Cloud providers press EU to restore VMware partner program
Several major cloud service providers have formally asked European regulators to reinstate VMware's partner program after recent changes introduced under Broadcom's ownership. The providers argue the altered program undermines competition, interoperability, and customer choice for enterprises that rely on VMware technologies in public and private clouds.
Why it matters: VMware's partner program plays a central role in how cloud vendors resell, integrate, and support VMware-based services. Providers say reinstating the program would preserve predictable terms and enable continued innovation in areas like multi-cloud management and AI-ready infrastructure, helping customers avoid lock-in or unexpected cost increases.
Broadcom's response and what comes next: Broadcom has pushed back, saying the cloud providers are misrepresenting market "realities" and defending its changes. The dispute is now with EU regulators, whose decision could reset partner economics and competitive dynamics across European cloud markets. A regulator ruling that favors reinstatement would be a tangible win for partners, customers, and the broader ecosystem.
Regardless of the immediate outcome, the case highlights the wider importance of transparent partner rules in the cloud era — especially as enterprises scale AI and other resource-intensive workloads that depend on flexible, competitive infrastructure services.