The general availability (GA) of Red Hat OpenShift 4.18, 4.19, and 4.20 on VMware Cloud Foundation 9 and VMware vSphere Foundation 9 represents more than just expanded platform support. It marks a natural evolution for organizations modernizing their VMware-based infrastructure while continuing to run Kubernetes at enterprise scale. π
With the introduction of VCF9, Broadcom delivers a more integrated and standardized VMware platform. Red Hat aligns with this architecture by offering certified OpenShift deployments that preserve the operational model customers already trust. Organizations running OpenShift on vSphere 8 or VCF 5 can therefore move to VCF9 without rethinking how clusters are deployed or operated. β
From a networking standpoint, OpenShift on VCF9 follows a clear and validated design. VMware NSX provides the infrastructure networking layer, while OVN-Kubernetes delivers the OpenShift-native overlay network. For customers leveraging NSX Container Network Interface (CNI) integrations, Red Hat validates compatibility through its partner certification program, ensuring that certified CNI components meet Red Hatβs requirements for stability, security, and supportability. ππ
As environments grow and platform transitions become more frequent, cluster lifecycle management becomes critical. This is where Red Hat Advanced Cluster Management (ACM) plays a key role π§©. Instead of complex, one-off migration projects, ACM enables teams to re-deploy OpenShift clusters on VVF9 & VCF9 using the same policies, configurations, and governance models already defined across their fleet, aligning naturally with Kubernetesβ declarative approach.
At the storage layer, OpenShift Data Foundation is available as a Technology Preview on VCF9 and VVF9, allowing customers to begin validating storage architectures today while preparing for full production support planned for 2026. π¦
Looking ahead, Red Hat plans to publish formal migration guidance to support customers transitioning from vSphere 8 and VCF 5 to VCF9. In the meantime, OpenShift combined with ACM already provides a clear strategy: evolve the VMware platform while keeping cluster operations consistent, governed, and predictable. πβοΈ
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