VMware vSphere Foundation
Enterprise virtualization.
Without the full stack.
VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF) is Broadcom's streamlined workload platform — enterprise-grade compute, intelligent operations, and optional HCI storage for organizations that need proven VMware infrastructure without the full VCF private cloud stack.
Platform Overview
Right-sized VMware platform for focused workloads
VMware vSphere Foundation integrates vSphere with VCF Operations (Standard) and VCF Operations for Logs — delivering best performance, availability, and efficiency with greater operational visibility than standalone vSphere. vSAN is optional at 0.25 TiB per core.
VVF is the right choice when you need enterprise virtualization without NSX, VCF Automation, or HCX. vSphere Kubernetes Service (VKS) is included for container workloads alongside traditional VMs.
VVF is a natural stepping stone — upgrade to VCF to add NSX, advanced automation, HCX mobility, and full fleet management as requirements evolve. 27V handles every upgrade engagement.
VVF Stack vs VCF
VVF vs VCF — Feature Comparison
When to choose VVF: Your organization needs enterprise virtualization without software-defined networking or full automation. You want to start lean with a clear upgrade path to VCF as requirements grow.
How 27 Virtual Helps You
Your VVF environment,
deployed without surprises.
VVF gives you enterprise virtualization without the complexity of full software-defined infrastructure. We help you size it right, deploy it cleanly, and chart a smooth upgrade path to VCF whenever you are ready.
Phase 01
- Workload profiling & capacity audit
- VVF licensing right-sizing
- Existing vSphere migration analysis
- Risk & gap identification
Phase 02
- Cluster topology & host sizing
- vSAN configuration & ESA planning
- vCenter HA & lifecycle strategy
- Backup & recovery design
Phase 03
- Greenfield build or in-place migration
- vSphere cluster & vSAN provisioning
- VCF Operations Standard setup
- Workload cutover & validation
Phase 04
- Hands-on team training
- Day 2 runbook creation
- VCP cert prep & exam coaching
- Environment documentation
Phase 05
- Quarterly health checks
- Path-to-VCF planning
- Capacity & performance tuning
- Add-on expansion as you grow
The 27 Virtual Difference
Why teams choose us
over anyone else.
Same depth, focused on vSphere. Whether you are standing up VVF for the first time or planning the move to VCF — we have walked the path many times.
Engagement Models
We meet you
where you are.
Whether you are standing up VVF from scratch, migrating from older vSphere, or planning the path to VCF — we have a model for it.
- Full vSphere cluster architecture and deployment
- vSAN sizing and ESA configuration
- VCF Operations Standard rollout
- Workload migration and validation
- Runbooks and Day-2 documentation
- Dedicated 27V engineer alongside your team
- Architecture review and design sign-off
- Live migration and troubleshooting support
- Flexible engagement duration
- Knowledge transfer embedded throughout
- VVF to VCF readiness assessment
- Workload domain conversion analysis
- License optimization and right-sizing
- Phased migration roadmap
- Risk and downtime mitigation plan
"The organization and project management are top notch. One of the top, if not the top, long term technical engagement that I have ever been involved with. 27 Virtual brought VMware expertise we simply did not have in-house — and left our team better for it."
Are You Ready for VVF?
Our free VVF Readiness Assessment covers six dimensions in under an hour — no prep required from your team.
VMware vSphere Foundation FAQ
Common VVF questions,
answered straight.
What vSphere Foundation includes, how it compares to VCF, how it is licensed, and how 27 Virtual gets you deployed.
What is VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF)?
VMware vSphere Foundation is Broadcom's streamlined workload platform. It pairs vSphere with VCF Operations (Standard) and VCF Operations for Logs for greater operational visibility than standalone vSphere, with optional vSAN storage at 0.25 TiB per core. It suits organizations that need proven enterprise virtualization without the full VCF private cloud stack.
What is the difference between vSphere Foundation and Cloud Foundation?
vSphere Foundation (VVF) delivers enterprise compute, intelligent operations, and optional HCI storage for focused workloads. Cloud Foundation (VCF) is the complete private cloud platform, adding NSX networking, full VCF Automation, HCX mobility, and fleet management. VVF includes vSAN at 0.25 TiB per core as an add-on, while VCF includes 1 TiB per core.
How is VMware vSphere Foundation licensed?
VVF is licensed per physical core on a subscription basis. vSAN storage is optional at 0.25 TiB per licensed core, and vSphere Kubernetes Service is included for container workloads. 27 Virtual right-sizes core counts and add-ons during a free readiness assessment.
Does VMware vSphere Foundation include Kubernetes?
Yes. vSphere Kubernetes Service (VKS) is included with VVF, so you can run upstream-conformant Kubernetes containers alongside traditional virtual machines on the same infrastructure.
Can I upgrade from VVF to VCF later?
Yes. VVF is a natural stepping stone to VMware Cloud Foundation. As requirements grow you can upgrade to add NSX networking, advanced VCF Automation, HCX mobility, and full fleet management. 27 Virtual handles the upgrade engagement end to end.
How does 27 Virtual help with a VMware vSphere Foundation deployment?
27 Virtual is a Broadcom Pinnacle Partner that runs a free VVF design session to recommend the right configuration, then handles deployment, knowledge transfer, and licensing right-sizing — and maps a clear upgrade path to VCF for when you need it.
Start with a VVF architecture review
We'll assess your environment, recommend the right VVF configuration, and map an upgrade path to VCF if and when you need it.