Which changes are caused by the VMware CPU pricing update?

Starting April 2, 2020 VMware will alter its CPU pricing model. As a result, each CPU license will cover a machine with up to 32 physical cores. If more cores exist on the machine, another CPU license is required. This change affects all CPU-based VMware products.

Customers purchasing CPU-based VMware software until April 30, 2020 and using them on machines having more than 32 cores, are eligible to receive additional free CPU licenses to cover the cores on those CPUs.

Requirements to apply for additional free CPU licenses:

• Servers and VMware licenses must be purchased before 11:59 pm PST U.S. April 30, 2020
• The request for additional licenses must be submitted before 11:59pm PST U.S. on January 29, 2021. Proof of server purchase prior to April 30, 2020 will be required
• Customers must be on active VMware support (SnS) contracts at the time of the request for additional licenses.
• Note that customers will be charged for Service and Support on the additional free licenses at the time the customer’s Service and Support contract for the existing licenses renews.

Source: official VMware website (https://www.vmware.com/company/news/updates/cpu-pricing-model-update-feb-2020.html), retrieved 14.02.2020