Broadcom expands VMware Cloud Foundation for AI & open cloud

Broadcom has taken steps to expand the openness and adaptability of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), announcing new programmes and partnerships designed to increase choice and reduce complexity for enterprises building private cloud environments.

"The momentum behind VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 is undeniable. It's a platform that's redefining how organisations approach their private cloud journey, offering a consistent operating model that spans data centres to the edge. By fostering an open VCF ecosystem, we're empowering businesses to build modern private clouds that align with their strategic needs, ensuring they can leverage the technologies required for their unique environments," said Paul Turner, Chief Product Officer, VMware Cloud Foundation Division, Broadcom.

Hardware flexibility

The company is broadening its hardware certification process through the introduction of VCF AI ReadyNodes and an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) self-certification programme. The new VCF AI ReadyNodes certification will allow customers to deploy next-generation CPU, GPU, and accelerator technologies for artificial intelligence (AI) model training and inference. Supermicro is among the first original equipment manufacturers to certify an AI ReadyNode system for the platform.

"Supermicro is excited to be among the first hardware OEMs to certify our industry-leading GPU systems as VCF AI ReadyNodes. This milestone gives customers a clear migration path from previously certified Supermicro systems in the VMware certification programme to the latest fully validated and optimised GPU solutions that help eliminate the cost and complexity of AI adoption," said Ismail Sayeeduddin, Vice President, Business Development, Supermicro.

The ODM self-certification programme enables hardware partners to independently certify server systems through the Broadcom Technology Alliance Programmeme for VCF, with all certified hardware validated for interoperability and managed through VCF's lifecycle management systems. The initiative is expected to offer customers increased sourcing flexibility and aims to lower the total cost of ownership for VCF deployments.

"Broadcom's open certification programme for VCF Ready hardware supports our vertical integration strategy, enabling us to self-certify our server systems for VMware Cloud Foundation. This will reinforce our commitment to deliver our customers with competitive, high-performance private cloud services that remain cost-effective. Broadcom's programme will help accelerate our time-to-market for innovative and secure cloud solutions powered by VMware technology, further solidifying our position as a leading global cloud player," said Yaniv Fdida, Chief Product and Technology Officer, OVHcloud.

The hardware programme also includes support for edge-optimised nodes targeting industries such as manufacturing, retail, and defence, where rugged, compact computing solutions are needed closer to where data is generated. SNUC will participate in the self-certification initiative with its extremeEDGE server line.

"The pairing of purpose-built SNUC extremeEDGE servers with VMware Cloud Foundation will enable customers across industries to deliver the edge of tomorrow. Through self-certification of extremeEDGE as part of Broadcom's expanded ReadyNode programme, we will deliver our edge innovations faster, helping our mutual customers across industrial manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and the federal government maximise the value of AI," said Steve Savage, Chief Operating Officer, SNUC.

Networking integration

Broadcom has unveiled plans to unify network fabrics within private clouds using standards-based protocols such as Ethernet VPN (EVPN) and BGP. This move aims to simplify operations, bolster interoperability, and enable easier integration of multi-vendor networking environments. Cisco has aligned its Nexus One fabric strategy with this approach, built on a standardised VXLAN EVPN control and data plane, to provide customers with more consistent options for deploying and connecting cloud networks.

"Cisco's foundational work in VxLAN EVPN, backed by the industry's most comprehensive IETF standards authorship, reflects our long-standing commitment to open networking. This collaboration with Broadcom demonstrates our shared commitment to open standards-giving our customers architectural flexibility and choice as they connect, protect and scale both AI and traditional, business-critical workloads," said Murali Gandluru, Vice President, Data Centre Networking, Cisco.

VMware Cloud Foundation Networking (NSX) now supports Software for Open Networking in the Cloud (SONiC), a Linux-based, open-source network operating system supporting deployments on commodity hardware. This capability is expected to reduce capital and operational expenses, while enabling more agile, automated network management and upgrades.

AI and open source

Broadcom continues active involvement in open-source initiatives, ranking as a major contributor to several Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) projects. The company announced that VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service is now recognised as a Certified Kubernetes AI Conformant Platform, supporting standardisation and interoperability of AI workloads on Kubernetes infrastructure.

"VMware by Broadcom has been a long-time contributor to CNCF and continues to play a key role in supporting core projects like Kubernetes. Their ongoing investment helps keep Kubernetes vendor-neutral and production-ready at scale, especially for newer AI workloads, and is critical for the health of the broader cloud native ecosystem," said Chris Aniszczyk, CTO of Cloud & Infrastructure at the Linux Foundation.