Exciting news for virtualization enthusiasts and tech professionals! VMware has made a significant announcement that will undoubtedly impact the virtualization community. The renowned VMware Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro, previously premium products, are now available for free for personal use.
A New Era for VMware Desktop Hypervisor Products
VMware Desktop Hypervisor products, including Fusion and Workstation, are integral tools used by millions globally to run virtual machines on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers. These products have been pivotal for users in creating virtual environments to install different operating systems, learn about technology, build and test software, and much more.
For many, Workstation and Fusion were the gateways into the world of VMware products, providing an essential foundation in virtualization and vSphere fundamentals. Beyond personal and educational use, commercial organizations have leveraged these tools for app and system development, testing, and vSphere environment interactions.
Key Changes to VMware’s Product Lineup
As VMware integrates Fusion and Workstation into Broadcom, significant changes are being made to streamline the product lineup and enhance value for customers and the broader VMware community. Here are the highlights:
- Pro Apps Now Free for Personal Use: The most exciting change is that Fusion Pro and Workstation Pro will now be available in two license models: Free for Personal Use and Paid for Commercial Use. This allows everyday users to create virtual labs on their Mac, Windows, or Linux computers for free by simply registering and downloading from the new download portal at support.broadcom.com.
- Commercial Use Subscription: For users who need to use these products commercially, a paid subscription is required, which can be purchased through authorized Broadcom Advantage partners. This new subscription model simplifies the product offerings, reducing over 40 SKUs to a single SKU, making it easier for users to quote and purchase the necessary licenses.
- Discontinuation of Player Products: With the fully-featured Pro products now available for free personal use, VMware is discontinuing the lesser VMware Workstation Player and VMware Fusion Player products. Users of these Player versions can upgrade to the Pro versions at no cost. Workstation Player will still be bundled with Workstation Pro, ensuring continuity for existing users.
- Support and Subscription Benefits: The commercial subscription provides users with ongoing product updates, including major and minor releases, and support through the purchasing partner. There are no functional differences between the free and paid versions, except for the licensing terms.
What This Means for Users
For personal users, this change is a fantastic opportunity to access powerful virtualization tools at no cost. For commercial users, the new subscription model offers a streamlined and straightforward approach to licensing, ensuring continued support and updates.
Transitioning from Player to Pro
Current users of Workstation Player and Fusion Player have clear paths to transition to the Pro versions:
- Workstation Player (personal): Download and install the Workstation Pro personal use product.
- Fusion Player (personal): Update to Fusion 13.5.2 and delete the license key file to unlock the Pro for Personal Use functionality.
Fusion Player 13 and Workstation Player 17 (commercial): Products will continue to function without new license keys, with continued support aligned with their existing EOL and EOGS dates.
Conclusion
VMware’s decision to make Workstation Pro and Fusion Pro free for personal use marks a significant milestone in the virtualization community. Whether you are a student, hobbyist, or professional, there’s never been a better time to explore and leverage VMware’s powerful virtualization capabilities.
