- VMware Esxi 8.0 Update 3rd brings the free version of the hypervisor
- It was deleted in February 2024 when VMware went to subscription only
- Broadcom responded to customer concerns
VMware has started to offer a free hypervisor once again, a discreetly included announcement in the ESXi version 8.0 update reports.
The company had previously offered a free popular version of its hypervisor, but it was abandoned in February 2024 when VMware went entirely to a subscription -based model, which meant that the free version should go.
However, it now seems to be available once again for free download from the Broadcom support portal, which forces users to be connected.
Broadcom did not explain why he reversed his decision, but he could be a strategic decision to attract new customers.
The company had a lot of criticism when it changed its subscription models-CEO Hock Tan recognized the general “discomfort” shortly after Broadcom vice-president for the Cloud platform answered “questions and concerns”.
In addition, VMware competitors, such as Nutanix and Platform9, offer free community editions of their hypervisors, while open-source alternatives also offer a free option, prompting Broadcom to reconsider its decision.
The company has also recently reversed a change in license policy, reducing the purchase of a minimum license from 72 cores to 16 cores, which makes you cheaper for certain customers to access VMware services.
In addition to the reintroduction of a free version, VMware Esxi 8.0 Update 3rd also addresses a certain number of critical bugs and security vulnerabilities.
However, the company continues to face strong criticisms from customers, who are not satisfied with the transition from the subscription license model, the simplification of the product portfolio and the increased price increases.
All this occurred in the middle of the relocation of Broadcom’s headquarters at the Palo Alto campus in VMware, while VMware workforce was reduced by about half of 38,000 to 16,000 under its Broadcom property (via Initiate of Business).
Techradar Pro Asked Broadcom to share more context behind his decision to restore free hypervisor, but we have not received an immediate response.
