Broadcom’s New Policy Offers Free Security Patches for vSphere Customers
Broadcom, the recent acquirer of VMware, has announced a new policy that offers free security patches for vSphere customers, even if they have not subscribed to the company’s support services. This move is aimed at providing better protection for customers against zero-day vulnerabilities, and it is a significant departure from the company’s previous stance on offering security patches only to subscription-based customers.
The new policy applies to all vSphere 7 and 8 products, regardless of whether they are perpetual licenses or subscription-based. Customers who have not subscribed to Broadcom’s support services can still receive critical security patches with a CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) score of 9.0 or higher. This is a welcome change for customers who may have been hesitant to switch to subscription-based support due to concerns about the cost and complexity of the transition.
Broadcom’s vSRC (VMware Security Response Center) will continue to identify and address security vulnerabilities, just as it did before the acquisition. However, the company has now consolidated all security advisories under the “Security Advisories” menu on the Broadcom Support Portal. This means that customers can easily access and view all relevant security information in one place, without needing to register or log in.
If a CVSS 9.0 or higher vulnerability is identified, customers can simply log in to the Support Portal, select their registered products, and download the relevant patches to address the issue. This streamlined process makes it easier for customers to stay secure and up-to-date with the latest security patches, without needing to worry about additional costs or complexities.
Broadcom’s new policy demonstrates a commitment to protecting its customers from zero-day vulnerabilities, even if they have not subscribed to support services. This move is likely to benefit customers who may have been hesitant to switch to subscription-based support due to cost or complexity concerns. With this new policy in place, Broadcom is providing a more inclusive and secure environment for all its customers.
In conclusion, Broadcom’s new policy offering free security patches for vSphere customers is a significant departure from the company’s previous stance on support services. This move demonstrates a commitment to protecting customers from zero-day vulnerabilities, regardless of their support status. With this new policy in place, Broadcom is providing a more inclusive and secure environment for all its customers.