VMware has announced a significant change in its product strategy, making its popular desktop virtualization tools, VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation, available for free. Starting November 11, 2024, anyone—whether for commercial, educational, or personal use—will be able to access these tools at no cost.
A Turn Toward Total Accessibility
With this move, VMware is eliminating the paid subscription model that previously governed the acquisition of VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation. The Pro versions, which offered advanced features, will no longer be available for purchase. However, the company has assured that the free version will include all the essential features users need to manage their virtualization projects without compromising functionality.
For current customers under commercial contracts, VMware will honor the terms of their agreements until their expiration date, maintaining the agreed-upon level of support and service. However, once these contracts expire, users will be able to continue using the product for free, although they will lose access to personalized support via ticketing.
New Support Model in the Free Version
VMware has developed a robust support ecosystem accessible to all users of the free model, which includes:
- Community Access: Users can participate in support communities to share knowledge and solutions. The Workstation community is available here and the Fusion community here.
- Detailed Documentation: VMware provides extensive documentation to help users make the most of the tools. Resources for Workstation can be found here and for Fusion here.
- Knowledge Base Articles: Users will have access to a library of articles covering everything from troubleshooting to advanced features. The knowledge base is available here.
Continuous Innovation and Commitment to Quality
VMware has emphasized its commitment to continue investing in enhancements to its desktop virtualization products, focusing on stability, regular updates, and an optimized user experience. This transition to a free model will allow VMware to expand its user base, providing valuable feedback to tailor its products to the community’s needs.
Towards a Collaborative Future
The shift to a free model for VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation marks a milestone in the company’s trajectory, inviting both new and experienced users to join a global virtualization community. By removing access barriers, VMware hopes to foster greater collaboration and growth around its virtualization products.
For more information about this transition and the available resources, users can visit the official VMware Desktop Hypervisor page at vmware.com.