On June 17, 2025, Broadcom has officially released VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, a major update to its flagship platform for building and managing modern private cloud infrastructure. This release marks a pivotal shift in how enterprises can unify operations across data centers, edge, and sovereign environments while embracing AI workloads and zero-trust security.
What is VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)?
VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) is a unified software platform that combines compute, storage, networking, and cloud management services. It enables you to run traditional, modern, and AI-based applications in a private cloud environment with the flexibility and scalability of public cloud infrastructure. A private cloud environment is a cloud infrastructure operated exclusively for a single organization – unlike the public cloud (such as Microsoft Azure), where multiple customers share the same resources. The private cloud can be hosted in the organization’s own data center or by a specialized provider – but remains exclusive. A private cloud can also function as part of a hybrid cloud strategy, where private and public cloud environments are combined. VCF 9.0 allows existing private cloud infrastructures to be extended into supported public cloud environments – including workload mobility for maximum efficiency and scalability.
Key Features and Improvements in VCF 9.0
VCF 9.0 provides a unified operating model across data centers, edge locations, and service-provider clouds. This release is designed to help enterprises run traditional, cloud-native, and AI applications more efficiently and securely on a consistent platform.
Here is a comprised view of all new features:
Next-Generation Architecture
- Unified control: VCF 9.0 introduces a centralized management interface through which administrators and developers can manage compute (via vSphere), storage (via vSAN), and networking (via NSX) from a single location. It also enables managing multiple clusters or environments as a single fleet. VCF 9.0 automates lifecycle tasks such as patching, upgrades, and configuration across all infrastructure components.
- Faster setup: Quick Start, one-click patching, and centralized access control reduce deployment time and complexity.
- Consistent environment: Developers and admins can now work in the same interface, minimizing friction and training needs.
Unified Workload Support
- All-in-one platform: Run VMs, containers (Kubernetes), and AI/ML workloads natively without the no need for separate infrastructure layers.
- Kubernetes built-in: VMs and containers operate side by side, streamlining infrastructure and operations.
- AI-ready: Integrated NVIDIA GPU support enables accelerated, multi-tenant AI workloads.
Cost Transparency & Automation
- Clear cost insights: Built-in dashboards show resource usage and TCO, supporting showback/chargeback models.
- Smarter operations: Automated lifecycle management handles updates and patches across clusters.
- Developer agility: Self-service provisioning speeds up deployment and reduces manual effort.
Security & Resilience
- Built-in compliance: New SecOps dashboards and policy automation enforce security standards continuously.
- Data-in-use protection: Supports confidential computing with the latest CPU technologies.
- Zero-trust security: VMware vDefend adds micro-segmentation and threat detection.
- Fast recovery: VMware Live Recovery now offers up to 200 immutable snapshots per VM for ransomware protection and disaster recovery.
Advanced Services Integration
- Private AI on-prem: VMware Private AI Foundation with NVIDIA delivers GPU-as-a-Service and secure AI workflows.
- Database-as-a-Service: VMware DSM now supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, and a tech-preview of SQL Server.
- Extended ecosystem: Optional services like Avi Load Balancer enhance flexibility for modern enterprise needs.
Conclusion
With VCF 9.0, Broadcom is redefining the private cloud experience—offering a unified platform that balances agility, governance, and cost control. This is especially relevant for enterprises navigating AI adoption, data sovereignty, and hybrid cloud complexity.
More information
Announcement: https://news.broadcom.com/releases/vmware-cloud-foundation-9-0.
What’s new: https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2025/06/17/whats-new-in-vmware-cloud-foundation-9-0/.
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