Cloud computing and virtualization are forces of tech’s nature that will bring enterprise solutions to the next level.  With these two aligning organizations’ goal to keep IT economics in good shape, an event such as VMworld is a must-see.  But as it nears, let’s take a quick look at VMworld 2010’s gathering of leading virtualization and cloud infrastructure enterprises, practitioners and innovators.

VMworld 2010 aligned the goals of cloud storage, virtualization and cost-cutting on data protection.  The conference focused on the practicality of virtualizing systems, especially for large enterprises with heterogeneous environments.  For SMB’s, frugality will come by means of cloud computing in data back-up and restoration.  Compellent CEO Phil Soran, who was present in the event, pounds on the idea of storage during an interview with theCube—should be simplified, flexible and automated.  Bert Latamore touched the topic on flexibility and virtualization as its foundation during the peak of VMworld 2010.

The attendees of last year’s VMworld also had the opportunity to witness discussions on security and complexity, as VMware is tagged as “the tip of the security spear.”  The company provides a very comprehensive cloud computing security model.  A year later, VMware still leads the pack in cloud security.

Recent news and updates on VMware will make this year’s occasion even more interesting.  The company harnessed attention at the last OSCON when they presented Cloud Foundry, a platform technology made available across multiple programming languages.  VMware also partnered with Dell for healthcare initiatives through Mobile Clinical Computing Platform.

Virtualization will also play a big role as we enter the healthcare IT era, indeed. But perhaps the most talked about development from this year is the vSphere 5 launch and subsequent repricing and licensing issues, an important matter for VMworld attendees in particular.  Fearing pricing concerns that could mount against the brand, VMware also increased vRAM limit, adding some value around this product as well.  Less than a week ago, they embedded RSA tech into vShield, boosting security to round out its client offerings.

The momentous VMworld of 2011 will highlight trends and the future of virtualization as it pertains to cloud computing.  The four-day event in the US will kick-off August 29^th in Las Vegas.  VMware 2011 will also invade Europe later this year via a three-day conference in Copenhagen.