The VMware ecosystem is rich and thriving, with partners, vendors, and the virtualization community at large continuing to drive innovation and producing complementary products. VMworld is where this ecosystem comes together to show the latest and greatest they have to offer, and to give a glimpse into what lies ahead. With VMworld 2009 just a few days away, the ecosystem is pulsing with increase vigor, as evidenced by the increased amount of email, Twitter traffic, and general buzz in the community.

The VMworld 2009 Sponsor and Exhibitor list is available at http://www.vmworld.com/community/conferences/2009/sponsors-exhibitors and gives good insight into who and what is part of the VMware ecosystem.  If you are heading to VMworld next week, be sure to check out the exhibitor list ahead of time so you can target your time on the exhibition floor (or so you know which booths to hit up for the best schwag, tchotchke, booth babes, and T-shirts).

The VMworld 2009 Content Catalog was released on Friday night according to a post on the VMworld.com blog.  I have only started to browse the many breakout sessions, instructor-led labs, self-paced labs, and panel sessions that are currently planned for VMworld 2009.  A quick glance shows a wide variety of content for all technical levels across many tracks, including Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Desktop Virtualization, Enterprise Applications, Technology and Architecture, Virtualization 101 and Virtualization Management.  It also appears that the catalog includes a nice mix of VI3 and vSphere content, as well as expanded desktop virtualization information.

Be sure to browse the catalog now so you are ready for session registration later in July.  From past experience, knowing what session and labs you want to attend before registration, and then jumping right into registration once it is available, is the best way to ensure you get a slot in the hottest sessions.

Today is the last day for VMworld early-bird registration, and I got in just under the wire.  Here’s to hoping that VMworld 2009 is as informative, fun and valuable as last years.  I remember sitting in Vegas last year as the first of the big financial institutions began to fall.  It will be interesting to see how the current economic condition impacts attendance, vendor quality, tee-shirt availability, and the VMworld party.  Here’s to fun, free beer, and virtualization!

I’m also hoping that my wife will be able to join me and ‘geek out’ (her term) this year.  If so, I’ll have to get her connected with the unofficial VMworld 2009 Spouse Activities!