It’s been 17 months since Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware—a pivotal moment in the IT industry. As the dust settles, customers and partners continue to assess what this transformation truly means. Has it been a shift toward greater innovation, or has it introduced challenges that require careful navigation? The reality is, a mix of both!
Change Brings Challenges—And Opportunities
Broadcom has made bold moves to reshape VMware’s business, consolidating its portfolio and simplifying its offerings. One of the most significant changes has been the transition from 168 different bundles to just four streamlined solutions, with VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) emerging as the flagship platform. This shift ensures customers have access to the full breadth of the VMware by Broadcom portfolio in a more integrated and cost-effective manner – considering the full VCF licenses adoption, I must say.
The move toward VCF represents a fundamental shift in how organizations consume VMware technology. Rather than managing individual lifecycle components like vSphere, vSAN, and NSX separately, customers now benefit from a comprehensive, full-stack solution that enhances automation, scalability, and hybrid cloud integration. While this transition requires some adjustments for full adoption, it ultimately delivers a more predictable and streamlined experience that aligns with broader industry trends toward simplified, subscription-based models.
The Bright Spot: VMware Cloud Foundation’s Success
Despite the challenges, VCF has emerged as a major success story. Customers who have embraced the full-stack approach are seeing significant advantages in automation, scalability, and cost efficiency.
In fact, when deployed as an integrated platform, organizations that once managed separate licenses keys for vSphere, vSAN, and NSX now benefit from a streamlined, all-in-one solution that enhances operational efficiency and simplifies cloud adoption. Those leaning into this model are achieving faster time-to-value and a more seamless hybrid cloud experience.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Innovation
While change always brings a period of adaptation, VMware’s roadmap under Broadcom remains focused on innovation. Expect to see deeper integration with Broadcom’s networking and security portfolio, alongside advancements in AI-driven automation and multi-cloud capabilities.
For customers, the key takeaway is to evaluate how VMware’s evolving strategy aligns with their own hybrid-cloud goals. Organisations that proactively embrace the full-stack approach and leverage VMware’s new capabilities may find themselves better positioned for the future.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the New VMware
The past 17 months have brought significant transformation, and while adjustments are still being made, there’s a clear direction forward. VMware under Broadcom is evolving, and those who take the time to understand and leverage these changes will be ahead to drive innovation within their own organisations.
So, is this a disruption or an opportunity? The answer depends on you. As the industry continues to evolve, VMware remains an instrumental solution in shaping the future of enterprise IT—and the best outcomes will come to those who engage, adapt, and take full advantage of what’s available and planned.
Ergo is a VMware by Broadcom Premier partner. Our team of experts is here to assist you in navigating these changes. Contact us for assistance with licensing and tailored recommendations.