VMware Solutions & Licensing

What is VMware used for?

VMware is used by organizations to virtualize data center infrastructure, run multiple workloads on fewer physical servers, build private and hybrid cloud environments, deploy Kubernetes at scale, and modernize application delivery. The core platform — VMware Cloud Foundation — bundles compute (vSphere), storage (vSAN), networking (NSX), and management into a single subscription.

What is the difference between vSphere and Cloud Foundation?

VMware vSphere is the hypervisor and compute virtualization layer. VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) includes vSphere plus vSAN (storage), NSX (networking), and SDDC Manager (lifecycle management) bundled into a single validated platform. Organizations managing large environments typically choose VCF because it automates upgrades across the full stack and eliminates the need to validate component compatibility manually.

Do I need Tanzu for Kubernetes?

Not necessarily. VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service (VKS) is included in both VCF and vSphere Foundation subscriptions and provides CNCF-certified Kubernetes built into the hypervisor. Tanzu Platform is an additional application platform-as-a-service that adds developer self-service, automated deployment pipelines, AI model integration, and built-in data services. Choose VKS if you need Kubernetes infrastructure. Choose Tanzu Platform if you need a full application delivery platform.

How does VMware licensing work?

VMware products are sold as per-core subscriptions through authorized resellers. Broadcom no longer sells perpetual licenses. The base VCF platform includes vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and SDDC Manager. Advanced services like Private AI Foundation, Avi Load Balancer, Tanzu Platform, and vDefend security are add-on subscriptions. Contact a VirtualizationWorks specialist for a quote based on your core count and required services.

Can you help with deployment?

Yes. VirtualizationWorks provides licensing guidance, architecture consulting, and deployment support. We help organizations size their VMware environment, choose the right subscription tier, plan migrations from legacy infrastructure, and get into production faster with fewer surprises.