Broadcom is pushing forward with its vision to reshape the VMware virtualization platform into a private cloud tailored for enterprises. At the VMware Explore event in Barcelona, they showcased new AI features and services, highlighting their commitment to intertwining private cloud solutions with generative AI and traditional AI technologies.
During the event, executives unveiled the VeloRAIN AI architecture for network management within VMware VeloCloud. This generative AI integrates with VMware’s security platform, vDefend, and aids governance via Tanzu. In a noteworthy move, Broadcom is now offering Virtual Cloud Foundation (VCF) licenses for personal use to members of the VMware User Group (VMUG) who meet certain criteria.
Industry observers, like Steve McDowell from NAND Research, see this as a strategy to keep VMware competitive with giants like AWS and Microsoft Azure. However, McDowell raises concerns about the level of innovation Broadcom will inject into VMware.
The focus on AI development is heavy on VeloRAIN, which enhances workload management and prioritization in VeloCloud, a technology VMware acquired in 2017. VeloRAIN analyzes encrypted data to optimize network traffic, ensuring that demanding applications, including generative AI tools, run smoothly. Broadcom also introduced two new networking appliances designed to support the anticipated rise in generative AI applications.
On the security front, Broadcom plans to incorporate generative AI into VMware vDefend by January 2025. The new feature, called Intelligent Assist, aims to help IT staff of all skill levels manage security alerts more efficiently. It offers a user-friendly interface to summarize alerts and automate responses. Analysts like Krista Case believe that integrating AI in security could uncover new patterns and connections within data.
For VMware Tanzu Platform, Broadcom is launching automated data services, addressing lifecycle management for popular databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL. These enhancements aim to strengthen customer loyalty within the VMware ecosystem.
Furthermore, VMUG members can now access personal use licenses for the full VCF platform after completing specific certification exams. However, there’s criticism regarding the tighter restrictions on access, given VMware’s previous more relaxed policies.
As Broadcom rolls out these updates, there’s an ongoing conversation about whether they really address customer needs or simply add layers of complexity to their offerings. While innovative features like generative AI and enhanced data services are compelling, many existing VMware users remain focused on maintaining their current infrastructure rather than transitioning to new solutions.