RapidScale on Navigating VMware Updates and VCF 9.0

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has reshaped the virtualization and cloud operations landscape, prompting customers and partners alike to reassess licensing models, service continuity, and long-term platform strategy. 

In this Q&A, RapidScale President Duane Barnes details how his organization is navigating these changes, why the VMware Cloud Service Provider framework matters, and where partners can find new opportunities for stability, modernization, and growth in the evolving VMware ecosystem.

Understanding Broadcom’s VCSP model and RapidScale’s alignment

For anyone who is still confused by the licensing requirements, what exactly has changed under the Broadcom/VMware model that customers need to know about?

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware introduced updates to the enterprise virtualization landscape. For VMware customers, these updates include adjustments to subscription models and pricing, along with a greater emphasis on bundled offerings. One of the most notable changes involves the VMware Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) program.

As of November 2025, VMware streamlined the number of VCSP partners. This means some customers may need to select a new authorized Partner Advantage Program partner to manage license renewals or add-ons. Working with an authorized partner, like RapidScale, helps ensure continued access to VMware solutions and provides guidance on navigating the new program structure. Organizations navigating these changes should prioritize compliance, continuity, and clear guidance on the new program structure. 

For a full deep dive on the entire acquisition timeline, check out our recap of the top headlines and actions taken since Broadcom acquired VMware in 2023.

As a member of the new partner program, what excites you about the opportunities that lie ahead for RapidScale?

RapidScale is uniquely positioned to help businesses confidently navigate this news landscape. We are aligned with Broadcom VMware to provide a seamless transition and help businesses assess and evaluate their current or future cloud footprints. When working with us through this transition, new and existing RapidScale clients can expect:

• No Service Disruption: Our core services, including IaaS, BaaS, Citrix DaaS, and DRaaS, remain unaffected by these changes.
• Stable Pricing: Our hosted environment absorbs the impact of Broadcom’s pricing changes.

• Future Proofed Environment: The RapidScale team has deep expertise in this space to assess and optimize our clients’ ideal hosting environment today, taking their business strategy, modernization goals, and financial considerations into account.
• Seamless Support: As an authorized VMware VCSP, RapidScale maintains direct access to Broadcom’s resources and roadmap.

For organizations, the current environment highlights the importance of evaluating service continuity, pricing stability, and technical expertise when selecting a partner for VMware solutions. 

Because of the level of support we can provide to our clients, we’re helping these businesses stabilize costs, ensure compliance and modernize their VMware environment. Ultimately, this is an opportunity for our team to play a huge role in supporting our clients’ strategic business growth initiatives. 

Key benefits of VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 for on-premises and cloud environments

Let’s talk a bit about VCF 9.0. How can organizations leverage the new technology to gain value in their deployments?

Since launching earlier this year, VMware’s Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0 has driven efficiency-boosting additions for enterprises across the globe. These benefits include a more streamlined subscription model, an enhanced services layer and greater flexibility across on-premises, as well as hosted and public cloud deployments. 

The latest release places a premium on simplified subscriptions, unified management, and flexibility across deployment models, which can help organizations scale and innovate more efficiently. 

One key benefit of VCF 9.0 is the introduction of a more streamlined subscription model, making it easier for organizations to access the latest features and scale their environments as needs evolve. This simplicity helps IT teams focus on innovation rather than administrative complexity.

Additionally, the platform’s enhanced services layer provides unified management for virtual machines, containers, and AI workloads. Organizations can take advantage of built-in automation, improved security, and advanced storage capabilities like NVMe tiering and global deduplication, all designed to drive efficiency and performance.

Lastly, with VCF 9.0, businesses can accelerate digital transformation, support new workloads, and respond quickly to market opportunities. The platform’s flexibility across on-premises, hosted, and public cloud deployments empowers organizations to align IT strategy with business goals.

Is there anything about VCF 9.0 that strikes you as unique when compared to others in the space?

VCF 9.0 brings users several new or enhanced features or functionalities that will better support their business. A few that stand out to the RapidScale team are the core improvements, like the Quick Start App, which allows for faster deployment without sacrificing compliance or governance. Additionally, the unified, single interface further streamlines the start-up experience for all users. 

Another significant quality of this platform is the NVMe tiering, which creates an opportunity for users to reduce the total cost of ownership by reorganizing how certain pages are stored, ultimately increasing the ROI of using the platform. This means you can focus on innovation while knowing our infrastructure is future-ready. 

For many organizations, features such as streamlined deployment, unified management, and advanced storage capabilities are increasingly important as they seek to reduce complexity and maximize value from their IT investments.

How RapidScale enables IT modernization and long-term value

Many still think of cloud as a complex transformation. What is your advice for reducing complexity and unlocking value through IT strategy?

Start by viewing cloud migration as a strategic step rather than a disruptive overhaul. Focus on incremental adoption through hybrid solutions, which allow you to balance on-premises systems with cloud flexibility. Then, leverage managed services and automation to minimize manual workloads and streamline processes, ensuring scalability without operational strain. And finally, prioritize cost optimization by aligning resources with actual business needs, avoiding over-provisioning. 

To help ensure a seamless process and to have support throughout the journey, partner with experienced migration experts to guide planning, compliance, and security, turning a perceived “leap” into a low-risk, high-value transition.

Recent developments in the VMware ecosystem suggest that organizations should prioritize strategic planning, incremental adoption, and cost optimization to unlock the full value of cloud transformation.

Finally, as you help customers navigate the “new normal,” what is your message to anyone concerned about moving forward with Broadcom and its technology?

Between VCF 9.0 and Broadcom’s new licensing model for VMware users is a strategic move that generates opportunities for all businesses to accelerate operations and gain or increase their competitive advantage. By partnering with RapidScale, the businesses we support will be able to realize VCF 9.0’s full potential by tapping into our deep bench of industry experts and our platform’s ability to accelerate partner transitions and streamline asset migration. 

Bottom line: the journey in VMware opportunities continues

Broadcom’s overhaul of the VMware ecosystem is creating a pivotal moment for IT leaders, and the insights from RapidScale highlight what matters most right now. 

Authorized VCSP partnerships are becoming essential for maintaining continuity, while VCF 9.0 is emerging as a catalyst for efficiency, flexibility, and modernization across hybrid environments. For organizations navigating these shifts, the path forward is increasingly clear: pair strategic planning with expert guidance to stabilize costs, simplify operations, and unlock new growth opportunities. 

As the VMware landscape continues to evolve, those who move early — and with the right partners — will be best positioned to capture the full advantage of these changes.