Public schools, which turned to VMware’s tools en masse during the pandemic to enable remote learning, are now fleeing the platform, according to a recent report. The core issue stems from Broadcom’s overhaul of VMware’s licensing model, which has transitioned from perpetual licenses to subscription-based pricing, often resulting in cost increases of several hundred percent. This sentiment echoes broader customer discontent, as evidenced in discussions where users express frustration over Broadcom’s aggressive tactics. Regulatory Scrutiny and Future OutlookRegulators are taking notice, with VMware cloud partners demanding “firm regulatory action” against Broadcom’s practices, as detailed in another Ars Technica article. Cease-and-desist letters sent to perpetual license holders without active support contracts further illustrate Broadcom’s hardline approach, potentially inviting antitrust scrutiny.