Broadcom Takes Action: Cease-and-Desist Letters Sent to VMware Perpetual License Holders

Broadcom has stirred up some trouble by sending cease-and-desist letters to VMware users with expired support contracts. This follows their acquisition of VMware in November 2023, after which they stopped selling perpetual licenses. Though owners can still use their purchased software, they can’t renew support unless they had a specific contract in place.

This shift is pushing some VMware users toward subscriptions, which have seen costs soar by as much as 300%. Many customers are now considering alternatives, like other virtualization solutions or even moving away from virtualization altogether.

Recently, users running unsupported VMware software reported receiving cease-and-desist letters. These letters warn that their rights to support services have expired. One letter, signed by Broadcom director Michael Brown, outlines that users must stop using any updates or patches released since their support ended, except for critical security patches.

The letter goes on to say that ignoring this could be considered a serious breach of the agreement, risking legal repercussions.

Some users, particularly those working with Canada’s Members IT Group, have received these letters just days after their contracts expired. According to CTO Dean Colpitts, one customer got a warning only six days after their contract ended.

Others in online communities have shared similar experiences. One user on Spiceworks indicated they received a cease-and-desist letter after migrating from VMware to Proxmox, highlighting a growing concern among many users about the implications of Broadcom’s actions.

This situation has sparked discussions on social media, with users expressing frustration over the lack of support options and increased costs. A recent survey by Spiceworks found that 60% of IT professionals are considering alternative solutions due to rising subscription prices and restricted support.

As companies face these challenges, it’s crucial to explore all options. Evaluating other software or potentially devirtualizing can provide relief from heightened costs and legal threats from Broadcom.

For further insights into the implications of Broadcom’s move on VMware users, you can check out the comprehensive report from Reuters.

Source link