Preliminary VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Compatibility Listings Go Live: What You Need to Know

It’s not often you get a sneak peek at a major VMware release before it’s Generally Available. But with the preliminary VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0 listings now live on the Broadcom Compatibility Guide, you do—and the benefits are huge.

Why This Matters

Traditionally, VMware and its hardware partners only publish compatibility matrices once a release hits General Availability (GA). That means, until GA, customers are left guessing whether their existing servers, storage arrays, and network gear will remain supported or what firmware and driver updates they’ll need.

With VCF 9.0, however, you can:

Plan upgrades confidently—you already know which ESXi builds, CPU families, and NSX-T versions will be supported.
Align procurement—order the right HPE, Dell, or Lenovo hardware (and any new storage arrays) ahead of time, rather than racing to place emergency orders post-GA.
Coordinate firmware and driver rollouts—your firmware cycles can run on Broadcom’s schedule, not the other way around.

What You’ll Find in the Preliminary Listings

Once you log into the Broadcom Compatibility Guide and select Program = “VMware Cloud Foundation”, Version = “9.0”, here’s what to expect:

Component	Details Provided
vSphere ESXi	Supported ESXi build numbers, Intel & AMD CPU families
vSAN (ESA)	Express Storage Architecture compatibility, RAID types, fault-domain guidance
NSX-T	Minimum/maximum NSX-T versions, overlay vs. VLAN transport
vRealize Suite	Interop matrix for vRealize Operations, Automation, Log Insight
Hardware	Certified server models, storage arrays, NICs/HBAs, and precise firmware levels
Third-Party Integrations	Storage plugins (Pure vVols, NetApp®), backup & replication partners

Pro Tip: Even though these listings are labeled “preliminary,” they already include exact model numbers, firmware SKUs, and driver build ranges—so you can assemble a fully vetted bill of materials today.

Caveats: What Could Change?

Entries Are Draft Until GA. Build numbers, firmware minimums, and even supported hardware families might shift as final testing continues. Treat this as guidance, not a locked-in commitment.
Stay Tuned for Updates. Broadcom will refresh these listings as the release matures. Bookmark the page and check back weekly as we approach the GA milestone.
Beta Program Perks. If you’re in VMware’s Beta, you not only get pre-release code—you often get early visibility into any last-minute compatibility tweaks.
Vendor Coordination. Loop in your Dell/HPE/Lenovo account teams now. Let them know you’re targeting VCF 9.0 so they can align their firmware roadmaps with Broadcom’s schedule.

Next Steps for Your Team

Run a Gap Analysis: Compare your current infrastructure against the VCF 9.0 matrix. Identify any servers, storage arrays, or NIC/HBA models that require a refresh or firmware update.
Update Your Runbooks: Incorporate the preliminary requirements into your change-control documentation, test plans, and project timelines.
Procure Early: If any new hardware or firmware licenses are needed, get them on order now to avoid bottlenecks down the road.
Schedule Tests: Stand up a lab or pilot cluster using the preliminary builds to validate performance, stability, and integrations with your tooling.

The Bottom Line

Getting this early peek at VCF 9.0 compatibility is a game-changer. It gives you the time and data to plan, test, and procure on your terms—rather than scrambling post-GA. Just remember: until the official GA announcement, every detail remains subject to final confirmation.

Ready to dive in? Head over to the Broadcom Compatibility Guide today and start mapping out your VCF 9.0 journey!

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