Broadcom Unveils VMware Cloud Foundation 9: A New Era for Private Cloud

Broadcom delivers VMware Cloud Foundation 9

Promises silos for VMs, storage, and networks are out. Happy cloud-like days are in, without hyperscale complications 573 days after closing the acquisition of VMware, Broadcom has released the product that expresses its vision for the virtualization giant's future and what it claims is the template for a modern private cloud. VMware Cloud Foundation 9 (VCF 9) is the result of Broadcom's decision to have the teams working on VMware's compute, storage, and networking virtualization tools build an integrated private cloud suite, instead of discrete products that are sold separately and could be assembled into a private cloud. Prashanth Shenoy, VMware's chief marketing officer, told The Register that the bundle now offers a single interface for all private cloud ops, and another that developers can use for self-service infrastructure provisioning. Shenoy said cloud admins can now manage storage, compute, and virtual networks as a single entity, and that virtual machines and containers are both first-class citizens. "We want admins to think cloud first, not compute or storage first," he told The Register. "The idea is not to have a component-based way of looking at infrastructure. The components disappear. The philosophical intent is to look at applications." Shenoy said the suite includes "hundreds of new and enhanced features." Perhaps the most notable is adding GPU workload migration capability to the vMotion tool that already moves VMs between servers without significant disruptions. Ever since the mid-2000s when VMware emerged as the de facto server virtualization standard, the company has talked up its ability to calculate the cost of running workloads so IT departments can "chargeback" or "showback" - send real or indicative bills to internal users. VCF 9 now includes enhanced analytics it says can do both with greater nuance. We could go on but you probably get the idea. This is a big upgrade that delivers Broadcom's vision for VMware and invites buyers to build a private cloud that will dispel the cost surprises that so often rain down from public clouds, provide more manageable on-prem infrastructure, reduce fears of legal entanglements with US-based hyperscalers, and provide a safe place to host all the sensitive data you'll assemble to run AI workloads. And it will do all that while delighting developers who want to provision infrastructure instantly, on demand, without making datacenter ops teams pedal furiously in the background to make that possible. Broadcom recently told shareholders that 87 percent of its top 10,000 VMware customers have committed to VCF. But The Register often hears that customers do so grudgingly, because the product is expensive and Broadcom uses various tactics that make it harder to acquire VMware's server-virtualization-centric bundles. Some customers therefore buy VCF but don't implement all its components. VCF 9 will make that harder to do - we're told upgrades will install compute, storage, and network virtualization. So perhaps users will be smitten by Broadcom's full private cloud vision. Gartner VP analyst Michael Warrilow isn't sure that will move buyers. "Although concerns about cloud costs and geopolitics are driving renewed interest in private cloud, I don't think VCF will on its own," he told The Register. Warrilow has previously said many VMware users have signed up for a three-year Broadcom subscription to give themselves time to plan a migration to a rival product. VMware will end support for VCF 8 in October 2027 and Warrilow said that's the date by which users will have to decide whether to stick with Broadcom or bail. "Resistance is futile unless you can get off version 8 by October 2027," he said. ®

Broadcom says VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 recognizes the ascendancy of private cloud - SiliconANGLE

Broadcom says VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 recognizes the ascendancy of private cloud Broadcom Inc. today announced the general availability of VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0, the latest iteration of its private cloud platform. Dubbed "the future" of the company's private cloud strategy at its announcement last August, the release marks a significant architectural shift aimed at delivering a more integrated, secure and developer-friendly private cloud experience. VCF 9.0 and companion service updates reflect a clear shift toward a more modular, programmable private cloud. Broadcom officials said private cloud should behave more like a public cloud, not just in how resources are delivered, but in how they're secured, scaled and accounted for. That means more automation, application programming interfaces and visibility into performance and cost. Officials cited recent Broadcom research that indicated a resurgence of interest in private cloud, with more than two-thirds of organizations surveyed having repatriated workloads from the public cloud to private data centers. "Over 93% of customers said they were wasting their public cloud spend and around half said 25% of their public cloud spend was wasted," said Prashanth Shenoy, vice president of product marketing in Broadcom's VCF division. "It's not a public cloud-first strategy anymore but more of a cloud smart strategy, with private cloud taking a predominant role in our customers' cloud transformation." The updates also reflect a growing emphasis on sovereignty, compliance and security, particularly for organizations navigating complex regulatory environments or deploying sensitive workloads such as artificial intelligence. Broadcom is also embedding its vDefend security and Avi load balancing tools deeper into the VCF fabric, saying that makes it easier for enterprises to support modern security and reliability requirements VCF 9.0 is built on a unified operational model spanning both traditional and modern applications with consistent governance, automation and control. Broadcom said the aim is to combine the flexibility of public cloud infrastructure with the predictability, security and cost control of on-premises environments. The release introduces a unified interface for cloud administrators and development teams that's intended to reduce complexity, improve operational efficiency and promote collaboration between information technology and application teams. "Platform engineers, tenant admins, DevOps folks and developers should be able to request an infrastructure service and provision it in a matter of seconds," Shenoy said. A new Quick Start App is designed to cut down setup time and give administrators centralized identity and access management, policy enforcement and consolidated log and analytics. It also offers a clearer view into workload behavior to speed up troubleshooting and optimization, Broadcom said. Built-in cost management features provide deeper visibility into infrastructure usage and total cost of ownership, enabling better forecasting and budgeting. VCF 9.0 also support fleet-level management for functions such as patching, compliance and upgrades across multiple clusters from a single point of control. For developers, VMware said VCF 9.0 is designed to create a "frictionless" consumption experience. Platform teams can define and enforce granular access and resource policies, while developers can access infrastructure through self-service tools and application program interfaces. The result is a intended to be a cloud-like consumption model inside the data center. VCF 9.0 treats virtual machines and containers equally. VMware's vSphere Kubernetes Service is embedded in the platform to allow VMs and containers to run side by side using a common operating model. "A lot of new workloads we are seeing for private cloud are containerized workloads and the growth on VCF also is containerized workloads," Shenoy said. Broadcom said developers can get started without needing to build complex DevOps stacks or integrate disparate tooling, while IT teams maintain control over security and infrastructure policies. The unified platform also supports AI and machine learning workloads with minimal performance overhead. "We have done benchmark testing where VCF retains 99% of the performance compared to bare metal," Shenoy said. Live migrations of AI applications without downtime is supported using the vMotion migration feature. On the security and compliance front, VCF 9.0 introduces a SecOps dashboard to monitor platform security posture and integrated policy compliance. It supports the latest confidential computing technologies, enabling secure enclaves and encrypted memory to run sensitive workloads across hybrid environments with consistent controls. Improved cost transparency is provided by tools for predictive cost modeling and resource optimization, helping avoid infrastructure sprawling and reduce underutilized capacity. Broadcom said its use of VCF has enabled the company to consolidate 41 data centers to seven while achieving 89% utilization rates. Built-in chargeback and showback capabilities cover infrastructure usage, allowing organizations to align IT spending with consumption. In conjunction with the release of VCF 9.0, Broadcom is updating its vDefend security and Avi Load Balancer products. VDefend now integrates self-service microsegmentation, threat detection and zero-trust enforcement directly into the virtualization fabric. Broadcom said this release is "virtual private cloud-aware," allowing policies to be delegated at the tenant level. Self-service microsegmentation lets infrastructure teams define "walled garden" zones, while application owners can set their own fine-grained security rules within them. The result is greater autonomy for development teams while security operators maintain centralized oversight, Broadcom said. Other new features include support for importing existing vDefend deployments into VCF 9.0, central policy management for intrusion detection and prevention across multiple sites, and geo-IP filtering to control traffic based on geographic origin. The updates collectively simplify the process of implementing zero-trust policies. The Avi Load Balancer now supports self-service deployment, multi-tenancy and tighter integration with VCF Automation for infrastructure-as-code provisioning. Lifecycle automation features like scaling, password rotation and service discovery are built directly into VCF Operations. That reduces the manual work needed to deploy and manage load balancing infrastructure, particularly in dynamic environments where applications scale up and down frequently, Broadcom said. Avi now includes a web application firewall that supports centralized policy management across multiple VCF workload domains. This is a timely addition, as Payment Card Industry compliance rules will soon require WAF protection for all public-facing web applications. Avi also supports Kubernetes ingress and the Gateway API to give container workloads first-class support for global and local load balancing and API security. Though VCF 9.0 is clearly a significant release in terms of architecture and operational experience, the supporting updates to its security and networking stack signal that Broadcom sees its private cloud platform not just as an infrastructure layer, but as a complete software-defined foundation for the enterprise data center. And as the shift to hybrid and AI workloads continues, that foundation is only going to matter more.

VCF 9.0 and the larger Broadcom cloud and AI play - SiliconANGLE

VCF 9 goes live: Recapping the execution roadmap for Broadcom's AI and cloud infrastructure vision With the launch of VMware Cloud Foundation 9, Broadcom Inc. is signaling a bold step into the future of hybrid cloud infrastructure. Positioned at the intersection of AI, cyber resilience and operational efficiency, VCF 9 represents a strategic reset poised to redefine how enterprises manage cloud and data workloads at scale. As the post-VMware-acquisition timeline unfolds, how does this update play into Broadcom's larger vision for enterprise cloud computing, specifically with AI in the mix? "I think the first question was around whether they're investing -- yes, clearly they are," said Christophe Bertrand (pictured, right), principal analyst at theCUBE Research. "The other point is, I look at the package and what they're trying to do -- it's multipronged. We're in the era now where sovereignty and AI are going to be key ... and one of the prerequisites is to have infrastructure that can scale, number one. Infrastructure that is super secure, cyber resilient, number two. And, of course, there's a whole data component to AI, but if we just focus on infrastructure for a second, you have to simplify operational efficiencies." Bertrand was joined by fellow analyst John Furrier for an analyst discussion at the "Broadcom Delivers the Modern Private Cloud" event, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media's livestreaming studio. They dissected the VCF 9 launch and unpacked what it means for customers, infrastructure and the broader market. During the event, two key themes emerged as crucial enterprise pain points: data sovereignty and AI scalability. But sovereign cloud isn't just about where data resides -- it's about governance, compliance and control, according to Bertrand. With increasing demand for localized data handling and regulatory compliance, VMware's ability to offer localized, cloud-like experiences is a game-changer. Coupled with AI momentum, VCF is positioned to offer a cloud infrastructure capable of handling enterprise-grade AI and machine learning workloads, without relying on public cloud environments. "You have to be able to empower the organization to fully control deployments and costs with no surprises," Bertrand said. "It has to be hybrid, multi-cloud, flexible, etc. There are so many dimensions to it. I think this platform delivers on it through the partnerships -- like the [Nvidia Corp.] partnership, for example -- but also through some innovations in existing components to make the product scalable and extremely powerful." Additionally, private cloud via VCF sidesteps the "Amazon tax" faced by SaaS companies using hyperscaler infrastructure, Furrier added. Enterprises keep their costs in check while gaining a cloud-native experience. "If you're a SaaS vendor, like Snowflake [Inc.], you pay Amazon because you're using Amazon," he said. "But a lot of data centers on-premises will want to use a cloud, like VCF, and they don't have to pay the tax because it's their infrastructure -- they've got to buy it. So, one, VMware gets that cash. And, two, the AI wave gives them a big lift." Cybersecurity is no longer a bolt-on -- it's foundational. AI-fueled cyberattacks are a top concern for enterprises over the next 12 to 18 months, according to Bertrand. In response, VCF 9 integrates cyber resilience by design, including VMware's live recovery tools, microsegmentation and clean room capabilities. Here's the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE's and theCUBE's coverage of the "Broadcom Delivers the Modern Private Cloud" event:

VCF 9 brings advanced private cloud capabilities to bear - SiliconANGLE

Broadcom Inc. and VMware just raised the stakes for the private cloud. With the launch of VMware Cloud Foundation 9, the companies aren't just delivering another version update -- they're packaging agility, AI-readiness and streamlined operations into a platform built to meet modern enterprise demands. At its core, VCF 9 is engineered to simplify complexity and unify cloud operations across environments. It delivers a full-stack infrastructure -- spanning compute, storage, networking and automation -- designed to work seamlessly whether deployed on-premises or in the public cloud. This consistency supports both traditional workloads and next-gen applications, creating a scalable foundation for AI, containers and modern DevOps practices, according to Paul Turner (pictured), vice president of products, VCF, at Broadcom, who describes the release as the culmination of deep integration work aimed at empowering both developers and administrators. "What we've done over the last year and a half has integrated all of a full IaaS stack, compute, storage, networking and the automation you need," Turner said. "You can deliver cloud on your terms. This means you've got the same cloud operating model, whether running in your data center or on public cloud services. All of that is what we're delivering in VCF. And in the 9.0 release, it's the culmination of that." Turner spoke with theCUBE's John Furrier at the "Broadcom Delivers the Modern Private Cloud" event, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media's livestreaming studio. They discussed Broadcom crystallizing its long-term vision into a tangible, powerful platform blending deep integration, fleet-level scale, AI, developer readiness and cost efficiency into a single offering. (* Disclosure below.) VCF 9 culminates years of integration, bringing together compute, storage, networking and automation into one unified infrastructure. The core promise? A cloud operating model that works consistently across on-prem and public cloud environments. This holistic stack gives organizations the ability to run modern applications -- including virtual machines, containers and AI/ML workloads -- within a secure, scalable environment, according to Turner. "What we've done inside that product is deliver a platform for customers to deliver cloud on their terms," he said. "[Today], virtualization isn't enough -- developers want agility. They want a software-defined compute storage network and the automation associated with it. Those are delivered in the modern private cloud, and that's delivered in VCF 9 ... with lots of engineering hours and many months of work." A standout feature of VCF 9 is centralized fleet management. With over 300,000 customers and 120,000 VMware User Group members, reducing complexity for administrators was a top priority, according to Turner. This suite of tools allows administrators to manage updates, patch systems non-disruptively and scale operations while enforcing governance and security across environments. "We're helping those customers to standardize IT with virtual machines," Turner said. "But how are we helping them? They get a single centralized fleet management. They get config management so they can do compliance and configuration compliance across their infrastructure. They get certificate management so they can monitor and confirm any of the certificates that are out of date or non-compliant." VFC 9 is also designed with developers in mind. In fostering a dev-centric outlook, the update brings on-demand access to services, unified interface panes, support for modern app pipelines for CI/CD and integrated VM support. The release positions VCF 9 as a crucial enabler for the next wave of gen AI applications, providing container-based services, integrated Kubernetes and essential tooling out of the box. "Complexity is a big thing," Turner said. "Kubernetes is a complex area and it shouldn't be. What we've done on VCF we are bringing to Kubernetes as well, because complexity kills administrators -- it kills scale, and it kills fleet management at scale." Here's the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE's and theCUBE's coverage of the "Broadcom Delivers the Modern Private Cloud" event:

VMware Cloud Foundation 9 Unveiled: The 10 Coolest Features

From new cybersecurity, data and load-balancing features to completely new interfaces and advanced services, CRN breaks down the 10 biggest features and innovations inside Broadcom's new VMware Cloud Foundation 9 platform that is now generally available. Broadcom Tuesday unveiled the general availability of its new VMware Cloud Foundation 9 full-stack platform that is packed with innovation -- from new vDefend security features and Avi Load Balancer integrations to advanced data services and improved cost transparency technology. "With VMware Cloud Foundation 9, we are again raising the bar for the modern private cloud by vastly simplifying the deployment, operations and developer experience of the cloud," said Krish Prasad, senior vice president and general manager of Broadcom's VMware Cloud Foundation Division, in a statement. The new VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9 platform aims to provide a streamlined experience for building, operating and securing private clouds across on-premises data centers, in hyperscaler and VMware Cloud Service provider clouds, and at the edge. [Related: Why Broadcom's Stock Hit An All-Time High: Analysis] VCF 9 delivers a unified platform that supports traditional, modern and AI applications with consistent operations, governance and controls across the private cloud environment. In addition, several new advanced services for VCF 9 aim to enable customers to drive innovation in their private cloud environments. "Most enterprises are now looking to the private cloud for running both traditional mission-critical and new AI and containerized applications. VCF 9 is the ideal platform for running these modern applications, enabling our customers to be more innovative, efficient, resilient and secure," Prasad said. Some of the key new innovations for VCF 9 include a new SecOps dashboard and Quick Start App, enhanced vDefend and Avi Load Balancer innovation, as well as a new Private AI Foundation service platform developed with Nvidia. VCF 9 is now available for VMware partners through authorized Broadcom distributors. Here are the 10 biggest new features, integrations and services for VMware Cloud Foundation 9 that every customer and partner needs to know about.

Broadcom Updates VMware Cloud Platform For Streamlined Operations - Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)

Broadcom AVGO on Tuesday announced the general availability of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, a private cloud platform that helps modernize infrastructure and accelerate cloud adoption. The platform simplifies hybrid cloud management, enhances security, and provides a consistent operating model across data centers and public clouds for faster application development and improved cost control. VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 boasts a completely new architecture that empowers IT admins and application teams to accomplish far more and spend far less, the company said in a press release. Also Read: Synopsys, Broadcom Team Up To Accelerate High-Performance AI And Computing The platform delivers a streamlined experience for building, operating, and securing a modern private cloud across on-premises data centers, in hyperscaler and VMware Cloud Service provider clouds, and at the edge. Last December, JP Morgan analyst Harlan Sur projected upside for Broadcom, citing a strong demand profile for AI products, continued cyclical recovery in its diversified semiconductor (ex-AI) end markets, and unlocked VMWare revenue synergy. In the software infrastructure business, Sur noted continued strong momentum in VMware, based on strong software renewals with its large corporate customers. In the longer term, Sur noted over a $30 billion pipeline of AI revenue opportunities per AI customer over the next 4-5 years or over $150 billion in cumulative AI revenue opportunity. Broadcom reported second-quarter revenue of $15 billion, up 20%, beating analyst estimates of $14.99 billion. This was driven by continued momentum in AI semiconductor solutions and VMware. The semiconductor company also reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.58 per share, beating analyst estimates of $1.56. The second-quarter AI revenue grew 46% to over $4.4 billion, driven by robust demand for AI networking. It expects growth in AI semiconductor revenue to accelerate to $5.1 billion in the third quarter, delivering ten consecutive quarters of growth, as its hyperscale partners remain invested in boosting their AI infrastructure. Price Action: AVGO stock is trading higher by 0.23% to $249.94 premarket at last check Wednesday. Read Next: Nvidia, Broadcom Chosen As Top Semiconductor Picks For AI Leadership By Analyst Photo by Ken Wolter via Shutterstock AVGOBroadcom Inc$249.960.24%Stock Score Locked: Edge Members Only Benzinga Rankings give you vital metrics on any stock - anytime. Unlock RankingsEdge RankingsMomentum81.28Growth32.35Quality90.80Value9.45Price TrendShortMediumLongOverviewMarket News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs