VMworld 2014 VMware applied for two more hardware-related trademarks this month, it has emerged.

One application is for “EVO”, described as “Computer hardware and software for virtualization; computer hardware and software enabling users to manage virtual computing resources that include networking.”

A second application, “EVO: RAIL”, is described as encompassing “Computer hardware and software for virtualization; computer hardware and software enabling users to manage virtual computing resources that include networking and data storage.”

Those with good memories will recall that virtualization kingpin VMware also applied to trademark “MARVIN”. The description used in that application is “Computer hardware for virtualization; computer hardware enabling users to manage virtual computing resources that include networking and data storage”.

VMware is keeping a tight lid on its plans ahead of the opening of VMworld 2014 in San Francisco, California, next week. Despite that, given the above trademark applications, here's where we think the next few days are heading:

VMware has repeatedly stated it is a software company and not a hardware company, and has no intention of becoming the latter;

Storage is mentioned in the MARVIN application, but not the EVO application;

Storage is mentioned in the EVO: RAIL application.

A possible conclusion is therefore that VMware has not one, but two, hardware designs up its sleeve. All will be revealed, we expect, on Monday. ®