Changes looming for VMware partners yet again

Broadcom will end VMware Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) on 31 October, with a new program going into effect on 1 November.

VMware partner Interactive outlined its perspective of the announcement would see a significant reduction in authorised partners in the invitation-only program.  

As of 15 July, VMware Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) partners who are not invited to participate in the new Program for VCSP partners will be sent a notice of non-renewal.

Interactive chief technology officer Dan Cox confirmed with ARN, that the IT service provider remains an Authorised VMware VCSP, under the new cloud service program.

“Our VMware CSP customers, there is no direct impact to their current licenses,” he said. “For customers working with partners no longer part of the new CSP partner program, we’re ready to step in and ensure continuity.” 

Broadcom said the streamlined Broadcom Advantage Partner Program for VMware resell partners announced last month will continue beyond 31 October 31.

According to the vendor on 15 July it communicated directly to VCSPs that, with the exception of those in the European Economic Area, a new Cloud Service Provider program will take effect on 1 November.

Non-invited partners can continue to transact until the end of October. After this, they “may only service existing VCSP commitment contracts for the remainder of the current term”.  

However, no new commitment contracts or renewals will be accepted for those partners. 

The end of October will also see the White Label Program Ending, with Broadcom sunsetting the model. The same transitional commercial conditions apply to White Label contracts as stated above.  

Interactive stated departing partners are encouraged to work with authorised VCSP partners to ensure a smooth transition for customers who seek to renew a service at the end of their current term. 

Broadcom was looking to reshape its vision for private compute, the service provider said, which will be underpinned by VMware Cloud Foundations 9 where a small number are hyperscale private cloud platforms in each region.  

Although full details have yet to be shared with partners, Interactive wanted to “reassure” customers that it remained an Authorised VCSP partner under an updated Broadcom Advantage Partner Program framework, 31 October, 2025. 

Interactive added with “a smaller number of authorised partners, many customers may need to reassess how they access, support and transact with VMware and Broadcom solutions moving forward”.   

ARN sister publication Reseller News reported the shift in VMware’s licensing and partner model directly impacts how businesses manage, support, and scale their infrastructure, said Brent Larsen, managing director of Auckland-based partner Network Service Providers (NSP).

“For some businesses, VMware remains viable,” he said. “But for many SMEs, these changes make it difficult, or even prohibitive to retain.”

In a statement to ARN Broadcom said its strategy since closing the VMware acquisition has been to “drive simplification, consistency, and innovation across the VMware Go To Market ecosystem, including VCSPs”.

“Recent changes to this ecosystem are consistent with this strategy. Broadcom is focusing more and going deeper with the VCSPs who have demonstrated commitment to their cloud services built on VMware,” it stated. “This will enable us to deliver greater value, stronger execution, and a more streamlined experience for Broadcom’s VMware customers of all sizes and enable a truly competitive offering to the hyperscalers through our CSPs.”