VMware is not simply a “green” company it is a corporate
culture. VMware is based on 100 acres of plush land
that is alive. It is very evident as
soon as you arrive that this is not VMware’s buildings with a little bit of
nature added. Looking at the overhead
pictures there is more nature on campus than VMware. As you move through the campus you see and
feel the openness and nature (even with a little rain). We visited a small river that flows in the
middle of the campus and contains ducks and the VMware turtles (we were told
they all have “names” / the conference rooms were actually named after them, they have profiles on the internal SocialCast site, but no Twitter accounts - yet).
When you visit any of the buildings you look around you will
find recycled material for everything from the carpet and floors to the ceiling
tiles and woodwork. The atmosphere is
open and inviting and encourages you to look beyond the traditional
limitations. The walls are not walls but
windows allowing nature and ideas to come in.
Of course onsite there are multiple gyms and other amenities for staff
but as was told to us by our guide outdoor walking meetings tend to be very
popular.
VMware corporate has a balance with nature and they have been
able to ensure this balance extends to the staff there.
They have provided an environment where staff is encouraged to take that
deep breath / walk your dog (yes dogs are allowed on campus) and innovate. VMware is one of the leaders in technology, not because they have armies of people in cubicles coding but because they
have balance. From that comes the innovations that have changed the world of IT.
Brian
