The upcoming Explore event will be a real pantomime because when actors take the stage, they will try to "express or represent (something) by extravagant and exaggerated mime."
VMware customers and partners can expect a series of exaggerated statements about the current and future state of the company and its product portfolio.
It is exaggerated and even deceiving to claim that the transaction will be closed soon when neither BC nor VMware controls that. It is China who has the last word.
The same applies to product roadmaps simply because BC won't let VMware operate like EMC or Dell (relatively) did. BC has clearly shown with the "Day 1" preparation steps (given to VMware employees) that they are now in control and that it will instruct VMware on what to do in terms of vital things such as employee policies (lower compensations, no promotions, a lot fewer remote work locations, etc.) and the productivity tools to use (use the cheapest, not the most effective). In that potential new reality for VMware employees, customers can expect higher prices in exchange for far less innovation, if any at all.
So, to the thousands of cherished European customers attending Explore, as a long-time VMware employee, my advice to you is to enjoy Barcelona (great food, great city, and friendly people in general terms) but don't believe any promises because you won't be meeting the old VMware folks that were empowered to find ways to help succeed at overcoming enterprise IT challenges. This time, you'll interact with employees who don't know if they'll remain part of a VMware the following week. You will also interact with tamed executives told by BC what to say and do. In summary, you'll face a spectral VMware lacking soul and self-determination.
So, suppose this situation poses a risk to your company. In that case, you probably should turn to the EU and UK regulators and ask why they approved the BC transaction. They perfectly knew BC's record and that nothing good for VMware employees or customers would happen. They were supposed to protect consumers, and they did not.
So, there you go. Enjoy next week's pantomime, and good luck. We all still need it.