Changes to VMware CPU Metric Licensing Model – What You Need to Know

Changes to VMware CPU Metric Licensing Model

Time is running out before VMware changes their CPU metric licensing model! January 29th is the last date to apply for additional free licenses for all products licensed by CPU on servers with more than 32 cores per physical CPU. This is applicable for licenses and servers purchased before April 30, 2020.

What is the VMware CPU licensing change?

VMware’s per-CPU model will remain in place, however, one license will now be needed for up to 32 physical cores in a single physical CPU. If a CPU has more than 32 cores, additional CPU licenses will be required. For example, if you have one CPU with 33-64 physical cores, you will now need 2 licenses to cover consumption.

What allowances could I be eligible for?

VMware has allowed customers to apply for free additional licenses to cover the CPUs on servers with more than 32 cores per physical CPU during this transition period so long as:

– Application is submitted before January 29, 2021
– Servers and CPU licenses were purchased before April 30, 2020
– Original license purchase is currently maintained under active Support and Subscription (SNS)

As part of the application, note that proof of purchase of the licenses and servers, including number of processor(s) in the server and number of physical cores per CPU is needed.

Who will the VMware CPU licensing change impact?

This change in licensing will impact all customers who have purchased VMware CPU-based licenses and have servers with more than 32 cores. Customers who use Intel or AMD-based servers will not be impacted because there is a 32-core per CPU limit.

When will the VMware CPU licensing change come into effect?

The VMware CPU licensing change came into effect on April 2, 2020, however VMware have allowed a grace period for customers who purchased CPU-based licenses before April 30, 2020.

For licenses under active SNS, any version upgrades after April 30, 2020 will be bound to the terms in the latest Product Guide which includes the 32 core per physical CPU per license cap.

Can I avoid the VMware CPU licensing change?

VMware customers are bound by the terms in the Product Guide in place at the last renewal, or if the licenses are not under SNS, then at the time the license was purchased. This means by not upgrading to the latest version it is possible to avoid the change to the CPU licensing model. However, having unsupported software is not recommended because it may have implications to business operations and security.

Next steps:

If you are impacted by the VMware CPU metric licensing change, apply to VMware for additional free per-CPU licenses to cover the CPUs on that server before January 29, 2021.

Customers should be aware that during the time of renewal, standard SNS fees will be charged for any additional free licenses they receive.

Anglepoint can help manage VMware licenses

For advice on how to optimize your VMware estate and maintain compliance, contact us – do it now before it’s too late!