Broadcom launches vSphere Express targeting smaller enterprise customers
VMware by Broadcom has introduced a scaled-down virtualization tier as it seeks to address customer concerns regarding high licensing costs.
Broadcom has released vSphere Express, a new entry-level virtualization offering from its VMware division. The move follows widespread dissatisfaction among smaller enterprises that struggled with the increased costs and complexity associated with the company’s recent focus on VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF).
vSphere Express is designed for organizations requiring core virtualization capabilities without the need for extensive cloud management tools. The software supports server environments with up to 128 CPU cores and includes standard high-availability features like vMotion and automatic virtual machine restarts. However, the product is limited to standalone deployments, meaning it lacks the centralized management capabilities found in more expensive tiers.
While official pricing has not been disclosed by the company, retail channels indicate an annual subscription fee of approximately $9,600. By decoupling core functionality from the broader VCF suite, Broadcom aims to retain smaller clients who previously faced difficulties justifying the price of more robust enterprise packages.