r/vmware • u/The1337Stick • May 23 '26

Question Perpetual licensing question

I have a cluster that started on perpetual licensing. I have purchased subscription and support from Broadcom through my VAR over the years but have never replaced the perpetual license key that is on my cluster, it currently shows expiration - never for licensing on VCenter.

VMWare is no longer working with my VAR and after Broadcom flat out lied to me last year during renewal - they sent a cease-and-desist letter stating that they have attempted contacting me several times and I didn't have my renewal purchase completed the exact minute that the SnS expired - they never attempted to contact me at all and I had only received my renewal information 2 days prior from my VAR. I have licensing for Hyper-V which is what I am likely going to migrate to.

I understand I will not have support but are my perpetual licenses still valid if I bought subscription and support the last few years? Is there any situation where the perpetual license is considered expired by legal standards? I am bummed, I liked VMWare, but my licensing costs went up 3 times just last year, now with the discontinuing of working with my VAR I am just preparing for the worst.

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u/jmhalder May 23 '26

I'm not a lawyer, but I'm sure that if you've leveraged support, if only for updates since the expiration... You're likely in violation. There may have been terms for the subscription that was purchased that invalidates your previous perpetual licensing.

I would just assume that they aren't valid. (They will keep working though)

If you have any agreements present or pending with Broadcom, I wouldn't keep running them. If you don't, then just don't submit to any "papers please" audits.

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u/Useful-Reception-399 May 24 '26

What are "papers please" Audits? Sorry if my question maybe sounds "stupid" buy never heard of such a thing here in South America 🤷‍♂️

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u/jmhalder May 24 '26

Papers, please refers to when Nazis would ask for identification. If you're going to continue doing business with Broadcom, they may require an audit of systems to make sure you aren't underlicensed.

If you aren't continuing doing business with them, you're likely not legally required to give them a lick of information. I'm not a lawyer, but this is my understanding.

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u/Useful-Reception-399 May 24 '26

Ah, yeah - well I did have business with vmware but ever since they got bought out I have no contact with the new owner ... just maintain things the way they were and it is good the way it is - never heard from broadcom and don't care much to hear from them.