Attention everyone. This is probably the most important blog post I will write this year. As of October 15, 2025, the licensing model for Google Cloud VMware Engine is fundamentally changing due to the Broadcom partnership.

What is changing?

Google Cloud will no longer sell new VMware Engine nodes with the VCF license included.

• Old Model: You pay Google one price, it includes the hardware + VMware software.
• New Model: You pay Google for the bare metal service (BYOL node), and you MUST bring your own VCF subscription purchased from Broadcom.

What about existing clusters?

Don’t panic. If you have existing Committed Use Discounts (CUDs), they will be honored until they expire. However, you cannot buy new license-included CUDs after mid-October.

Summary

If you need to lock in pricing under the old model, you have about 10 days to sign a new CUD. Otherwise, get your Broadcom account representative on speed dial to discuss your VCF entitlement for the cloud.