Understanding VMware’s New Licensing Model: VCF, VVF, and More
In November 2024, VMware, under Broadcom’s leadership, updated its licensing portfolio, aiming to streamline offerings and align with evolving customer needs, and added a new product suite. we will take a look at each of them briefly.
Revised Licensing Categories
VMware’s product suite is now organized into four primary categories:
- VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF): A comprehensive solution integrating compute, storage, networking, and management services. VCF is tailored for customers utilizing vSAN technology as their storage solution.
- VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF): Designed for organizations leveraging vSAN, VVF offers a unified platform for managing virtual machines and containers, featuring embedded Kubernetes for streamlined operations.
- VMware vSphere Standard (VVS): Catering to clients employing traditional three-tier storage architectures, VVS provides essential virtualization capabilities without integrated storage solutions.
- VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus (VVEP): A newly introduced tier for customers using conventional storage systems, VVEP delivers advanced virtualization features, including enhanced resource management and security functionalities.
Transition to Subscription-Based Licensing
Aligning with industry trends, VMware has shifted from perpetual licensing to a subscription-based model. This transition offers customers continuous access to the latest features and updates, ensuring their infrastructure remains current and secure. While this model provides flexibility, some organizations have expressed concerns regarding potential cost implications and the impact on existing perpetual licenses.
Below we will take a look at each product component and add-on options, but for the comprehensive technical comparison of features and capabilities among each product line please visit VMware vSphere Product Line Comparison.
VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)
VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF)
VMware vSphere Standard (VVS)
VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus (VVEP)
Here is a very cool VMware Licensing Calculator (unofficial)
In summary, VMware’s licensing overhaul reflects a strategic move to modernize its offerings and provide customers with flexible, integrated solutions aimed toward the private cloud. Organizations are encouraged to review these changes in detail to align their virtualization strategies with VMware’s updated portfolio.
Resources:
License Calculator for VMware Cloud Foundation, VMware vSphere Foundation and VMware vSAN
