- VMware ESXI 8.0 UPDATE 3E brings the free version of the hypervisor back
- It was removed in February 2024 when VMware only went subscription
- Broadcom has addressed customers’ concerns
VMware has been resumed to offer a free Hypervisor once again, a message has calmly included in the release notes for ESXI Version 8.0 Update 3e revealed.
The company had previously offered a popular free version of its Hypervisor, but this was interrupted in February 2024 when VMware switched fully into a subscription -based model, which meant the free version had to go.
However, it seems to be available once again as a free download from Broadcom Support Portal, which requires users to be registered.
Broadcom has not explained why it returned its decision, but it could be a strategic decision to attract new customers.
The company received a lot of criticism as it changed its subscription models – CEO HOCK TAN recognized widespread “turmoil” shortly after Broadcom’s VP for Cloud Platform addressed “Questions and concerns.”
In addition, VMWARES offers competitors, such as Nutanix and Platform9, free social editions of their hypervisors, while Open Source alternatives also offer a free option, which potentially causes Broadcom to rethink its decision.
The company also recently reversed a licensing policy change, reducing the smallest license purchase from 72 cores to 16 cores, making it cheaper for certain customers to access VMware services.
Apart from restoring a free version, VMware ESXI 8.0 Update 3E also addresses a number of critical errors and safety vulnerability.
The company is still continuing to face sharp criticism from customers who have been dissatisfied with the license model Change to subscriptions, the Product Portfolio’s simplification and reported price increases.
All this has happened in the middle of the move of Broadcom’s headquarters to VMWARES PALO ALTO -CAMPUS, while VMWare’s workforce has been reduced by about half from 38,000 to 16,000 during his Broadcom ownership (via Business Insider).
Techradar Pro has asked Broadcom to share more context behind his decision to reintroduce the free hypervisor, but we did not receive an immediate answer.
