VMware vSphere Pricing and Packaging FAQ

This document addresses questions concerning the packaging, pricing, and related programs for VMware vSphere® 6.7.

What has VMware announced?

VMware has introduced VMware vSphere Platinum, a new edition offering advanced security capabilities integrated directly into the hypervisor. This release combines vSphere's leading capabilities with VMware AppDefense™, providing purpose-built virtual machines for application security.

Additionally, VMware has announced the End of Availability (EoA) for vSphere with Operations Management™ Enterprise Plus, effective February 1, 2019. After this date, this product will no longer be available for purchase. The updated vSphere product line will include VMware vSphere Standard Edition™, VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus Edition™, and VMware vSphere Platinum Edition™.

Why has VMware made these pricing and packaging changes?

These changes aim to simplify the vSphere lineup and align pricing and packaging with market trends and customer usage patterns. vSphere Standard focuses on server consolidation and business continuity. vSphere Enterprise Plus enhances resource management and application availability. vSphere Platinum provides advanced security and visibility through machine learning integrated into the hypervisor. VMware is committed to product improvement and delivering increased customer value.

What is vSphere Platinum?

VMware vSphere Platinum is a new vSphere edition featuring advanced security capabilities seamlessly integrated into the hypervisor. It combines vSphere's industry-leading features with VMware AppDefense.

What are the components of vSphere Platinum?

vSphere Platinum comprises two components: VMware vSphere for Platinum with VMware AppDefense Plug-in and VMware AppDefense (SaaS) for Platinum. The AppDefense plug-in offers vAdmins essential security functions within vCenter® and acts as a gateway to the AppDefense (SaaS) for Platinum service.

What is the licensing model for vSphere Platinum?

vSphere Platinum is licensed on a per CPU basis. Both components—VMware vSphere for Platinum with VMware AppDefense Plug-in and VMware AppDefense (SaaS) for Platinum—are provided under a single license. The VMware vSphere for Platinum with VMware AppDefense Plug-in is an on-premises perpetual license with Support and Subscription (SnS), while VMware AppDefense (SaaS) for Platinum is a subscription-based VMware hosted cloud service.

How can I purchase vSphere Platinum?

vSphere Platinum can be purchased directly from VMware or through VMware channel partners.

Can I upgrade to vSphere Platinum?

Yes, existing vSphere customers can upgrade to vSphere Platinum. Customers with active Support and Subscription for vSphere or vSphere with Operations Management Enterprise/Enterprise Plus are eligible for a 50% promotion on the upgrade license to vSphere Platinum. This promotion is valid from October 31, 2018, to October 30, 2019, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

When is the End of Availability (EOA) of VMware vSphere with Operations Management Enterprise Plus?

VMware vSphere with Operations Management Enterprise Plus will no longer be available for purchase after February 1, 2019.

The vSphere with Operations Management Plus bundle, which includes vSphere Enterprise Plus and VMware vRealize® Operations™ Standard, will see its component licenses (vSphere Enterprise Plus and vRealize Operations Standard) provided separately to active Support and Subscription customers starting October 15, 2018. This transition is designed to ensure no disruption in product usage, though a nominal increase in Support and Services (SnS) costs may occur at renewal. This fulfillment process will continue for new bookings until the EoA date.

Both vSphere Enterprise Plus and VMware vRealize Operations Standard will remain available as standalone editions beyond February 1, 2019, allowing customers to purchase them separately.

Are there VMware Acceleration Kits for vSphere Platinum?

No, Acceleration Kits for vSphere Platinum are not available. The vSphere with Operations Management Enterprise Plus Acceleration Kit will also reach its EoA on February 1, 2019, alongside the edition itself.

Acceleration Kits are available for vSphere Standard and vSphere Enterprise Plus. Each kit includes six processor licenses for vSphere and one license for VMware vCenter Server® Standard™. A limit of one kit per customer site applies. Support and Subscription (SnS) is required for a minimum of one year. For more details, visit: http://www.vmware.com/products/vsphere/pricing.html.

	VMware ESXi Upgrade Guide for vSphere 7.0 Comprehensive guide on upgrading VMware ESXi to version 7.0, covering various methods like GUI, scripted upgrades, ESXCLI, vSphere Auto Deploy, and vSphere Lifecycle Manager. Includes essential prerequisites, host upgrade processes, and post-upgrade tasks for a smooth transition.
	VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage Course Comprehensive training on installing, configuring, and managing VMware vSphere 8, including ESXi 8 and vCenter 8. Learn to administer a vSphere infrastructure for any organization size.
	VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration Course Learn advanced administration skills for VMware vSphere 8 through scenario-based lab exercises. This course covers complex vSphere operations, configuration, troubleshooting, and security for system administrators and engineers.
	VMware Product Guide: Comprehensive Overview of VMware Solutions Explore the extensive range of VMware products and suites with this detailed guide. Discover solutions for data center and cloud platforms, modern applications, infrastructure and operations management, security, desktop and end-user computing, telecommunications, and blockchain.
	vSphere with Tanzu Configuration and Management Guide Comprehensive guide to configuring and managing vSphere with Tanzu, covering platform architecture, best practices for storage, compute, networking, and detailed instructions for enabling, creating, and monitoring Tanzu Kubernetes clusters.
	VMware Cloud Services Guide A comprehensive guide to VMware's cloud services, detailing terms, service operations, and specific product overviews including VMware Aria Cost, VMware Carbon Black Cloud, and VMware Cloud Director.
	VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage Training Course Comprehensive training course on installing, configuring, and managing VMware vSphere 8, including ESXi and vCenter. Learn about virtualization concepts, networking, storage, virtual machines, and cluster management.
	VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage Training Course \| Lumify Work Comprehensive training on VMware vSphere 8, covering installation, configuration, and management of ESXi and vCenter. Ideal for system administrators and engineers seeking to master virtualisation technologies.