Architecture Overview
VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 introduces a three-layer hierarchical architecture: Private Cloud > Fleet > Instance. Released June 17, 2025, VCF 9 aligns all components (vSphere, NSX, vSAN, SDDC Manager) to version 9.x for unified versioning. The platform integrates compute, networking, storage, and automation into a single framework supporting VMs, containers, and Kubernetes workloads.
Core Components & Versions
| Component | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VMware ESXi | 9.0.0.0 | Build 24755229 |
| VMware vCenter | 9.0.0.0 | Build 24755230 |
| VMware NSX | 9.0.0.0 | Build 24733065; auto-installed |
| SDDC Manager | 9.0.0.0 | Build 24703748 |
| vSAN ESA Witness | 9.0.0.0 | Build 24755427 |
| vSAN OSA Witness | 9.0.0.0 | Build 24755428 |
| VCF Operations | 9.0.0.0 | Replaces Aria Operations |
| VCF Automation | 9.0.0.0 | Replaces Aria Automation |
| VCF Identity Broker | 9.0.0.0 | New in VCF 9 |
| VCF Installer | 9.0.2.0 | Required for deployment |
Key Changes from Previous Versions
- VCF Fleet: New abstraction for centralized management of multiple VCF Instances across data centers
- Three-layer hierarchy: Private Cloud (top) > Fleet > Instance structure
- NSX mandatory installation: Auto-installed for VPC-readiness (usage optional)
- vSAN no longer required for Management Domain
- FIPS 140-2/140-3 enabled by default: Cannot be deactivated
- 90-day evaluation period (extended from 60 days)
- Unified versioning: All components aligned to version 9.x
New Features
- Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs): Self-service isolated networks integrated with vCenter
- VCF Identity Broker (VIDB): Unified authentication across the stack
- VCF Operations: New unified Operate Experience with fleet-wide license management
- Advanced NVMe Memory Tiering: Uses NVMe as lower-cost memory tier
- vSAN ESA enhancements: End-to-end NVMe, global dedup/compression, HCI Mesh sharing
- Enhanced cost visibility: TCO dashboards with chargeback/showback capabilities
- Data sovereignty controls: Geo-fencing policies, data-residency tags
- Kubernetes integration: Native container/VM co-existence with Argo CD support
Deprecated/Removed
- vSphere vVols: Deprecated in 9.0, removal planned for 9.1
- vSAN Hybrid OSA: Deprecated (all-flash OSA still supported)
- vCenter Enhanced Linked Mode (ELM): No longer used
- SDDC Manager UI: Deprecated, future removal planned
- Aria Operations for Logs: Deprecated; 8.18 is final version
- Auto-Deploy Stateless (PXE boot): Deprecated
- Standard Virtual Switch mode: Replaced by Enhanced Datapath (EDP) Standard
- vLCM Baselines: Removed; image-based configuration only
- N-VDS on ESXi: Removed; NSX uses native VDS 7.0+ only