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    Broadcom's Strategy Unveiled: Understanding the VMware Subscription Model Shift

    Broadcom is killing VMware perpetual licenses and forcing everyone to subscriptions — with dramatically higher costs. We analyze the new model's real-world pricing impact, what alternatives are emerging, and how to navigate your next renewal strategically.

    Dean Bolton

    Dean Bolton

    Chief Architect, LicenseFortress

    December 2023
    6 min read
    Broadcom's Strategy Unveiled: Understanding the VMware Subscription Model Shift

    Broadcom is killing VMware perpetual licenses and forcing everyone to subscriptions — with dramatically higher costs. We analyze the new model's real-world pricing impact, what alternatives are emerging, and how to navigate your next renewal strategically.

    The bottom line

    Broadcom is killing VMware perpetual licenses and forcing everyone to subscriptions — with dramatically higher costs. We analyze the new model's real-world pricing impact, what alternatives are emerging, and how to navigate your next renewal strategically.

    • LicenseFortress is an independent software licensing advocate — we never sell vendor licenses and take no vendor commissions.
    • $2.4B+ in vendor claims defended and $625M+ saved for clients.
    • Coverage across Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, SAP, VMware by Broadcom, and Adobe.
    • Licensing experts working alongside software contract attorneys.

    From our case files

    Clients who reworked their infrastructure strategy rather than absorbing the increase:

    Transportation Company Saves $3.75M Switching to Dell VxRail Averting Oracle Scare Tactics

    When Oracle used scare tactics to block a $1.7M Dell VxRail upgrade, LicenseFortress clarified contractual rights—saving $3.75M with 12,400% ROI.

    Read the case study

    LicenseFortress Helps EMEA Power Company Switch from Oracle Exadata Hardware to Dell VxRail

    A power company faced Oracle compliance issues and decided to move onto Oracle Exadata to avoid back-license fees.

    Read the case study
    Browse all client results

    About the author

    Dean Bolton

    Dean Bolton

    Chief Architect, LicenseFortress

    Dean leads LicenseFortress' technical licensing practice, covering Oracle, VMware, virtualization and infrastructure licensing rules.

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