So, the big news today was the management shuffle at VMware.
Much has been written about it, and much more undoubtedly will.
But -- sheesh -- some people are getting absolutely irrational with their commentary.
All I can say is -- get a grip, please.
The real surprise for me is that it was such a surprise for so many people. If you think about it, successful companies often go through different phases, and it's not unusual for different management skills and styles to be required during the journey.
VMware is undoubtedly a great company, with a revolutionary product and a stellar management team.
Not that much has changed, has it?
I hope it doesn't take too long for people to return to their senses ...
-----------
[update: saw this piece yesterday which more accurately reflects how many of us here are thinking about things ..]
Finally, a bit more rational perspective.
Please see
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jul2008/tc2008078_249217.htm
and
http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/08/vmware-diane-greene-tech-enter-cx_wt_0708vmware.html
Posted by: Chuck Hollis | July 08, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Chuck, the response is related to way the news was presented. EMC does a pretty good job of spinning good PR stories, but this one was not very clean. Yes, companies often need to change their leadership as the size and role of the company change, but this wasn't articulated very well, if at all. Its pretty obvious that things happened abruptly, even if there had been plans for a change at VMware.
Posted by: marc farley | July 09, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Marc, not surprisingly, you took it upon yourself to present the negative view.
I wouldn't expect any less from you ;-)
However, if you go back and take another look, you'll see a more balanced -- and mature -- perspective from some of the more serious publications, e.g. WSJ, Business Week, etc.
As far as the various internet ranters -- it's all part of the fun, isn't it?
Posted by: Chuck Hollis | July 09, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Chuck, even the unwavering cheerleader of EMC has to admit this wasn't handled that well by your company. Regarding the puckish repartee, I must protest! You receive more backhanded compliments than anyone. FWIW, here's a snippet of my post about Diane's departure yesterday (InsideIT blog @Dell)
".... it appears that most observers see this as a blown play by EMC. I'm not so sure. The timing isn't very good, but VMware probably needs a more operations focused leader at this stage of their development...."
Posted by: marc farley | July 09, 2008 at 12:24 PM
All of our EMC sales folks tell us that VMware operates independently of EMC.
I do not believe this to be true.
Posted by: Al Sharpton | July 10, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Bizarre or what: VMware's Diane Green ousted
http://www.blocksandfiles.com/article/5907
Posted by: Al Sharpton | July 10, 2008 at 02:55 PM
I can vouch for the fact -- it is absolutely true. Moreso than many of us would like, in fact.
Posted by: Chuck Hollis | July 10, 2008 at 03:05 PM
What's bizarre to me is that people think it's bizarre ... maybe I'm too close to it.
Posted by: Chuck Hollis | July 10, 2008 at 03:26 PM