VMware News and VCF Insights – March 2025
The Architect’s Edge: VMware News and VCF Insights
From the desk of Christopher Kusek, Principal Cloud Architect
Welcome to the March edition of The Architect’s Edge! As the season begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to spring into action and unlock new opportunities in your VMware environment. Whether you’re a seasoned architect or just starting your cloud journey, this space is here to help you cultivate the knowledge and strategies that will keep you ahead of the curve.
In this issue, we’re marching into automation, giving you the tools and insights to streamline your operations and optimize your cloud infrastructure. If you missed our February edition, be sure to check it out here on LinkedIn as we don’t cross-share content between months, so there’s a wealth of fresh insights waiting for you. Let’s dig into this month’s updates and give you that critical edge in evolving your private cloud environment!
Architects Edge Live: Real-World Insights for Architects, Engineers, and IT Professionals
Join Architects Edge Live, a collaborative, interactive event series hosted by veteran vExperts—many of whom are customers just like you. Designed for architects, engineers, and system admins—whether you’re new to VMware or a seasoned pro—this isn’t just another webinar. It’s a live, unscripted conversation where you can engage directly with experts, get real answers, and gain practical insights from those who have forged the path ahead.
If you’re upgrading to the latest VMware technologies, adopting VCF, or planning your VCF 9 strategy, this is your chance to learn from those navigating the same challenges firsthand. Architects Edge Live is your force multiplier—helping you accelerate your expertise, make informed decisions, and gain the clarity, confidence, and direction to move forward.
Join us for our first live event on March 26, 2025, at 10 AM PST. Register here for Architects Edge Live: March into Real-World Automation – A Coffee Talk with Experts.
March into Automation: Unlock the Power of VCF Automation
This March, we’re diving into automation and how it can streamline your operations with VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). Whether you’re already on VCF or planning to migrate soon, these Hands-On Labs are a must to get started with VCF Automation:
- VCF Automation – Getting Started – Learn the fundamentals of VCF automation and how it can kickstart your private cloud journey.
- VCF Automation – Getting More Out of It! – Deep dive into advanced features and optimizations for your VCF environment.
- VCF Automation – Becoming a Power User – Master automation and become a power user in your VMware environment.
- Take your Automation Journey up a notch with these useful articles
- Learn more about VCF Automation and IaC templates – VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) Automation offers powerful capabilities for streamlining operations with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) templates. This enables simplified resource provisioning, consistency across environments, and version control for improved collaboration and efficiency in your infrastructure management.
- Good Practices for Developing Custom Forms with VMware Cloud Foundation Automation – Discover how to develop custom forms that streamline your automation process. This guide provides valuable best practices that improve the efficiency of your VMware Cloud Foundation environment and simplify the deployment of complex workflows.
- Automating VMware Cloud Foundation Day 1 Operations with API – This video explores how to automate Day 1 operations in VMware Cloud Foundation using APIs, enhancing agility and efficiency in your cloud environment.
Spring Into Action: VMware Tanzu Support for Spring Boot
Great news for Spring Boot users!
VMware Tanzu has extended enterprise support for Spring! (Read more about it here!)
- Spring Boot 2.7.x – Now supported until 2029
- Spring Boot 3.5.x – Extended until 2032
This means you don’t have to rush to upgrade your applications! Enjoy the flexibility of planning your upgrades with this extended support window.
Still using Spring Boot 3.2.x?
If you’re still on Spring Boot 3.2.x, Enterprise Support is ending 31 DEC 2025! Check out our transition guide and plan your upgrade! Learn more about the Spring Boot 3.2.x end-of-support and upgrade paths.
What’s New in VMware?
- VMware Aria Operations 8.18.3 – Release Notes – VMware Aria Operations 8.18.3 brings exciting new features, along with important security improvements to enhance the protection of your private cloud environment.
- VMware Aria Operations for Logs 8.18.3 – Release Notes – The latest update to Aria Operations for Logs brings new features, security enhancements, and bug fixes to improve log management and analytics for your cloud environment.
- VMware Cloud Director 10.6.1 – Release Notes – Discover the latest improvements in Cloud Director 10.6.1, including better automation, scalability, and security updates to optimize multi-tenant cloud environments.
- Lateral Security with VMware vDefend – A Validated Solution – Explore how VMware vDefend enhances lateral security, helping organizations protect workloads from internal threats with a validated solution approach.
- Private Clouds and Their Public Value – Insights from David Linthicum – Industry expert David Linthicum shares insights into the evolving role of private clouds and their significance in modern hybrid cloud strategies.
- Join the VMware Code VCP-VCF Study Group – Looking to get certified? Join the VMware Code VCP-VCF study group and connect with experts, access valuable study materials, and enhance your knowledge.
- VMware Tanzu Kubernetes Releases (TKrs) – Stay up to date with the latest VMware Tanzu Kubernetes releases, featuring security patches, performance enhancements, and updated compatibility for your Kubernetes workloads.
- vSphere Supervisor – TKrs Release Notes – Get the latest details on VMware vSphere Supervisor updates, bringing improved functionality and support for Tanzu Kubernetes Grid deployments.
- Onboarding Existing Postgres Databases into VCF DSM 2.2 – Learn how VCF DSM 2.2 helps seamlessly onboard Postgres databases, improving operational efficiency.
- VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 – Unlocking Secure Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Certificate Authority – Discover how integrated Microsoft CA enhances security and compliance in VCF 5.2.
- Blog Roundup – Be sure to check out these amazing resources:
- Brock Peterson Blog: featuring in-depth articles, tips, and updates on VMware Aria Operations, Cloud Foundation, and cloud infrastructure best practices.
- VCROcs Blog: VCRocs offers detailed guides, insights, and best practices for deploying and managing VMware Cloud Foundation and related technologies.
- Cosmin Trif Blog: offers step-by-step guides and tutorials on VMware lifecycle management, VCF deployments, and cloud infrastructure optimization.
- Christopher Kusek’s Tech Videos: – Featuring tech videos on various VMware topics, tips, and insights.
- VMware Cloud Foundation YouTube Channel – Stay up to date with VMware Cloud Foundation features, tips, and best practices.
Getting the Most Out of What You Have
In last month’s issue, we highlighted several Management Packs that provide deeper visibility into your VMware environment. But did you know there are dozens of management packs designed to integrate with your hardware, software, and applications—making the VCF Operations that you own even more powerful today?
- Explore VMware VCF Operations Management Packs – Gain visibility across your infrastructure with management packs that connect to storage, networking, applications, and more!
- Application & Service Visibility – Enhance observability across VCF and beyond with credentialess service visibility and telegraf agents that provide deep insights into critical applications.
- VCF Operations for Logs: Content Packs – Did you know VCF Operations for Logs offers 60+ content packs for deep visibility into VMware, databases, infrastructure, security tools, and more?
- Pure Storage Management Pack 3.3.0 – This Pure Storage management pack delivers real-time monitoring, analytics, and performance insights in VCF Operations—no need to launch Pure1.
- By leveraging these Operations Management Packs and Logging Content Packs, you can enhance observability, reduce troubleshooting time, and maximize the value of your VMware Cloud Foundation deployment.
Upcoming Webinars
- VCF Thursday Tech – Building a Hybrid Cloud with VMware Cloud Foundation Join us March 20, 2025 at 1 PM EST as we explore VCF use cases, hybrid cloud architecture, and demo VMC on AWS with HCX workload mobility.
- Architects Edge Live: March into Real-World Automation Join us live March 26 at 10AM PST for a casual, interactive coffee talk sharing real world use cases of automation with Experts and QA!
? Did you know? You can purchase VMware Explore Las Vegas passes by SKU (VMW-EXP-US) for the event happening August 25-28—contact your sales team for details!
What’s Next
As organizations prepare for VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9, many are still in the process of transitioning from vSphere 7—set to reach end-of-support in October 2024—to vSphere 8. Upgrading to vSphere 8 is not only critical for maintaining support but also sets the foundation for a smoother adoption of VCF 9, whether you’re already on VCF or planning to move there in the future.
Understanding your hardware compatibility and VMware’s product lifecycle is key to making informed decisions and ensuring a seamless upgrade path. The resources below provide essential guidance to help you navigate these transitions and keep your environment future-ready.
- CPU Support Deprecation and Discontinuation for VMware – This article emphasizes the importance of identifying whether your CPUs are supported as you transition to VMware 8 or move to future releases.
- VMware Product Lifecycle – Easily Track Support and Plan for Upgrades – Track VMware’s product lifecycle to ensure your deployment remains supported and plan for the next release (Login Required).
- Intel Processor Support – Understand Intel’s support policies for processors to ensure compatibility as you plan for VMware upgrades.
Edge Insights: Unlocking Business Value with VCF
Beyond technical advancements, VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) delivers tangible business value—reducing costs, increasing operational efficiency, and accelerating ROI. Explore these key reports to see how organizations are leveraging VCF to drive real impact.
- IDC Study: VMware Cloud Foundation Delivers 564% ROI in Just 3 Years – This IDC report highlights the financial impact of VCF, showing how organizations achieve a rapid 10-month payback period and massive cost savings.
- IDC Business Value of VMware Cloud Foundation – Learn how enterprises optimize IT operations, lower TCO, and increase agility with VCF—based on real-world business outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Technology evolves, but success isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about planning ahead. As we march into automation, this month’s insights highlight how VCF automation can simplify operations, boost efficiency, and future-proof your private cloud. From streamlining workload migrations and infrastructure provisioning to ensuring hardware compatibility and strategic upgrades, the choices you make today set the stage for long-term success.
Whether you’re exploring VCF, transitioning to vSphere 8, or preparing for VCF 9, staying informed and engaged with the latest tools, best practices, and expert-led discussions ensures you remain ahead of the curve.
Your VMware investment is more than software—it’s an ecosystem. The more you leverage automation, community knowledge, and planning resources, the more value you unlock. Keep pushing forward, and we’ll continue bringing you insights to help shape your cloud journey in future editions of The Architect’s Edge. See you at Architects Edge Live! Looking forward to your thoughts.
Have questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Simply reply to this email, or connect on LinkedIn for more real-time updates and insights. Got a success story or topic you’d like to share? Let us know, and we might feature it in an upcoming issue!
This is the LinkedIn Article version of my Monthly Newsletter – to subscribe to this newsletter, please contact me directly and you can be included directly in the monthly distribution. We also have a LinkedIn Newsletter version we’re trying out as well, so you can check that out as well (same content for now).
The LinkedIn edition was published March 3, 2025. An email newsletter copy is also preserved, received March 4, 2025. Preserved as a historical edition; links, release references and event dates reflect the original publication.
