtualization Journal has both print and online versions available.
Virtualization Review
Virtualization Review, is a brand new publication from the 1105 Enterprise Computing Group (ECG) covering the products, vendors, issues and techniques in the virtualization space. Virtualization Review targets IT professionals working with virtualization technology.
The first print issue of Virtualization Review launched in March 2008 and is delivered monthly.
If you do get your hands on a print copy of Virtualization Review keep an eye out for David David’s column The How to Guy!
Virtual Strategy Magazine
This online only magazine features news, feature articles, audio & video segments. Virtual Strategy Magazine launched in 2005 as the first news and information portal focused exclusively on virtualization technologies.
What’s Your Favorite Virtualization Resource?
Few technologies have been adopted as quickly as hardware and software virtualization. Reduced costs realized through hardware and software savings make a compelling case for the widespread adoption of this technology.
I hope this list provided you with resources that will help keep you abreast of the latest developments in the virtualization community. If there’s another great virtualization resource not on our list please share it in the comments below.
Another way to keep up is to attend local VMware user groups meeting. Luckily in the Detroit area, there are two users groups that cater to the large enterprise and the smaller SMB usage.
Great suggestion Cifford! The VMware user groups are not only a good way to stay up-to-date but a great way to connect with other virtualization professionals.
Clifford you’re absolutely right. There are usually always local groups available and they can prove to be invaluable resources.