How VMware Licensing Costs in 2025 Are Changing Infrastructure Strategy

You’ve probably felt it already, that something’s off with how your VMware setup is being priced this year. If your usual renewals suddenly look heavier, and your team’s scrambling for clarity, you’re not alone.

Behind the scenes, major shifts are rewriting how you plan, pay, and move forward. You don’t need a full migration plan today, but you do need a clear view of what’s changing and how it affects you. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to go next.

What Are VMware Support Solutions?

VMware Support Solutions are services that keep your current VMware setup running smoothly without locking you into Broadcom’s new pricing structure. You get ongoing support for platforms like vSphere, NSX, Horizon, and vSAN without having to jump into a full migration right away.

This is often called bridge support. It buys you time to evaluate AWS or another provider while dodging the VMware Broadcom price hike. You stay operational, secure, and in control.

Most IT pros like you aren’t looking to overhaul things overnight. In fact, nearly 80% say their perpetual licenses already meet business needs. However, with VMware licensing costs in 2025 rising fast and a push toward a subscription-based model, you’re being squeezed.

If you’re not ready to commit to a full cloud shift, this support lets you hold your ground while you plan your next move. It’s the gap coverage you need while you reassess your licensing decisions.

What’s Happening with VMware Licensing Costs in 2025?

According to SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT, VMware licensing costs in 2025 are rising fast after Broadcom’s acquisition. If you’re managing VMware infrastructure, you’re now working under a stricter, more expensive licensing structure that changes how you buy, renew, and scale. Perpetual licenses are gone. Every renewal now comes with more pressure and more rules.

Here’s a list of the main changes you’re now dealing with:

• The Essentials Plus Kit has been retired. Broadcom replaced it with vSphere Enterprise Plus, which includes more features, but also a bigger price tag.
• Perpetual licenses are no longer supported. Everything has moved to a subscription model with fixed terms and higher costs.
• There’s now a 72-core minimum per order. This forces you to license more than you might need, especially if your servers run smaller workloads.
• You’ll face a 20% penalty for late renewals, and support access is now limited if you don’t comply.
• Third-party partner programs were cut or restricted, which locks you tighter into Broadcom’s pricing strategy.

Over a typical 7-year lifecycle, the subscription-based model costs about 63% more than the old perpetual licenses. You’re also not alone in your concerns because 36% of customers say they’re unsure about Broadcom’s long-term support plans.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how VMware’s 2025 licensing tiers compare:

These changes hit SMBs, VMware Horizon users, and mid-size IT teams the hardest, especially if you’re trying to keep costs low while planning next steps.

VMware Licensing Compliance Risks

You can’t afford to get blindsided by licensing mistakes in 2025. The new VMware licensing structure under Broadcom has made things tighter and more expensive. If you’re not careful, even small oversights can lead to penalties, missed support, or ballooning costs.

Here are the most common compliance risks to watch for based on our experience:

• Wrong license type: If you’re still using perpetual licenses, you’re already out of compliance under the new subscription-based licensing terms.
• Mismatched product bundles: Using outdated combinations instead of VMware Cloud Foundation or VMware vSphere Foundation could lead to missing features or unexpected costs.
• Under-licensing cores: You must now meet the 72-core minimum. If your actual usage doesn’t match your subscription, audits will catch it.
• Late renewals: Miss the date and you’re hit with a 20% penalty and without a grace period.
• Overuse of resources: Running more cores per product than licensed leads to billing surprises and audit findings.
• Lack of documentation: If you can’t show usage records, audit outcomes will be painful. VMware allows a two-year window to check expired terms.

While these are technical details, they’re also financial risks. To stay ahead, you need careful planning, clear tracking of actual usage, and a support team that keeps your setup in line.

What Is VMware Bridge Support, and Why Are Companies Using It?

VMware bridge support is a service that keeps your VMware environment stable and secure without locking you into Broadcom’s rising renewal fees. You get full operational coverage (patching, upgrades, security, and platform support) while holding off on a long-term commitment to Broadcom’s subscription licenses.

If you’re stuck between rising costs and complex licensing changes, bridge support gives you the time you need. It protects your existing investment while you plan your next steps.

This short-term support model is especially useful if you’re not ready to commit to a new licensing structure or migrate workloads just yet. It keeps your infrastructure running smoothly while you explore alternative solutions, whether that’s AWS or other cloud providers.

What You Could Do Instead

NovaCloud offers full VMware bridge support at or below what you’d normally pay for Broadcom renewals. You’ll get support in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with access to all major VMware components.

If you’re a perpetual license holder, this gives you breathing room to deal with the price increases, rethink your cost structure, and set up a smarter plan on your own schedule. All while keeping uptime and compliance fully intact.

Can I Avoid Paying for VMware License Renewals in 2025?

Yes, you can avoid VMware renewal and still keep your systems running with full support if your third-party support meets compliance requirements, especially in audits. Instead of locking into Broadcom’s costly licensing terms, you can shift to managed VMware support through NovaCloud. This gives you a way to stay compliant and operational, without handing over more budget than necessary.

NovaCloud’s workaround supports every major platform you’re likely using, such as vSphere Standard, NSX, vSAN, and Horizon. It’s a straightforward way to avoid extra charges, hold off on license renewals, and start planning smarter infrastructure strategies.

You’ll save on renewals and open the door to better optimization opportunities. For example, VMware customers using Cloud Flex Storage have seen up to 31% reductions in infrastructure costs, and those using vSAN have cut total cost of ownership by around 30%.

While these numbers reflect VMware’s own technologies, they highlight how smart decisions around storage and support can drive real savings, especially when you’re not tied to a rigid pricing structure.

What Are the Best VMware Support Alternatives in 2025?

The best VMware support alternatives in 2025 include managed services from NovaCloud, open-source hypervisors like Proxmox or KVM, and full migrations to platforms like AWS or Azure. Around 98% of VMware users are already exploring or thinking about other alternatives, so you’re definitely not alone.

If you’re trying to hold off on renewal fees without losing performance or support, NovaCloud is the strongest option out there. Here’s how the main alternatives stack up:

Leaving VMware entirely has its pros and cons. For example, you can cut costs, gain flexibility, and remove yourself from Broadcom’s licensing structure. But you’ll need to retrain teams, rebuild parts of your infrastructure, and absorb some risk during the transition.

NovaCloud can help you keep VMware operational while lowering your costs. You stay on VMware, but we manage everything (updates, patches, performance, and even future migration planning) without the licensing pain. That means fewer risks, lower costs, and zero downtime.

But even after all of this, you still have two options. In the short term, you can stay on VMware with NovaCloud bridge support while you figure out your next step. In the long term, you can transition to cloud-native platforms or open-source tools as your needs evolve.

Don’t fall for myths, though. NovaCloud support is just as thorough, more responsive, and typically more cost-effective than Broadcom. You won’t lose compliance, and you won’t lose control. The best thing you’ll do is stop overpaying.

How Can I Reduce VMware Costs Without Disrupting My Infrastructure?

You can lower your VMware costs without touching your existing setup by using smarter financial strategies and support options. Also, you don’t have to choose between staying stable and cutting expenses because there’s a middle ground.

These are the best ways to reduce spending while keeping your infrastructure intact:

• Absorb the price increase only if absolutely necessary.
• Optimize licensing by matching entitlements with actual usage.
• Use CapEx to OpEx leaseback programs to unlock budget and avoid large upfront costs.
• Free up capital to invest in cloud planning or modernization efforts.
• Get cost recovery through hardware asset buyback options.
• Tap into NovaCloud’s financial consulting for licensing reviews and planning.
• Use tools like cost calculators, SLA reviews, and bundled maintenance plans to tighten up spending.

Every decision you make now should be tied to performance and savings. With the right support, you don’t have to sacrifice either.

Is It the Right Time to Migrate VMware Workloads to AWS?

If you’re stuck with high license fees, rigid contract terms, or constant audits, then yes… It’s probably the right time to consider moving your VMware workloads to AWS. Migration gives you more flexibility, predictable pricing, and access to cloud-native services. And you don’t have to do it all at once.

Here are the signs you’re ready to migrate:

• You’re paying more than you were last year and getting less.
• You’re outgrowing your current on-prem setup.
• You want to align infrastructure with cloud initiatives but stay inside the VMware ecosystem for now.

Why VMware Cloud on AWS Works

You get to keep the tools you know, such as vSphere, vSAN, NSX, while gaining all the scale, storage, and reach AWS has to offer. There’s no retraining or retooling. You keep operations steady while gaining cloud agility.

With NovaCloud, you don’t have to go all-in on day one. You can run VMware and AWS side-by-side. Nova helps you connect both, manage costs, and plan each step with zero downtime.

If you’re also wondering between “Lift and Shift” and “Modernize as You Go”, NovaCloud supports both. If you need fast results, lift-and-shift works. But if you want long-term savings, modernization adds value over time (serverless, containers, or microservices).

What AWS MAP Covers

The AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) helps fund:

• Migration assessments
• Infrastructure setup
• Consulting services
• AWS usage credits

NovaCloud handles the paperwork and planning for you. You just focus on what works best for your business. If you’re dealing with budget pressure and inflexible contracts, this move could be your reset button.

What’s the Safest Way to Move from VMware to AWS or Azure?

The safest way to move from VMware to AWS or Azure is to follow a structured, low-risk process that limits disruption and keeps your systems fully protected. NovaCloud makes this simple with a step-by-step approach that’s been proven across industries.

• You start with an Assessment, where NovaCloud maps your current setup and builds a migration plan.
• Then comes Mobilization, where infrastructure is prepped, gaps are addressed, and teams are aligned.
• Finally, during Migration & Modernization, workloads are moved using tools like AWS CloudEndure, DRS, and Migration Hub to ensure speed and reliability.

NovaCloud’s team minimizes risk at every step. You won’t have to worry about downtime or unexpected costs. Now, you stay online, and your data stays protected.

With Nova, you also get the option to modernize during the move. Want to shift from VMs to containers? Or adopt serverless tech down the line? NovaCloud bakes that into the roadmap without pushing you too fast.

Security and compliance are also part of the process. Whether you need to meet ISO, HIPAA, or other standards, NovaCloud builds those requirements into the migration from day one. It’s structured, clear, and built around your pace, not someone else’s.

How Do I Ensure Security, Backup, and Disaster Recovery with VMware Support?

You can ensure strong security, backup, and disaster recovery with VMware support by combining built-in VMware tools with external systems managed by NovaCloud. Native solutions such as vSAN, RDS, and VMware’s backup tools cover the basics. But if you want deeper protection without tying yourself to Broadcom, NovaCloud gives you that edge.

NovaCloud adds full-stack backup, replication, and recovery systems that work across on-prem, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. You get data protection that doesn’t rely on Broadcom’s support or pricing.

Security isn’t just about backup. NovaCloud layers in AWS-native tools like CloudWatch for monitoring, IAM for access control, and third-party services for external threat detection. That means fewer surprises and a clear view of what’s happening across your setup.

What’s the Future of VMware in a Post-Broadcom World?

The future of VMware after Broadcom’s takeover points to higher costs, tighter contracts, and fewer options for smaller teams. You’re likely to see more vendor control, faster phase-outs of legacy tools, and less flexibility unless you’re part of a large enterprise deal.

That’s already pushing more companies like yours to adopt bridge support and build migration plans to cloud-native platforms or open solutions. If you wait too long, you’ll be reacting to forced changes instead of steering your strategy. This is where being proactive matters most.

NovaCloud helps you stay ahead of the curve. You keep VMware steady while unlocking the freedom to move when it makes sense. Whether you stick with what you have or start building out cloud options, Nova gives you the stability, flexibility, and breathing room to do it your way.

How Can NovaCloud Help Me Rethink VMware in 2025?

NovaCloud helps you rethink VMware in 2025 by giving you a smarter way to manage costs, plan migrations, and stay operational, without giving in to Broadcom’s licensing pressure. You get full bridge support to keep your VMware stack running, cost optimization to reclaim budget, and full migration planning and execution if you choose to move to AWS, Azure, or another platform.

NovaCloud isn’t tied to Broadcom, which means you get support and stability on your terms. No forced upgrades. No contract traps. Just real help when you need it.

You don’t need to rush your next move. You just need space to plan it properly. NovaCloud’s bridge support solutions can help you cut costs while planning your next move.

Schedule a call to see what your options look like.

FAQ

1. Can I still get updates and security patches without Broadcom?

You can still get patches and updates, but only if you’re covered by an active subscription or third-party support. Without Broadcom, you won’t receive them directly, but NovaCloud can manage updates for you by keeping your systems secure and compliant.

2. Is VMware support still available without renewing a Broadcom license?

Yes. If you work with NovaCloud, you can get full VMware support without going through Broadcom’s renewal process. This includes patching, monitoring, and day-to-day help.

3. Can I still run VMware if I don’t switch to subscription licensing?

You can continue running it, but it becomes a compliance risk. Without a subscription or third-party support, you lose access to updates and audit protection. NovaCloud gives you a legal and stable alternative.

4. What are the best alternatives to Broadcom’s VMware support?

NovaCloud is your best bet for full coverage and flexibility. Open-source hypervisors are also an option, but they come with more overhead and risk if you’re not ready to re-architect everything.

5. How does NovaCloud protect against ransomware and zero-day vulnerabilities?

NovaCloud uses layered protection such as real-time monitoring, automated patching, secure access controls, and backup systems designed to recover fast from breaches or outages. You stay covered on all fronts.

6. Will my VMware backup and disaster recovery still work without Broadcom?

Yes, especially if using third-party systems or support providers who manage this independently. However, native VMware tools may require valid subscriptions for full functionality. NovaCloud can run your backup, recovery, and storage systems independently of Broadcom, so you don’t lose functionality or access.

7. Can I migrate VMware workloads to AWS without downtime?

Absolutely. NovaCloud uses tools like CloudEndure and DRS to move your workloads with little to no disruption. You stay online while everything shifts in the background.

8. Is there funding available to help with VMware to AWS migration?

Yes. AWS MAP (Migration Acceleration Program) covers assessments, infrastructure setup, and partial migration costs. NovaCloud helps you apply and handles the process for you.