VMware vSphere (Broadcom)

VMware is a global leader in cloud computing, virtualization, and digital infrastructure software, founded in 1998 and based in Palo Alto, California. The company pioneered the commercial virtualization of the x86 architecture, allowing enterprises to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. In 2023, VMware was acquired by Broadcom Inc., which expanded its software portfolio and reinforced its position as a provider of mission-critical platform solutions for enterprises. VMware offers a wide range of services, including multi-cloud services, cloud infrastructure and automation, network security, and digital workspace solutions. Its product lineup features industry-leading solutions such as VMware vSphere for server virtualization, VMware Tanzu for modern application management, and VMware NSX for network virtualization and security. VMware serves a diverse customer base, including global enterprises, financial services, healthcare, government agencies, technology companies, and educational institutions, helping them simplify IT operations and enhance security across various environments.

• Enterprise virtualization platform: hypervisor
• vCenter management
• vSAN storage
• NSX networking industry standard (now Broadcom-owned)

Subscription-only post-Broadcom (per-core licensing), significant price increases reported