Broadcom introduces new security and AI capabilities in VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0. Customers gain access to an integrated platform that supports both cyber resilience and AI developments.
During VMware Explore 2025, Broadcom announces several expansions for VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). The focus for these innovations is on security, compliance, and AI integration.
VCF 9.0 is now generally available and includes standard access to VMware Private AI Services. Simultaneously, Broadcom introduces new security features through vDefend, Avi Load Balancer, and an advanced cyber compliance service.
Advanced Compliance
VCF receives a new Advanced Cyber Compliance service, aimed at sectors with complex regulations. This service provides continuous compliance monitoring through automated monitoring and remediation, supported by SaltStack integration.
Advanced Cyber Compliance further ensures automatic recovery from cyber attacks or IT disruptions, with isolation of virtual machines and recovery from secure cleanroom environments. Additionally, the service offers enhanced platform security, with container images that have built-in security.
vDefend and Load Balancer
For vDefend, Broadcom introduces features such as lateral zero trust security for AI workloads, extensive threat detection, and protection against advanced fileless malware.
The solution uses the Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) for Windows to intercept malicious scripts in memory.
Avi Load Balancer strengthens the network layer through support for post-quantum cryptography, mTLS authentication for Kubernetes, and WAF inspection of AI traffic via Model Context Protocol (MCP).
‘AI-native’
With version 9.0, Broadcom’s buzzword department of the marketing team positions VCF as an ‘AI-native’ platform. Private AI Services, now integrated as part of the standard offering, enable organizations to manage and deploy AI models within a secure private cloud. Services such as GPU monitoring, model management, and data indexing support AI workflows from training to inference.
Additionally, Broadcom provides support for multi-accelerator runtimes (for GPUs from AMD and Nvidia), secure model sharing between tenants, and integration of model context protocol (MCP) for secure interaction between AI assistants and business data. VCF 9.0 also gets an AI-powered assistant for faster problem resolution.
Finally, VCF also focuses on developers with GitOps integration, native support for vSAN S3 object storage, and expansion of the Kubernetes platform with tools like Argo CD and Istio.
With these announcements, Broadcom further expands VMware Cloud Foundation into a platform for both traditional workloads and AI applications within the private cloud. Earlier, it became apparent that Broadcom will convert VCF at least partially to ARM.
Broadcom remains focused on enterprise-level innovations for VCF and further integrations into the service. For smaller customers who feel trapped by the modified license terms and artificial bundling of products, this expansion of VCF offers no perspective.