VMware Perpetual License Holder Receives Audit Letter From Broadcom

Broadcom has started conducting audits on former VMware customers who declined to subscribe to its bundles after their support contracts expired. One such customer, a software provider in the Netherlands, received a letter informing them of a formal audit of their VMware software and support services use. The company had been a VMware customer for about a decade but decided not to renew their contract due to cost concerns. As a result, they can no longer receive updates unless the CVSS score is critical, which impacts their security. The audit, to be performed by Connor Consulting, will review the company's VMware deployment and entitlements, including fieldwork, remote testing, and meetings with various departments. The letter claims the audit will be conducted efficiently to minimize disruption, but the security professional is concerned about the financial implications, expecting a significant impact on salary negotiations or even layoffs. The company is unsure if they exceeded their license limits, which could result in big financial repercussions. The audit process has already caused stress among IT managers and legal department employees. Broadcom's move is seen as an aggressive tactic to push customers into purchasing its bundles. The outcome of the audit could have significant consequences for the company's financial situation.