VMware Cloud Foundation 9 Launches as Broadcom‘s Private Cloud Vision
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- VMware Cloud Foundation 9 Launches as Broadcom’s Private Cloud Vision
Broadcom has officially released VMware Cloud Foundation 9 (VCF 9), 573 days after acquiring VMware, presenting its vision for the virtualization leader’s future and a blueprint for the modern private cloud. this integrated suite combines VMware’s compute, storage, and networking virtualization tools into a unified platform.
according to Prashanth Shenoy, VMware’s chief marketing officer, VCF 9 offers a single interface for private cloud operations and a separate interface for developers to provision infrastructure on a self-service basis. This approach aims to shift the focus from individual components to applications, simplifying infrastructure management.
Key Features and Enhancements in VCF 9
The new suite includes numerous enhancements, with a notable addition being GPU workload migration capability to the vMotion tool. This allows for seamless movement of virtual machines between servers without important disruptions. Since VMware became a server virtualization standard in the mid-2000s, it has emphasized its ability to calculate workload costs for IT chargebacks. VCF 9 enhances these analytics, providing more nuanced cost management.
Did You Know? The global cloud computing market is projected to reach $832.1 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 17.5% from 2020, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets [1].
broadcom’s vision for VMware is to offer a private cloud solution that mitigates the cost concerns associated with public clouds, provides manageable on-premises infrastructure, reduces legal risks related to US-based hyperscalers, and offers a secure habitat for sensitive data used in AI workloads. This aims to empower developers with on-demand infrastructure provisioning without overwhelming datacenter operations teams.
Customer Adoption and Market Sentiment
Broadcom reported to shareholders that 87% of its top 10,000 VMware customers have committed to VCF. However, some customers reportedly adopt the product reluctantly due to its cost and Broadcom’s strategies that complicate the acquisition of VMware’s server-virtualization bundles. As a result, some customers purchase VCF but do not fully implement all components.
VCF 9 is designed to make partial implementation more challenging, as upgrades will install compute, storage, and network virtualization components together. Whether this will encourage broader adoption of Broadcom’s private cloud vision remains to be seen.
Pro Tip: Before committing to a long-term subscription, evaluate your organization’s specific needs and conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to ensure VCF aligns with your strategic goals.
Analyst Perspectives on VCF 9
Gartner VP analyst Michael Warrilow suggests that while concerns about cloud costs and geopolitics are driving interest in private clouds, VCF alone may not be the deciding factor for many buyers. Warrilow noted that many VMware users have opted for three-year Broadcom subscriptions to allow time for planning a migration to alternative products. With VMware ending support for VCF 8 in October 2027, users face a critical decision point on whether to remain with Broadcom or switch to a different solution.
“resistance is futile unless you can get off version 8 by October 2027,” warrilow stated.
VMware Cloud Foundation 9: Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Integrated Private Cloud Suite | Combines compute, storage, and networking virtualization tools. |
| GPU Workload Migration | Seamlessly moves VMs between servers. |
| Enhanced Analytics | Provides nuanced cost management for IT chargebacks. |
| Self-Service Provisioning | Enables developers to provision infrastructure on demand. |
| VCF 8 End of Support | VMware will end support for VCF 8 in October 2027. |
What are the potential benefits of adopting VCF 9 for your organization? How does it compare to other private cloud solutions in the market?
The Evolution of Virtualization and Private Clouds
Virtualization technology has transformed IT infrastructure over the past two decades, enabling organizations to consolidate resources, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. VMware has been at the forefront of this evolution,pioneering server virtualization and shaping the modern datacenter. As cloud computing has matured, the demand for private cloud solutions has grown, driven by concerns about data security, compliance, and cost control. VMware Cloud Foundation represents the latest iteration of this trend, offering a comprehensive platform for building and managing private clouds.
Frequently Asked Questions About VMware Cloud Foundation 9
