VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0: Modern private cloud at full speed
– Now available –
Functionality and architecture
VCF works with so-called workload domains. A workload domain is a logically distinct unit consisting of ESXi hosts, vCenter Server, vSAN storage, and NSX network. There are two main types:
- Management domain: This is where the infrastructure components that manage VCF itself run.
- VI Workload Domains: These domains are reserved for customer or enterprise applications.
VCF automates the creation, expansion, and management of these domains. The platform supports two architecture models: the standard architecture, where management and customer workloads run separately, and the consolidated architecture, where both run together on one domain—ideal for smaller environments or proof-of-concepts.
Interaction with other VMware components
VCF seamlessly integrates the most important VMware technologies:
- vSphere virtualizes server resources and provides virtual machines.
- vSAN provides high-performance, scalable, and fault-tolerant storage that is directly integrated into the hosts.
- NSX enables software-defined networking, firewalling, and microsegmentation for greater security.
- vRealize Suite (optional) complements VCF with advanced monitoring, automation, and orchestration capabilities.
- Tanzu is integrated to natively support Kubernetes containers and run modern cloud-native applications.
These components work together to provide a unified infrastructure that supports both traditional VMs and container workloads. VCF 9.0 further optimizes performance, security, and automation.
What's new in VCF 9.0 and what does it actually offer?
area | Innovation / Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Operations & Automation | Uniform self-service portal replaces many consoles, with analytics and workflows
| |
| VCF Import |
Adopt existing NSX, vDefend, Avi, and storage topologies – migration becomes easier
| |
| NVMe Memory Tiering | Powerful and economical for AI, database, and real-time workloads
| |
| Multi‑Tenancy & VPCs | Isolated pillars for providers/MSPs without VLAN complexity
| |
| Private AI Foundation | vGPU profiles, reservation, AI agents, and data indexing on-premises
| |
| Security & Daten‑Protection | SecOps-Insights, immutable snapshots, IDPS, GenAI‑Threat‑Triage
| |
| Cloud Operating Model | Fleet-level management across all VCF instances with a centralized security dashboard |
VCF Standard/Advanced/Enterprise plus VCF+ (cloud-entitled) und VCF-S (Term-Subscription)
- + Standard architecture: at least 4 hosts (management + workload)
- + Consolidated (smaller environments): possible with 3 or more hosts
Subscription per physical CPU core, up to 50% cheaper according to VMware compared to previous models
Yes, VCF 9 supports importing existing software topologies.
VCF+: cloud-metered, automatic Cloud-Entitlement
VCF-S: purely local, term-based licensing
Unveränderliche Snapshots, Remote-Replikation, integrierte SecOps-Analytik, Intrusion Prevention (IDPS)
A workload domain is a logical unit in VCF that consists of ESXi hosts, vCenter, vSAN, and NSX and is used for specific applications or management purposes.
Each workload domain has exactly one vCenter Server for administration.
Yes, VCF supports automated addition and removal of hosts as well as expansion and deletion of workload domains.
VCF offers centralized identity management with single sign-on, role-based access control, micro-segmentation via NSX, and integrated compliance policies.
VCF supports traditional virtual machines, containers (via Tanzu/Kubernetes), and modern cloud-native applications.
Yes, VCF is designed for hybrid cloud scenarios and supports seamless extensions in VMware Cloud on AWS, Azure VMware Solution, and other VMware Cloud service providers.
Résumé
VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 is a powerful, integrated platform that greatly simplifies the creation and operation of modern private clouds. By combining virtualization, software-defined storage, network virtualization, and automated lifecycle management, VCF provides a unified environment for traditional and modern applications.
With new features such as NVMe tiering, multi-tenancy, self-service portal, and enhanced SecOps, it is ideal for companies looking to modernize their infrastructure and efficiently run private cloud/AI workloads. These new features in version 9.0 enable faster deployment, better performance, increased security, and simplified management—ideal for companies looking to future-proof their IT infrastructure.