Used VMware licenses are legally acquired and resold perpetual licenses. The trade in used software is permitted within the EU—as confirmed by the European Court of Justice. The key requirement is a properly documented transfer with a complete chain of title.
The European Court of Justice has expressly ruled that the trade in used software is permissible in the EU. Yet this is precisely where unscrupulous offers fall short: missing documentation and incomplete chains of title. We provide you with a complete set of all documents—from the original purchase to your acquisition—for your review. In the event of a VMware audit, this is precisely what will be examined.
ProLicense supplies only verified VMware licenses with all necessary documentation—from the original purchaser to you, fully documented.
The real advantage: Combining
Third-party support with used software some companies still have VMware perpetual licenses in use. What’s missing is a way to extend support coverage. Third-party support can be the solution here. Additional licensing needs can be met through used software.
| Module 1 – third-party VMware support | Module 2 – pre-owned VMware licenses | |
|---|---|---|
| What it’s for | For the existing environment | For growing needs |
| How it works | Your existing perpetual licenses remain valid; support is provided by an independent vendor. This prevents you from having to switch to a very expensive Broadcom subscription. | You can purchase additional used perpetual licenses—licensing is based on processors (rather than cores). |
You operate your VMware environment entirely without a Broadcom subscription—at predictable costs. If you do end up negotiating with Broadcom at some point (after all, it’s a good product), you won’t be under time pressure at the negotiating table—instead, you’ll have a working alternative to fall back on.
Available options include vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus licenses, as well as other editions and versions. Prices and availability currently depend heavily on market conditions, as the supply of used VMware perpetual licenses is limited. Simply contact us for a personalized quote.
Whether you want to expand your existing capacity or bypass the Broadcom subscription, please feel free to contact us.
Licenses verified for compliance · Independent of Broadcom
1.Is it legal to buy used VMware licenses?
Yes. The European Court of Justice has expressly ruled that the trade in used software is permitted within the EU. This also applies to VMware perpetual licenses. The key requirement is that the transfer be properly documented and that the chain of title be complete. ProLicense ensures this for every license.
2.What does “unbroken chain of title” mean in the context of VMware licenses?
The chain of title documents the entire history of a VMware license from the original purchaser to the current purchaser, including all intermediate steps. Each previous owner must have confirmed that they have completely ceased using the license. Without this complete documentation, a used VMware license is vulnerable in the event of an audit. ProLicense provides this documentation with every license.
3.Which VMware products are available as used licenses?
Available options include vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus licenses, as well as other editions and versions. Since the supply of used VMware perpetual licenses is limited, availability and price depend heavily on current market conditions. ProLicense will check availability for your specific requirements and provide you with a customized quote.
4.Can I combine used VMware licenses with third-party support?
Yes. That is exactly the key. VMware third-party support handles the maintenance of your existing environment, and used VMware perpetual licenses cover any additional needs. This frees you from the pressure of having to sign up for a Broadcom subscription and allows you to plan your transition to a different technology at your own pace.
5.What happens during a VMware audit if I use secondhand licenses?
Used VMware licenses are just as valid as new ones during an audit—provided the chain of title is fully documented. That is exactly what ProLicense ensures with every transaction. You will receive all the documentation you need to fully demonstrate your VMware compliance.
6.Is it still worth buying used VMware licenses even if I want to switch to Broadcom later?
Yes. Anyone who enters negotiations with Broadcom from a position of flexibility will secure better terms than someone who is under time pressure to sign. VMware used licenses give you exactly that time, without requiring you to make a long-term commitment. ProLicense will be happy to assist you in any potential future negotiations with Broadcom or in switching to another technology provider.
