VMware’s Major Changes Under Broadcom: Certifications and Product Licensing
Since its acquisition by Broadcom, VMware has undergone significant transformations in two key areas: certification requirements and the way its products are packaged, licensed, and priced. These changes reflect Broadcom's focus on streamlining operations and enhancing profitability, while also aligning with broader industry trends. Here’s a concise summary of these major shifts.
Certification Requirements and Live Classes
One of the most immediate impacts has been on VMware’s certification process. Under Broadcom’s ownership, VMware has revamped its certification requirements, shifting the focus towards more specialized and hands-on knowledge. While previously, VMware certifications could be completed online with flexible options, there’s now a greater emphasis on in-person or live virtual training. This move likely aims to ensure professionals gain deeper, practical expertise in VMware’s products, improving the overall quality of certifications in the market.
Additionally, live classes and workshops have become more integral to the certification process. These instructor-led sessions are now mandatory for certain advanced certifications, replacing self-paced learning options for key tracks. While this increases training costs for professionals and organizations, it also enhances the practical value of VMware certifications, as hands-on experience is more rigorously tested and verified.
2. Product Packaging, Licensing, and Pricing
Another significant change involves the way VMware products are packaged, licensed, and priced. Broadcom has introduced a more streamlined approach to packaging VMware’s solutions. In place of the broad, complex, and often confusing pricing tiers, Broadcom has simplified the licensing structure, focusing on bundling VMware products into more comprehensive packages. This reduces the number of standalone products, making it easier for customers to understand and purchase the right solutions.
However, this has also come with a notable increase in pricing, particularly for enterprise-level customers. Broadcom’s strategy appears to focus on high-value contracts, to maximize profitability. While this shift simplifies the procurement process for large-scale customers, smaller organizations may find it more difficult to afford VMware solutions as they are now more likely to be sold in bundled packages rather than à la carte.
Summary
VMware’s transition under Broadcom has significantly changed both certification processes and product licensing. The certification shift now emphasizes live, hands-on training, improving professional expertise but raising training costs. On the other hand, product licensing has been streamlined with more comprehensive bundles, but the new pricing structure may present challenges for smaller organizations. These changes reflect Broadcom’s strategy of consolidating VMware’s offerings to maximize profitability and market impact.
