As organizations build private cloud infrastructure, they often encounter the growing complexity of managing both modern and legacy applications. Today’s IT teams must support containerized workloads and traditional applications simultaneously—without fragmenting systems or sacrificing efficiency. Add to that the increasing cybersecurity threats, regulatory pressures, limited budgets, and skills shortages, and it’s clear that IT leaders need a smarter strategy. That strategy hinges on simplified, integrated, and secure infrastructure aligned with business goals.
VMware vSphere, the leading enterprise virtualization platform, meets these needs head-on. As the engine behind VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF), vSphere provides a unified solution to run modern, cloud-native apps alongside critical legacy workloads—consistently and efficiently. With innovations across compute, networking, security, and AI/ML readiness, vSphere 9 empowers organizations to support developer agility and optimize infrastructure performance.
We’re excited to introduce VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 and vSphere Foundation 9.0, packed with enhancements designed for today’s demanding environments.
What’s New in vSphere 9 #
1. Modernizing the Compute Stack #
NVMe Memory Tiering: Smarter, Cheaper Memory Scaling #
Modern applications like big data analytics, e-commerce, and video streaming require rapid access to massive memory pools. The new NVMe Memory Tiering feature lets vSphere use local NVMe devices as a secondary memory layer, offloading non-critical memory from DRAM while maintaining performance for priority workloads.
This results in:
- Up to 19% reduction in CPU core requirements
- Up to 25% reduction in memory access
- Server consolidation savings of up to 40%
In short, it improves memory efficiency, reduces DRAM costs, and enables better workload density per host.
Native VPC Networking in vCenter: Simplified & Secure #
Native NSX Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) support is now integrated directly into vSphere. It brings cloud-like networking capabilities to on-prem environments, without deep networking expertise.
- Delegate network config securely via role-based access
- Visualize network topology, IP allocation, and connected VMs
- NSX + vSphere profiles are tightly integrated for streamlined operations across clusters
Reduced Downtime Upgrade (RDU): Faster Updates, Minimal Disruption #
Stay current with less risk. The new RDU feature shortens maintenance windows and speeds up access to updates, including critical security patches. If a problem arises, a built-in rollback ensures smooth recovery.
Monster VM Support & Next-Gen CPU Compatibility #
vSphere 9 supports massive workloads—up to 960 vCPUs per VM—ideal for compute-intensive applications like SAP HANA. It also supports the latest CPU platforms including AMD Turin/Venice and Intel Sapphire Rapids, maximizing performance and energy efficiency.
2. Optimizing for Modern Applications #
Streamlined Kubernetes with Minimal Supervisor Cluster #
A simplified Supervisor setup accelerates Kubernetes adoption. Start with the basics and scale as needed—adding features like load balancing and networking over time. This lowers the Day 0 design burden and enables flexible evolution.
Decoupled Supervisor Upgrades: Faster Innovation Cycles #
Supervisor services can now be upgraded independently from vSphere or vCenter. This means faster access to Kubernetes enhancements without infrastructure disruption.
Zero-Downtime vGPU vMotion for AI/ML #
AI workloads benefit from major vMotion performance gains:
- 6x faster live migrations for vGPU-powered VMs
- Support for high-speed transfers over next-gen networks
- Secure accelerator-assisted transfers (e.g., Intel QAT)
This ensures seamless mobility for GenAI and inference workloads, without performance dips or downtime.
Enhanced VM Service Capabilities #
- Deploy from ISO: Admins can use content libraries to make ISO images available for namespace users.
- Dynamic VM resizing: Switch VM classes and adjust resources without redeployment.
- Backup & recovery: Leverage third-party tools like Veeam and Rubrik with VADP workflows.
3. Enhancing Security & Compliance #
Extended ESX Live Patching: Security Without Downtime #
ESXi live patching, introduced in 8U3, has been expanded. Now you can apply critical patches across infrastructure—NSX, vSAN, vmkernel—without taking hosts offline.
Built-in contextual UI help guides admins through patching or fallback to maintenance mode when needed.
Confidential Computing: Data-in-Use Protection #
With VCF 9.0, VMware extends its encryption capabilities to include confidential computing, protecting data not only at rest and in transit, but while in use.
Using AMD SEV-SNP and Intel TDX, vSphere establishes Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) that:
- Encrypt memory and CPU registers during runtime
- Prevent data leakage across workloads and from hypervisors
- Block physical attacks and unauthorized VM access
Admins can verify TEE integrity before executing sensitive workloads. This new layer of isolation is now available through RPQ in Broadcom’s first phase of confidential computing support.
Final Thoughts #
VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 with vSphere 9 brings a future-ready platform for both modern AI applications and legacy enterprise workloads. Whether you’re scaling container environments, migrating GPU workloads, optimizing server resources, or hardening security—this release provides the tools to do it smarter, faster, and more securely.