VMware (Broadcom) Cloud

After Broadcom's $61B acquisition of VMware in 2023, the combined entity controls the virtualization layer of approximately 400,000 enterprise data centers globally — giving it a uniquely powerful position as the on-premises-to-cloud bridge that pure cloud providers cannot offer. VMware's vSphere and NSX products manage an estimated 60% of all enterprise virtual machines worldwide, representing the most entrenched enterprise software installed base in the industry. Broadcom's controversial shift to subscription pricing (from perpetual licenses) generated significant customer backlash but is expected to increase VMware's software revenue from $13B to $20B+ annually. The acquisition was one of the most closely scrutinized tech M&A deals of the decade.