As you might have noticed I’ve been busy working with the VMware SMB Team prior to me joining the company. I’ve done a series of podcasts here and here, and working on another two. This year (for the first time I think) there is special focus on SMB events, and the SMB is getting a focus at VMworld, which it previously didn’t get. So lets kick of with a round up what’s going on.

Firstly, there’s a “Spotlight Session” which is focused on automation of IT processes in the SMB.

Tech Preview: Solutions for Automating IT in the Small-to-Midsize Business
Monday,8/27
@ 1-2pm in the Lam Research Theater at the Yerba Buena Center, 700 Howard Street
It’s presented by Russ Stockdale, VP and General Manager, SMB Solutions for VMware and a panel of VMware customers. There will be new product annoucements – and will give you an idea of where VMware is going with its SMB solutions…
Secondly, there’s a whole series of breakout session at VMworld also:
Monday, 8/27
11am-12pm: VMware Go: The Zen for SMB IT Management
2:30-3:30pm: Essential IT Management Tasks for SMBs
4-5pm: Virtualizing SQL 2012: Doing It Right
Tuesday, 8/28
10:30-11:30am: Troubleshooting Using vCenter Operations Manager
11am-12pm: vSphere Storage Appliance – Deep Dive and Best Practices
12-1pm: VMware vSphere 5 Design Discussions
Wednesday, 8/29
10:30-11:30am: Virtualizing SharePoint Best Practices
2:30-3:30pm: Plug and Scale “View Appliance”
4-5pm: Virtualizing Active Directory Best Practices
Thursday, 8/30
12:30-1:30pm: VMware View 5.1 Reference Architecture
Thirdly, there’s two demos at the VMware VMworld Booth

Demo 1: SMB IT Transformation Journey

Abstract: This demo will illustrate a virtualization journey tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of SMBs. Products that will be highlighted include: vSphere Essentials and Acceleration Kits, VSA, SRM, vC Ops, Go, Protect, vShield, View and vCloud DR to the Cloud service offerings.

Demo 2: Virtualization and BC/DR Made Easy

Abstract: This online/offline demo will show how easy it is to deploy vSphere with Go and also illustrate the ease of configuring the business continuity capabilities in ESS+ using Go. VSA will be incorporated in the demo as a necessary component of providing shared storage high availability – shared storage.

Fourthly! A special contest – yet to be announced!

You can keep up to date with all the events at VMworld concerning the SMB at http://blogs.vmware.com/smb/ and also follow them on twitter as well at: https://twitter.com/vmwaresmb