# VMware launches budget tier to win back small customers

> Broadcom's VMware releases vSphere Express, a lower-cost virtualization product aimed at small and medium businesses it has alienated since the takeover.
- Title: VMware launches budget tier to win back small customers
- Summary: Broadcom's VMware releases vSphere Express, a lower-cost virtualization product aimed at small and medium businesses it has alienated since the takeover.
- Keywords: vmware, broadcom, vsphere express, virtualization, small business, cloud computing, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2026/11/vmware-releases-vsphere-express-for-virtualization-on-up-to-128-cores
- Published: 2026-11-04T21:38:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vmware, broadcom, vsphere express, virtualization, small business, cloud computing, technology, science
## VMware tries to win back small customers
Broadcom's VMware announced vSphere Express, a lower-cost virtualization offering for small and medium-sized businesses seeking cost-effective essential virtualization.
## Customers pushed toward expensive bundles
Many SMB customers reported VMware was pushing them to VMware Cloud Foundation, an expensive flagship bundle with features they don't need. Some said sales representatives told them vSphere Standard was no longer available.
## Price significantly lower than enterprise tiers
VMware said vSphere Express would cost significantly less than VMware vSphere Foundation and VMware Cloud Foundation.
## Basic features for core virtualization needs
vSphere Express includes vMotion for live migration of running virtual machines with improved migration speed and efficiency, and high availability for automated restart of failed virtual machines.
## No central management, frequent updates planned
The product only supports discrete instances and organizations cannot manage them centrally. Unlike vSphere Standard, vSphere Express will be updated as frequently as VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware vSphere Foundation are.
## Broadcom's shift away from small customers
Since Broadcom's takeover, VMware has focused on enterprise customers, reducing channel partners, bundling products into expensive SKUs, and canceling plans to take big clients direct. This shift has pushed smaller organizations to explore alternatives.
## Trust damaged, some customers already left
Some SMBs have already migrated to VMware rivals or work with resellers no longer partnering with VMware.

> Broadcom has already shown both customers and partners they can't be trusted.
## Key takeaway

VMware launched vSphere Express, a cheaper virtualization product for small businesses, after customers reported being pushed toward expensive bundles and losing access to lower-tier options.