VMWare is now Free?
VMware has decided to make both VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation available for free! 🎉 This is a huge deal for anyone interested in virtualization, whether you're a developer, an educator, or just experimenting at home.
VMware Fusion and Workstation Are Now Free
VMware has made their desktop hypervisors—VMware Fusion for macOS and VMware Workstation for Windows and Linux—completely free for everyone, even commercial users. Previously, these products cost around $200-$250 each, but now you can access all the previously paid features without spending a dime.
Why This Matters
A hypervisor allows you to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single computer. This means you can, for example, run Linux on a Windows machine for testing or development purposes. VMware's tools are known for their stability and high performance, especially for advanced networking or enterprise-level setups.
What’s the Catch?
With the free release, VMware no longer provides official support. This means you’ll need to rely on community forums if issues arise. If you’re comfortable with troubleshooting on your own, this shouldn’t be a problem, and the community is typically very helpful.
My Take
Personally, I prefer VirtualBox because it's open source and works well across different platforms. However, VMware’s tools are excellent, particularly for intensive tasks like enterprise testing or complex network configurations.
Broadcom Acquisition and Future Plans
It's worth noting that VMware was recently acquired by Broadcom. Despite some changes, like ending perpetual licenses for other VMware products, Broadcom has committed to continuing the development of VMware Fusion and Workstation. This is a promising sign for the future of these tools.
Why You Should Care
Virtualization is an in-demand skill. Whether you’re a professional or a student, having access to VMware's powerful tools for free can boost your capabilities and resume. It’s a great opportunity to get hands-on experience with industry-standard software.
Final Thoughts
Having free access to VMware Workstation and Fusion is a major win for everyone interested in virtualization. While I prefer open-source alternatives like VirtualBox, there’s no denying the value of these tools, especially now that they are cost-free.
