VMware vSphere Foundation Reviews

Name: VMware vSphere Foundation
Brand: VMware
Rating: 4.2 (12 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

12 reviews
80% willing to recommend

What is VMware vSphere Foundation?

VMware vSphere Foundation is designed for businesses seeking virtualization management capabilities. It offers essential features to optimize IT operations and improve server utilization, providing a solid infrastructure for managing virtual environments.

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VMware vSphere Foundation is the #13 ranked solution in best Server Virtualization Software. PeerSpot users give VMware vSphere Foundation an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. VMware vSphere Foundation is most commonly compared to VMware vSphere: VMware vSphere Foundation vs VMware vSphere.

Buyer's Guide

VMware vSphere Foundation

May 2025

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Featured VMware vSphere Foundation reviews

ErmiasGirma

System and Cloud Deployment Engineer at Safaricom Ethiopia plc

In the past, we faced challenges with VMware's transition to Broadcom, which caused a lot of frustration. Issues like not being able to upgrade to version eight without support and the end-of-life of perpetual licenses were concerning. Pricing fluctuation and increased licensing costs were also significant challenges. I highly recommend that continuous support for perpetual licenses be provided.

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AshutoshKumar4

Quality Engineer at KML

I find the manageability and interface of vSphere Foundation to be very good, more understandable, and futuristic compared to open-source alternatives. It provides me with a lot of features that I am comfortable using for virtualization. I manage multiple servers with ease, which is a significant benefit for my organization's virtualization needs.

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Rui J Bastos

CIO and Chief Digital Officer at Reliance Industries Ltd

I have concerns regarding VMware's strategy, particularly about how it manages multiple cloud environments since clients and my company need to navigate multiple clouds. The ability to manage all these environments through a single management interface has become increasingly important. Additionally, companies often arbitrage between different cloud environments, which means we need to optimize workloads based on varying computational abilities and cost points—something I haven't seen fully addressed in your product yet, but which I believe will be necessary. When discussing improvements for VMware vSphere Foundation, many people bring up cost as an issue, but I don't consider that to be the main concern. A key aspect to consider is that we often lack a comprehensive understanding of all the moving parts related to how the product evolves. The conversation we've had illustrates that we may not fully recognize or appreciate all the new features and updates being rolled out.

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PeerResearch reports based on VMware vSphere Foundation reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Server Virtualization Software	Jun 10, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 10, 2025	Download
Comparison	VMware vSphere Foundation vs Proxmox VE	Jun 10, 2025	Download
Comparison	VMware vSphere Foundation vs VMware vSphere	Jun 10, 2025	Download
Comparison	VMware vSphere Foundation vs Hyper-V	Jun 10, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
VMware vSphere	4.4	16.2%	94%	454 interviews Add to research
Red Hat OpenShift	4.2	1.6%	95%	62 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

VMware vSphere Foundation is valued for its scalability, reliability, and user-friendly interface. It enhances IT efficiency through hardware usage visibility, high resilience, and efficient infrastructure management. Its licensing, virtual machine consolidation, and migration capabilities are significant. The platform supports large virtual environments and provides tools for seamless cloud transitions. VMware's integration with management tools like vCenter and vRealize Operations Manager significantly improves virtualization and resource utilization. The platform is known for its ease of management and impressive return on investment.

"Overall, I am generally happy with VMware's customer support; they are responsive and I have no reason to complain."
"Setting up the VMware vSphere Foundation is easy."
"I would rate VMware vSphere Foundation ten out of ten for its ease of use and functionality."

Room for Improvement

Concerns about VMware vSphere Foundation include accessibility in the market due to vendor and procurement confusion, inefficient support management post-Broadcom acquisition, and pricing issues, especially in Latin America. Licensing complexities, including time-based and core-based models, and language support deficiencies affect user satisfaction. Additionally, challenges with managing multiple cloud environments and legal compliance with Oracle's core licensing are notable areas needing attention.

"I have concerns regarding VMware's strategy, particularly about how it manages multiple cloud environments since clients and my company need to navigate multiple clouds."
"The VMware vSphere Foundation is very good, and the support is also good, but the price now is very expensive. I would rate the support for the VMware vSphere Foundation a six because currently, we have access to engineers, but I have to wait more time to resolve my case due to basic questions."
"In the past, we faced challenges with VMware's transition to Broadcom, which caused a lot of frustration."

ROI

VMware vSphere Foundation enhances organizational value by enabling server consolidation, leading to better recoverability and scalability. While server manageability without requiring additional staff is highlighted, tangible returns are noted in environments needing continuous infrastructure monitoring. Benefits extend to cost efficiency through infrastructure optimization and reduced refresh cycles. Flexibility in supporting both on-prem and cloud architectures is emphasized, promoting interoperability and faster support, aligning with evolving architectural needs and minimizing service delivery costs.

Pricing

Enterprise users of VMware vSphere Foundation report pricing as very expensive, rating it a ten out of ten. Licensing and support fees have increased, especially post-Broadcom merger. Complexity in purchasing and representative access has risen. Users note that licensing options have become costlier, with perpetual licenses no longer available. Transition to open-source alternatives is occurring in some regions due to competitive pricing. Some report prices doubling or tripling, impacting project budgeting and client relations.

"It is expensive."

Popular Use Cases

VMware vSphere Foundation is primarily used for virtualization in data centers and enterprise environments. It supports multiple technologies and handles workloads for industries like banking and telecommunications. Organizations utilize it for private cloud deployments, managing standalone servers, and transitioning infrastructures from physical to virtual. Additionally, it aids in refactoring application stacks for cloud-native architecture. Businesses in various sectors deploy it for testing, production, and to support internal infrastructure, enhancing virtualization management.

Service and Support

VMware vSphere Foundation's customer service receives mixed feedback. Many rate technical support highly, appreciating its 24/7 availability and competence. Some experience slow response times and language barriers, notably after Broadcom's management changes. Users often solve issues independently or with minimal support as operations are stable. Regional satisfaction varies, with positive experiences in Pakistan but suggestions for Latin American improvement. Cost concerns are noted, and recent improvements in customer service quality are acknowledged.

Deployment

Setup of VMware vSphere Foundation is generally straightforward and considered easy by most users, requiring minimal expertise. Some users rate it as high as ten in terms of ease. Deployment can take around 45 minutes, though prior virtualization knowledge helps simplify the process. Users find it involves configurations like server and storage, necessitating time and resources. The task is more manageable when users possess pre-existing skills or experience in virtualization environments.

Scalability

VMware vSphere Foundation demonstrates robust scalability, enabling efficient environment growth. Users mention it is easy to scale, with straightforward licensing, installation, and cluster integration. Most highlight its seamless vertical and horizontal expansion capabilities, particularly in both common and hyperconverged environments. Its integration with third-party providers reinforces its scalable nature. Some users note manageable experiences in complex settings. While some require more time for exploration, numerous users express high satisfaction with its scalable potential.

Stability

Users frequently commend VMware vSphere Foundation's stability, rating it highly. Many appreciate its reliable performance and low management needs, although some suggest room for improvement. Users note occasional update requirements due to security concerns but confirm that the tool is standard and performs well across multiple environments. Performance monitoring effectively addresses system issues, especially in service meshes. Stability issues have been resolved, contributing to a smoother operational experience.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our VMware vSphere Foundation Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

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Learn more about VMware vSphere Foundation

VMware vSphere Foundation supports efficient resource management in virtual environments, delivering a robust platform for businesses to streamline their IT processes. It enhances system reliability and offers scalable options for growing business needs. By leveraging virtualization, it reduces hardware dependency while ensuring consistent system performance.

What are the key features of VMware vSphere Foundation?

VMware vCenter Server: Centralized platform for managing VMs and hosts.
High Availability: Ensures minimal downtime for critical applications.
Data Recovery: Provides backup and restore options for enhanced data protection.
Resource Manager: Allocates resources efficiently between VMs to maximize performance.

What benefits or ROI should users consider?

Cost Reduction: Decreases hardware expenses by maximizing server usage.
Improved Scalability: Facilitates easy expansion of IT infrastructure.
Enhanced Reliability: Offers consistent uptime and minimized outages.
Efficiency Gains: Streamlines operations, reducing manual IT management tasks.

VMware vSphere Foundation is implemented effectively across industries like healthcare, finance, and retail. It supports crucial workloads, allowing these sectors to maintain operational efficiency while handling sensitive data. Its flexibility and robust capabilities make it suitable for diverse operational demands.