Broadcom Enforces End of VMware Support With Legal Notices to Legacy License Holders

Following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware in November 2023, the company has discontinued the sale and renewal of perpetual licenses for VMware software. Instead, it is promoting a subscription-based model that includes significant price increases—up to 300% in some cases. Customers with expired support contracts are being targeted with cease-and-desist letters, instructing them to uninstall any updates, patches, or releases issued after their support expiration. Even organizations that have not applied updates or have migrated away from VMware have reportedly received these legal notices. The letters, signed by Broadcom’s managing director, also warn recipients of potential audits and legal consequences, including claims for damages and attorneys’ fees. This move has caused unrest among smaller IT service providers and users, who criticize Broadcom’s approach as aggressive and damaging to customer trust. Some companies are seeking legal counsel in response, and many are reconsidering their use of VMware or transitioning to alternatives like Proxmox. Broadcom’s strategy reflects a firm push to control software use and enforce its licensing model, despite growing dissatisfaction from legacy customers and partners.