Let me make it super simple and debunk some misinformation going around the interwebz.
Your CPUs do not require 72-core minimums. 16-cores per CPU remains the minimum requirement from VMware for their vSphere licensing.
- Do you have more than five (5) single CPU hosts in your environment?
- You are not affected.
- Do you have more than three (3) dual CPU hosts in your environment?
- You are not affected.
This change only affects very small organizations with less than 72-cores altogether in their environment (small environment with one or two hosts mainly).
Let me provide some examples you can better understand some real life scenarios below.
Example 1:
Customer has 5 physical hosts, each with single 16-core processors.
16 cores per processor x 5 hosts = 80 cores.
You are not affected since you have more than the 72-core minimum.
Example 2:
Customer has 3 physical hosts, each with dual 16-core processors.
16 cores per processor x 2 per host (32) x 3 hosts = 96 cores.
You are not affected since you have more than the 72-core minimum.
Example 3:
Customer has 3 physical hosts, each with dual 8-core processors.
8 cores per processor (VMware still requires 16-cores minimum per CPU) x 2 per host (32) x 3 hosts = 96 cores.
You are not affected since you have more than the 72-core minimum.
On a side note, I would recommend upgrading those 8-core CPUs for 16-core ones as soon as possible.
Example 4:
Customer with over 72-licensed cores in their environment wants to add licenses for a one dual socket, 18-core CPUs host.
18 cores per processor x 2 per host = 36 cores.
Quote for 36-cores is provided since customer is already over the 72-core per account minimum
Customer is not affected by the latest change
Did this help clarify a bit more what the recent Broadcom announcement means for you and your organization?
I certainly hope so, otherwise feel free to post any questions you have in the comments.
