Leaving VMware just got harder after Broadcom pulled VDDK downloads

Broadcom has restricted access to the Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK), a critical tool for third-party backup and recovery vendors, by removing it from public download portals. The VDDK is essential for software providers to integrate their solutions with VMware vSphere environments. By placing this kit behind a more restrictive login wall or limiting access to specific partners, Broadcom is effectively complicating the migration process for enterprises looking to move away from the VMware ecosystem. Industry analysts suggest this move is part of a broader strategy to consolidate control over the virtualization market following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. For IT administrators, this creates significant friction, as backup vendors may struggle to maintain compatibility or provide support for VMware environments without easy access to the necessary development libraries. This development underscores the growing challenges organizations face when attempting to exit the VMware stack.