Booth babes and Interop

Back at RSA I wrote that I thought the security industry had outgrown booth babes, but they were still there.  Well at Interop, I am happy to report that the booth babes were much less obvious.  Considering that Interop has a more general topic and that it does take place in Vegas, I consider that encouraging news. But let me not give you a false impression.  There were a few companies who still try to sell technology by exploiting sex.  However, there were also a few companies that had some great talent entertaining at their booths.  The two companies that I saw that used booth babes were Blue Cat Networks and Barracuda Networks.  Unfortunately both of these were right in front with large booths.  You can see the pictures above.  It is a shame because both companies obviously try very hard to sell at this show.  They should realize that they are turning people off with sexist stuff.  Of course as you can see I did my best to look like I enjoy it as part of my under cover journalist work.  Also, as can be seen of the picture with Martin McKeay, not all booth babes were women.

By the same token I wanted to point out two companies that I saw that had dynamite stuff at their booths.  First of all Extreme Networks had a gospel style singing act with a "preacher" and choir.  The best for me though was Force 10 Networks who hired a Barbra Striesand and Frank Sinatra look alike act to perform.  They were great! 

Just goes to show that you can sell product and provide entertainment without degrading women.  I hope the trend continues and we see less and less of the booth babes in future shows.