Most VMware users still “actively reducing their VMware footprint,” survey finds

In the wake of Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, customers continue to deal with rising costs and the complexities of vendor lock-in. A recent report by CloudBolt Software, titled “The Mass Exodus That Never Was: The Squeeze Is Just Beginning,” sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by VMware users. The report is based on a survey conducted in January with 302 IT decision-makers from North American companies employing over 1,000 staff members. While the survey does not encompass all perspectives, it highlights significant issues affecting VMware clients since Broadcom finalized the acquisition in November 2023. A staggering 88 percent of participants labeled the transition as “disruptive.” The most prevalent concerns include substantial price hikes, with 89 percent of respondents citing this as a major issue. Additionally, 85 percent expressed uncertainty regarding Broadcom’s strategic direction for VMware. Other notable worries involve the quality of support (78 percent), the transition from perpetual licenses to subscription models (72 percent), alterations to VMware’s partner program (68 percent), and the bundling of products (65 percent). While some early reports indicated extreme price increases—up to 1,000 percent—CloudBolt’s findings reflect a slightly less severe reality. Approximately 14 percent of respondents noted their VMware expenses had at least doubled, while 33 percent experienced increases between 24 and 49 percent. However, despite these findings suggesting more modest price adjustments than feared, 85 percent of those surveyed remain apprehensive about potential further increases in VMware’s pricing structure.