VMware Services
Even though VMware Professional Services grew 50%, it is clear that VMware does not want to grow their Services too big. This may show the shareholders that having a services revenue that is too big, may show that the software is flawed. With Virtualisation that is not the case, it needs more services introducing a different approach to IT services. In a lot of cases it is a culture change withing the organisations.
VMware is cost wise still the better choice, even though Enterprise+ licenses are expensive. When you follow VMware best practices and include all operational costs involved you will find that. Having said that, please have a good look at the features required to run your IT on Virtualisation. Maybe you don't need Enterprise + licenses and save even more money.
VMware still has a strong software suite, despite what the competition is trying to sell. Only VMware has to be careful of the 'good-enough' effect, that may kill their business in a snap. Look at the laptop market and what happened when Netbooks got introduced.
With regards,
Yvo