- Broadcom is said to send cessation with and desist letters to eternal licensee holders
- They can use the products but they may not use updates
- Litigation is used as a threat
Broadcom is reportedly sending out and desist letters to VMware Perpetual License Holders whose support contracts have expired.
The news comes about 18 months after the company acquired VMware when one of the first major changes it made was to end eternal licenses in an attempt to switch to more lucrative subscription -based models.
At that time, users reported to see significant price increases where many chose to leave the new Broadcom-led VMware.
Users may continue to use existing software under their eternal licenses but they cannot access updates or support unless they had an already existing contract, Ars Technica Explained.
Now customers receive letters that require them to stop using any updates, patches or releases issued after their expired support packages, with the exception of zero-day security fixes.
Customers are even asked to uninstall updated if they have already had them used. The continued use of such updates is framed as a violation of contract and intellectual property violation, therefore Broadcom has expressed a willingness to explore legal options.
“Any such use of support past the expiry date constitutes a significant violation of the agreement with VMware and a violation of VMWare’s intellectual property rights, which potentially results in demands for improved injuries and attorneys,” an excerpt from the letter reads.
According to the report, letters also mention the possibility of revisions for non -compliance, while some have been received by customers who do not conflict with Broadcom’s policies, including those who have moved away from VMware completely.
The decision to press the end of eternal licenses for good does not come as a big surprise, but Broadcom has turned some of its controversial changes to Pacify customers after some of its executors came online to respond to unhappy customers.
Techradar Pro Have asked Broadcom to confirm details of the letter and offer additional context, but the company did not respond to our E -mail.
