--- title: VMware Cloud Foundation Automation url: https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vcf-automation description: Enable IT to deliver a self-service private cloud for application teams to build, run, and manage AI, Kubernetes, and VM-based applications. --- # VMware Cloud Foundation Automation Enable IT to deliver a self-service private cloud for application teams to build, run, and manage AI, Kubernetes, and VM-based applications. [READ WHAT’S NEW](https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/products/vcf-automation/) [READ SOLUTION BRIEF](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vmware-self-service-private-cloud-with-vcf) [VMware Cloud Foundation Automation 9](https://players.brightcove.net/6415665063001/83iWkhhmz_default/index.html?videoId=6391815555112) ## Build apps faster, more securely, and at lower cost ### Accelerate Innovation for All Apps Reduce the time required to bring new products and services to market by faster provisioning, deployment, and configuration of resources. ### Scale Governance and Compliance Jump start and scale a multi-tenant cloud, while maintaining control with governance and policies. ### Reduce CapEx and OpEx Spending Reduce hardware costs and optimize infrastructure utilization. Increase efficiency and productivity while improving reliability and minimizing errors. ### Self-Service Private Cloud Engine for AI Discover how self-service private cloud accelerates AI and app innovation. [READ PAPER](https://www.vmware.com/docs/SSPC-as-Engine-for-AI-and-App-Innovation) ## VMware Cloud Foundation Automation by the Numbers Forrester conducted a commissioned New Technology Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study based on 8 one-on-one customer interviews and a survey of 55 customers, modeled over a 3-year period. - **50%** reduction (up to) in the time required to provision infrastructure and application environments - **13 hours** developer time saved per month through self-service and automation - **18%** average improvement in time to deliver applications [READ TEI STUDY](https://tei.forrester.com/go/Broadcom/VMwareCloudFoundation9) ## VCF Automation Demos - Private Cloud Services - Container as a Service - K8s Multi-Cluster Management - App Stack Formation - Policy as Code - Multi-Tenant Cloud ## Modern Cloud Interface: IaaS Services Empower application teams with public cloud-like IaaS services delivered by your private cloud, straight out-of-the-box. ## Containers without Kubernetes Expertise Start fast with lightweight vSphere Pods for container-based workloads. ## VKS Cluster Management Empower platform engineers with centralized VKS cluster fleet management, policy management, and data protection. ## Live Application Stack Blueprints Capture running namespaces (including VMs, networks, and storage) as reusable blueprints for rapid, consistent deployment. ## IaaS Resources with Policy as Code Enforce IaaS resource policies consistently with policy as code through a single platform. ## Tenant Management Carve up resources, isolate infrastructure, and segment networks, to create isolated private clouds for each organization. ## VCF Automation Features ### Modern Cloud Interface Empower users with self-service consumption options: provider-oriented curated catalog, developer-oriented IaaS with UI, CLI, K8s APIs. Provide users direct visibility into workload performance and cost. ### Private Cloud Services Deliver public cloud-like IaaS services ([KubeVM](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/kubevm-service), [Container](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/container-service), [VKS](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vsphere-kubernetes-service), Network, Volume, VM Image) out-of-the-box. Provision via K8s manifest. Expand with extensible services (Harbor, Argo CD, etc.) via Service Management. - [Learn More](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vcf-automation-private-cloud-services) ### Blueprints & Infrastructure as Code Enable source controlled iterative development with IaC. Design blueprints via visual canvas or YAML. Create reusable sandbox environments with app stack formation. Minimize configuration drift. ### Governance & Policies Enforce catalog policies (approval, Day 2 Action, lease) and build custom IaaS policies with YAML-based Policy as Code. Programmatically apply policies at infrastructure-level for compliance. ### Tenant & Content Management Establish multi-tenant cloud with [VPCs](https://www.vmware.com/topics/vpc), organizations, and projects for resource allocation. Manage content libraries and VM images across vCenters. Subscribe to Canonical Ubuntu OS images via Content Hub. ### Kubernetes Multi-Cluster Management Gain a unified view of distributed VKS fleets across projects. Enforce consistent security and configuration. Back up clusters or namespaces for recovery from cluster failures, region/rack outages. ### Network & Security Automation Deliver VPC with self-service networking (VPN, NAT, static routes), IPAM, Distributed Transit Gateway. Automate Avi Load Balancer. Enable zero trust with micro-segmentation, firewall with VMware vDefend. ### Orchestration & Extensibility Apply custom extensibility frameworks (e.g., Action-Based Extensibility (FaaS), orchestrator workflows, event subscription service). ### Private AI Services Automate enterprise-ready [private AI](https://www.vmware.com/solutions/cloud-infrastructure/private-ai) setup with GPU-enabled machines for ML/RAG workloads. Offer vector DBs, deep learning VMs, Data Indexing, AI Agent Builder, MCP for secure deployment. - [VIEW DATASHEET](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vcf-automation-datasheet) ## Synergies with VCF Components & Advanced Services Address new use cases with our robust catalog of [Advanced Services](https://www.vmware.com/solutions/cloud-infrastructure/advanced-services). ### [VMware vSphere](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vsphere) Enterprise workload engine for traditional and next-gen applications ### [VMware NSX](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vcf-networking) Simplify self-service networking with Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs). ### [VMware vSAN](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vsan) Get enterprise-class hyperconverged storage software. ### [VMware Cloud Foundation Operations](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vcf-operations) Streamline private cloud operations with proactive and intelligent management. ### [AI Services in VCF](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vcf-private-ai-services) Unlock AI and unleash productivity with lower TCO. ### [VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vsphere-kubernetes-service) Deploy, manage, and scale Kubernetes clusters with VKS. ### [VMware vDefend Distributed Firewall](https://www.vmware.com/products/security/vdefend-distributed-firewall) Ensure strong Zero Trust lateral security for VCF workloads. ### [VMware Avi Load Balancer](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/advanced-services/avi-load-balancer) Software-defined load balancing and security for VMware Cloud Foundation. ### [VMware Compliance and Configuration Management](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/advanced-services/compliance-configuration-management) Deliver continuous compliance and configuration management across workloads. ## Infrastructure Initiatives and Use Cases - Self-Service - Application Modernization - Kubernetes Management - Multi-Tenancy ### Self-Service Private Cloud Jumpstart a modern private cloud with self-service consumption and delivery capabilities. - [READ GUIDE](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vmware-self-service-private-cloud-for-dummies-guide) ### Application Modernization Build, run, and manage Kubernetes and other modern workloads. - Watch Video ### Kubernetes Multi-Cluster Management Gain a single view of distributed VKS cluster fleets, enforce consistent security and configuration settings, and back up entire clusters or specific namespaces. - [READ BLOG](https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2025/09/15/empowering-platform-engineers-with-native-kubernetes-multi-cluster-management-in-vmware-cloud-foundation) ### Multi-Tenant Cloud Become your own cloud provider. Manage multiple organizations (tenants): multiple lines of businesses for enterprises or multiple clients for service providers. - [Read Whitepaper](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vcfa-multi-tenancy-whitepaper) ## Case Studies ![Loomis](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blte4f51735dc10652b/68d25785d8b5b3d9726db1a3/loomis-350x150.jpg) Having a self-service private cloud has completely changed the dynamics of our global IT set-up and has provided an ideal way for local teams to consume IT. We now offer infrastructure, network, applications and platform as a service. —Jean-Michel Blanc, Group Head of System Engineering, Loomis - [READ BLOG](https://www.broadcom.com/company/news/articles/cloud/cash-and-atm-handling-global-leader-loomis-stays-on-top-of-it-operations-with-automation-provided-by-vmware-cloud-foundation) ![NHS Trust](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt9136fab947f5059b/68b5655ea312d303ded5dfc7/logo-nhs-350x150.png) The automation of routine maintenance tasks represents a significant shift for our team. We can now dedicate our time to strategic initiatives and innovation that will directly benefit the Trust. —Yusuf Mangera, Technical Architect - [READ BLOG](https://www.broadcom.com/company/news/articles/customers/imperial-college-healthcare-nhs-trust-shifts-from-maintenance-to-innovation-with-vmware-cloud-foundation) ![Orange France](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt58304dabf6e1f917/660d590153608e604230a5c5/logo-vmw-customer-orange-logo.png) VMware Cloud Foundation Automation has been a game-changer. The ability to easily access resources in real time, without having to ask for them, is enormously appreciated by our users. Ultimately, IT isn’t a worry for them anymore. —David Varusio, IT cloud project manager, Orange France ![CMUH](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blta0dc415ea90962e5/6ae80c564ea2fd38c92f3e4d/CMUH_Contentstack_Logo.png) By pooling our infrastructure and automating processes through the VCF private cloud platform, IT personnel can support the system’s expansion needs with minimal manpower. This transformation not only advances toward the resilience goal of near-zero RPO but also shifts hardware deployment to standardized service delivery, allowing core medical systems to safeguard patient safety with the highest stability. —Dr. Chen Chuen-Liang, Information Systems Consultant, CMUH - [View Case Study](https://www.vmware.com/resources/customers/cmuh-establishes-resilient-healthcare-cloud-with-vmware-cloud-foundation) ![Accuris](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/bltd4549e4ee7d0e231/69cc10f6dfb8e05aecdfb29f/Accuris-logo.jpg) We use VMware Cloud Foundation extensively in our environment. It is really the heart of our private clouds. —Ben Tanner, Head of Product Technology, Accuris - [View Case Study](https://www.vmware.com/resources/customers/accuris-scales-engineering-intelligence-platform-with-vcf) ## Resources ![Blog Icon](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/bltf5bd66dbe15d632d/66a9c54f971644c5a09d1b08/icon-blog-post.png) ### [Blogs](https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/products/vcf-automation/) Learn about the new and enhanced capabilities in VMware Cloud Foundation Automation. ### [VMware Certified Advanced Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Automation (3V0-21.25)](https://www.broadcom.com/support/education/vmware/certification/Automation-9.0) ### [Your Private Cloud is the New Public Cloud eBook](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vcf-automation-private-cloud-services) ### [Divided Yet United: Architecting the Multi-Tenant Private AI Cloud Whitepaper](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vcfa-multi-tenancy-whitepaper) [SEE ALL RESOURCES](https://www.vmware.com/resources/resource-center?product[]=VMware%20Cloud%20Foundation%20Automation) ## FAQs ### What is VMware Cloud Foundation Automation? VCF Automation within VMware Cloud Foundation enables IT to deliver a self-service private cloud for application teams to build, run, and manage AI, Kubernetes, and VM-based applications. The solution makes it easier to jump start and scale a multi-tenant private cloud with IaaS services available out-of-the-box to help bring applications to market faster while maintaining control with policy-based governance. ### How to purchase VMware Cloud Foundation Automation? VMware Cloud Foundation Automation is available only as a component of [VMware Cloud Foundation](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vmware-cloud-foundation), VMware’s private cloud solution that can be deployed on-premises in your data center or on any supported public cloud. ### How can I try out VMware Cloud Foundation Automation? Learn the basics of VMware Cloud Foundation Automation with the [Hands-on Lab](https://labs.hol.vmware.com/HOL/catalog/lab/26716). HOLs are always free, up and running on your browser in minutes and require no installation. ### How does VCF Automation enforce financial governance to optimize private cloud consumption and reduce VCF TCO? VCF Automation helps reduce TCO via [embedded FinOps](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vcf-automation-private-cloud-services#page=17). Upfront pricing influences consumption behavior, helping to prevent overprovisioning of servers or storage and reducing excess hardware purchases. Additionally, lease policies minimize wasteful resource usage, and automated reclamation removes inactive 'zombie' VMs, optimizing utilization for CapEx and OpEx savings. [Learn More](https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2025/09/10/finops-in-vmware-cloud-foundation/). ### Are there any real-world deployments of VMware Cloud Foundation Automation I can learn more about? Yes. You can explore these [case studies](https://www.vmware.com/resources/customers?products[]=VMware%20Cloud%20Foundation%20Automation) that show how our customers have achieved agility and more efficient IT service delivery using VMware Cloud Foundation Automation. See how IT organizations are successfully taking advantage of automation to solve their business and IT challenges. ### What happened to VMware Cloud Foundation Automation Pipelines? VMware Cloud Foundation Automation Pipelines (formerly, VMware Aria Automation Pipelines and VMware vRealize Code Stream) is a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) tool used to build pipelines that model the software release process in DevOps lifecycle. This feature has been deprecated in VCF 9.0. The intention to deprecate was communicated in the [release notes](https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Aria-Automation/services/rn/vmware-aria-automation-release-notes/index.html#VMware%20Aria%20Automation%208.18.1%20What's%20New) for VCF 5.2.1. ### Do I need to migrate from VMware Aria Automation 8.x to VCF Automation in VCF 9? No, there is no migration from VMware Aria Automation 8.x to VCF Automation in VCF 9.0. There is an in place upgrade. ### Can I migrate from VMware Cloud Director (VCD) to VCF Automation in VCF 9? Yes, transitioning from VCD to VCF Automation in VCF 9.1 is now a supported, documented, and UI-based tool-assisted path. This migration requires updating your existing environment to [VCD 10.6.2](https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/cloud-director/vmware-cloud-director/10-6/release-notes/vmware-cloud-director-1062-release-notes.html), which acts as the hardened baseline enabling your move to VCF 9.1. To begin, customers must run the [Environment Assessment Tool (EAT)](https://blogs.vmware.com/cloudprovider/2025/06/eat-the-vmware-cloud-director-environment-assessment-tool.html) to collect environment-specific metadata. This metadata allows Broadcom to understand your current architecture to help prevent unexpected issues and enable a smoother transition. Once the EAT is complete, you can obtain the official migration documentation by emailing vcdeat.pdl@broadcom.com with the subject line "Requesting VCD to VCFA Migration Documentation". [Learn More](https://blogs.vmware.com/cloudprovider/2026/09/announcing-vmware-cloud-director-10-6-2-enabling-your-migration-to-vmware-cloud-foundation-9-1.html). ## Ready to Get Started? - [CONTACT SALES](https://go-vmware.broadcom.com/contact-us) ## Also of Interest - [VMware Cloud Foundation Operations](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/cloud-foundation-operations) - [VMware Cloud Foundation Operations for Networks](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vcf-operations-for-networks) - [VMware Cloud Foundation](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vmware-cloud-foundation)