On a sunny day in Paris, October fifteenth, 2025, VMware Discover EMEA concluded with a powerful exhibiting. The occasion highlighted three main themes: (1) the launch of VMware Cloud Basis 9 (VCF9), (2) the rise of Non-public AI, and (3) a renewed give attention to non-public cloud sovereignty.
Businesswise, in keeping with VMware 85% of the highest 10.000 shoppers worldwide have renewed with VCF. In EMEA 40% have already deployed it, whereas 50% are actively engaged in design. Nonetheless, there is no such thing as a public reference to those numbers. Even high executives acknowledged that they’ve a really low charge of deployment up to now globally. So we’ll take these numbers with a pinch of salt as public references will not be but obtainable.
The analyst summit featured targeted periods on Non-public AI, cloud sovereignty, and VCF9. Right here’s what stood out:
Non-public AI: VMware’s Sovereign Various
VMware positions Non-public AI as its response to hyperscalers’ AI choices. Whereas hyperscalers are shifting towards on-prem and edge deployments to satisfy sovereignty calls for, VMware allows shoppers to retain management over their information and mental property.
A compelling instance got here from the College of Luxembourg, which makes use of an on-prem GPT answer by way of Non-public AI to safeguard its IP. Different use instances included contact facilities and co-development environments. Notably, contact facilities have been highlighted as a powerful use case to exhibit actual AI ROI.
Cloud Sovereignty: Operational Management Over Infrastructure
VMware’s method to cloud sovereignty emphasizes operational management slightly than bodily location. VCF can run on-premises, in co-located information facilities, and even on hyperscalers. But, sovereignty stays constant throughout these environments.
Based on Martin Hosken of VMware, complicated rules are pushing enterprises towards regional suppliers. This shift helps mitigate authorized and compliance dangers. Because of this, CIOs are re-evaluating public cloud methods to steadiness flexibility with sovereignty.
VCF in Disconnected Environments
When requested about operating VCF with out web connectivity, VMware confirmed that VCF continues to function till the license expires. After expiration, purposes stay purposeful, however administration capabilities are misplaced.
This raised an necessary level. VMware representatives used the phrases “license” and “subscription” interchangeably, regardless of their distinct implications for digital sovereignty. Curiously, VCF9 is obtainable as a subscription, which doesn’t align properly with sovereignty-focused methods.
Need to Be taught Extra?
on studying extra on VMware’s choices for sovereignty? Attain out to Forrester to schedule a steering session or inquiry to assist information your sovereign AI cloud infrastructure initiatives or to study extra about this occasion.
