VMware stops patching your version in 2027: upgrade or move?

On October 11, 2027, VMware will reach the end of general support for version 8. After this date, Broadcom will no longer release new patches, security updates, or standard technical support for that version. If your business runs on version 8, you have to upgrade to version 9 or migrate to an alternative cloud infrastructure like Nutanix. 

Staying with VMware means maintaining a traditional architecture where compute, storage, and networking are managed as separate products, while adapting to Broadcom’s new per-core subscription model. Moving to Nutanix shifts your organization to a hyperconverged model that unifies compute, storage, networking, and virtualization into a single platform with no separate hypervisor licensing required. 

Understanding how these approaches differ in hardware requirements, licensing structures, and operational demands makes it easier to determine the right path for your budget and team. 

What upgrading to version 9 means

Upgrading to version 9 means changing how, and how much, you pay for VMware, and it may mean replacing your servers.

Your licensing changes first. Version 9 is only available as a subscription bundle. Standard and Enterprise Plus, two of VMware’s license types, stop at version 8, so if you’re on either one, upgrading means switching to a subscription. Version 9 is also priced by processor core, the individual processing units inside each server’s chip. For most VMware products, every processor counts as at least 16 cores, even if it has fewer. This will likely mean a price increase. Ask VMware or your provider for a version 9 quote to compare with what you pay now.

Your hardware has to qualify, too. Some older processors can’t run version 9 at all, and others are supported in version 9 but won’t be in later versions. You can look up your processor or server model in the Broadcom Compatibility Guide or confirm with your server vendor. If your servers don’t qualify, upgrading also means buying new hardware.

What moving to Nutanix with Nexcess involves

Moving to Nutanix with Nexcess means you don’t need a VMware subscription or servers that run version 9. The software that runs your virtual machines comes with Nutanix, and we manage the licensing. 

Our engineers take your virtual machines off VMware for you. We’ve completed more than 65,000 migrations, and we handle yours from scoping to switchover, including network connections. Your systems stay live while we copy your data across, the switchover happens in a planned window, and your old environment stays intact in case you need to go back. 

Before the move, list what you run and what depends on it, check which tools and vendors only work with VMware, and line up DNS, IP addresses, and any partners that only accept traffic from your current IP addresses. After the switchover, your team tests your applications and signs off. You also approve the move and the budget.

After the move, our senior engineers run your environment 24/7/365, with 99.99% uptime.

Paid extended support

Paid extended support is a way to stay on version 8 longer without upgrading or moving. VMware offered it when version 7 reached its end date, and other companies sell similar support: you pay to keep getting security patches and help after general support ends. It doesn’t add new features. It gives you more time, but you’ll still have to choose between upgrading and moving, just later.

Comparing upgrade, move, and extended support

Comparing upgrade, move, and extended support options side by side shows where each path puts the cost and the work.

	Upgrade to version 9	Move to managed Nutanix	Extended suppor
Licensing	Per-core subscription bundle	Comes with Nutanix, no separate license	Current license plus a paid support contract
Hardware	Current servers if compatible, new ones if not	The provider’s hardware	No change
Who does the work	Your team or IT partner	Provider runs the move and the environment; your team prepares, tests, and signs off	Your team, as today
What’s left to decide later	The next VMware renewal	Nothing about VMware	Still upgrade or move

Choosing between upgrading and moving

Choosing between upgrading and moving is a clearer decision once you know where you stand on servers, licensing, and staff. Upgrading makes sense if your servers can run version 9, the subscription quote works for your budget, and your team already runs VMware well. Moving is ideal if upgrading means new hardware or a subscription you’d rather not take on, or if no one on staff has time to run VMware. Extended support fits if you need more time to decide.

We put together a migration readiness checklist to help you gather what you need before you decide: what you run, what’s tied to VMware, your contract dates, and who should run things after the move.