Broadcom pushes open source evolution of VMware Cloud Foundation with open hardware, open networking and Kubernetes AI conformance.
Broadcom has announced extensive updates to the VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) ecosystem, positioning it as a more open, interoperable, and multi-vendor private cloud platform. The company aims to deliver a private cloud environment adaptable across infrastructure layers, integrating preferred data-centre and edge hardware, open networking constructs, and open source technologies. According to Paul Turner, Chief Product Officer, VMware Cloud Foundation Division, Broadcom, the updates provide “a consistent operating model from data centres to the edge” and “promote an open VCF ecosystem that aligns with different environment requirements.”
A major element of the shift is an expanded open hardware ecosystem. New VCF AI ReadyNodes introduce a streamlined certification model for AI servers, with Supermicro among the first partners to certify a system. Broadcom has also enabled ODM self-service certification through the Technology Alliance Program, improving sourcing flexibility and lowering total cost of ownership. Support for rugged, edge-optimised systems further extends private cloud compute to remote industrial and retail locations.
Partners emphasised the benefits: Supermicro said it “will certify its GPU systems as VCF AI ReadyNodes…”, OVHcloud noted the model “supports its vertical integration strategy”, Intel said it “accelerates VCF 9.0 deployments…”, and SNUC added it “will help deliver edge innovations faster…”.
Broadcom also unveiled a unified networking strategy centred on EVPN and BGP fabrics, enabling multi-vendor interoperability and aligning VCF with Cisco’s Nexus One architecture. Cisco’s Murali Gandluru highlighted “the role of open standards in providing architectural flexibility.” VCF Networking (NSX) now integrates SONiC, the open-source Linux-based NOS that runs on commodity hardware.
Broadcom reinforced its open source commitment through continued CNCF contributions and confirmed VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service as a Certified Kubernetes AI Conformant platform. Chris Aniszczyk of the Linux Foundation underscored the value of maintaining Kubernetes as a “vendor-neutral platform for production AI workloads.”
