Broadcom recently announced the discontinuation of its VMware IT Academy and Academic Software Licensing programs, leaving IT educators searching for alternatives for virtualization services. This move has frustrated educators who taught VMware courses, as it not only disrupts curriculum planning but also hinders students’ early exposure to the VMware platform.
Many educators believe that eliminating these programs will have a negative impact on the future of VMware in the enterprise, as it limits students’ hands-on experience with VMware’s virtualization technology. Brian Kirsch, network program chair at Milwaukee Area Technical College, expressed disappointment over the abrupt end of these programs, stating that it is more than just a cancellation for students – it is a missed opportunity for them to gain valuable experience.
Despite the changes, Kirsch is working on adjusting the curriculum to incorporate alternative virtualization platforms such as Proxmox and Microsoft Hyper-V. However, he believes that these platforms do not offer the same level of expertise as VMware, which is widely used in enterprise environments.
The decision to end the VMware IT Academy and Academic Software Licensing programs has also raised concerns among IT professionals about Broadcom’s shift towards all-inclusive subscription services. While this may generate short-term profits, it could result in long-term distrust among customers and partners. However, Broadcom seems focused on maintaining revenue from its core business rather than growing its user base significantly.
Ultimately, educators like Kirsch emphasize the importance of nurturing future users through educational programs, as seen with Cisco’s success in the field. They believe that investing in students’ early exposure to technologies can lead to long-term loyalty and growth in the industry.