Introduction to Private Cloud Setups
Broadcom has made VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0 generally available, rolling out updates aimed at making private cloud setups easier to manage. The company said its research shows that private cloud use is on the rise, with two-thirds of businesses surveyed having moved some workloads back from public cloud to on-premise, citing wasted spending as a reason.
What’s New in VCF 9.0
VCF 9.0 introduces a modular design that adds automation and API access into cost and performance. The goal is for private clouds to work more like public ones – easier to scale and quicker to deploy. According to Broadcom’s Prashanth Shenoy, businesses are shifting toward a "cloud smart" approach – one that puts more focus on private cloud in cases where it makes more sense.
Tools to Simplify Setup and Improve Control
VCF 9.0 comes with an interface aimed at IT admins and developers, meant to reduce complexity and speed up provisioning. A new Quick Start App helps with setup and central management of access policies and logs. It also gives admins more visibility into how workloads behave, which can help with troubleshooting and optimisation. Cost tracking has also been built in, allowing users to see how infrastructure is used, forecast future needs, and manage budgets.
Support for AI and Better Performance Tracking
VCF 9.0 includes features for running AI and machine learning workloads with minimal slowdown. Tests show the platform retains 99% of performance compared to bare metal setups. It also supports live migrations using vMotion, so applications can be moved without downtime. Security tools have also been updated, with a new dashboard that lets users track compliance and security posture.
Updates to vDefend and Avi Load Balancer
Alongside VCF 9.0, Broadcom is also rolling out updates to its vDefend security platform and Avi Load Balancer. vDefend now includes self-service micro-segmentation and threat detection directly in the virtualisation layer. The Avi Load Balancer now allows multi-tenant use and better integration with infrastructure automation, with tasks like scaling and service discovery handled automatically.
Positioning for Hybrid and AI Demands
While VCF 9.0 brings a major shift in how Broadcom handles private cloud, the broader updates to its security and networking tools show that it sees its cloud stack as more than just infrastructure. It’s building toward a full software-based foundation for the data centre – one that can keep up with AI workloads, hybrid demands, and tighter compliance standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VCF 9.0 is a significant update that aims to make private cloud setups easier to manage, more secure, and better suited for modern workloads like AI and containers. With its modular design, automation, and API access, VCF 9.0 is poised to help businesses shift towards a "cloud smart" approach and make the most of their private cloud investments.
FAQs
- What is VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0?
VCF 9.0 is an update to Broadcom’s private cloud platform, aimed at making private cloud setups easier to manage and more secure. - What are the key features of VCF 9.0?
The key features of VCF 9.0 include a modular design, automation, API access, cost tracking, and support for AI and machine learning workloads. - What is the "cloud smart" approach?
The "cloud smart" approach refers to a shift in focus towards private cloud in cases where it makes more sense, rather than relying solely on public cloud. - What updates have been made to vDefend and Avi Load Balancer?
vDefend now includes self-service micro-segmentation and threat detection, while Avi Load Balancer allows multi-tenant use and better integration with infrastructure automation.
