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Today I’ve been looking at VMware vSphere’s development. Specifically, its evolution over the past few releases, and what we might expect in vSphere 9 (and when). I based much of this analysis on configuration maximums, since they’ve tracked vSphere’s progress well.
A Look at Configuration Maximums Over Time
Now, let’s turn our attention to configuration maximums, which offer a tangible way to track vSphere’s growth through its various releases. A table has been compiled below, detailing VMs per host, vCPUs per VM, memory per VM, and hosts per cluster, spanning from vSphere 5.5 to vSphere 8.0, with a projection for vSphere 9 based on historical trends.
| Release | VMs per Host | vCPUs per VM | Memory per VM (TB) | Hosts per Cluster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vSphere 5.5 | 512 | 64 | 1 | 32 |
| vSphere 6.0 | 768 | 128 | 4 | 64 |
| vSphere 6.5 | 768 | 128 | 6 | 64 |
| vSphere 6.7 | 768 | 128 | 6 | 64 |
| vSphere 7.0 | 768 | 256 | 16 | 64 |
| vSphere 8.0 | 1,000 | 256 | 24 | 96 |
| vSphere 9.0 (Projected) | 1,200–1,500 | 384–512 | 32–48 | 128 |
Here, the progression is evident: VMs per host climbed from 512 in vSphere 5.5 to 1,000 in vSphere 8.0, while vCPUs per VM doubled twice over that span first from 64 to 128, then later from 128 to 256. Memory per VM has seen an even steeper rise, growing from 1 terabyte to 24 terabytes, and the number of hosts per cluster has increased from 32 to 96, particularly with a notable jump in vSphere 8. These figures provide a solid foundation for estimating what vSphere 9 could deliver.
Estimating vSphere 9’s Capabilities
So, how are vSphere 9’s potential maximums being calculated? Historical increases are being analyzed to inform these estimates, alongside considerations of current hardware advancements and VMware’s strategic priorities. For VMs per host, the 30% rise from 768 to 1,000 in vSphere 8 suggests that a range of 1,200 to 1,500 could be feasible for vSphere 9, especially as containerized workloads and denser deployments become more common. Similarly, vCPUs per VM are projected to reach between 384 and 512, a jump that aligns with the capabilities of modern processors like AMD’s EPYC series, which offer up to 128 cores per socket and cater to compute-heavy tasks.
Moreover, memory per VM is being forecasted at 32 to 48 terabytes, a range that builds on the exponential growth seen in prior releases and accounts for emerging memory technologies like DDR5 and CXL. Lastly, the number of hosts per cluster is expected to hit 128, following the 50% increase from 64 to 96 in vSphere 8 and reflecting a continued emphasis on larger, more manageable clusters. These projections, while speculative, are rooted in vSphere’s consistent pattern of scaling up to meet enterprise needs.
Potential Features in vSphere 9
Beyond the numbers, some possible features for vSphere 9 are being considered based on current developments. For instance, DPU integration is likely to be expanded beyond the dual-DPU support introduced in vSphere 8, potentially enabling more units per host to enhance networking and storage performance. Likewise, Kubernetes support is expected to be refined further, possibly with native compatibility for Windows containers added to the existing Tanzu framework, building on the containerization trend.
Additionally, artificial intelligence tools might be incorporated to optimize resource allocation dynamically, while power consumption tracking could be improved to address growing sustainability concerns in data centers. Security enhancements are also anticipated, with broader adoption of confidential computing across more hardware platforms likely to be included. More details might surface on VMware’s official blog as announcements draw closer.
When Might vSphere 9 Arrive?
Looking back, vSphere 6 released in 2015, vSphere 7 was released in 2020 and vSphere 8 followed in 2022, suggesting a roughly two to four year cycle that could place vSphere 9 in late 2025 or early 2026. However, Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware in 2023 should be taken into account, as should their emphasis on subscription models and VCF which might influence the schedule.
An update will likely be shared at VMware Explore if plans firm up.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, vSphere’s development is being mapped out through clear trends and data. Its focus on scalability, security, and hybrid cloud capabilities has been evident since vSphere 5.5, and the projected maximums for vSphere 9—such as 1,200–1,500 VMs per host and 32–48 TB of memory – suggest continued growth. Features like enhanced DPU support and AI integration might also be introduced, though Broadcom’s direction will play a role.
What are your thoughts on vSphere 9’s future? Feel free to share below—I’d like to hear your take!
