Overview
VMware, Inc. is an American software company specializing in virtualization, cloud computing, and enterprise infrastructure solutions. It is best known for pioneering x86 server virtualization and enabling multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | VMware, Inc. |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founders | Diane Greene, Mendel Rosenblum, Scott Devine, Ellen Wang, Edouard Bugnion |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California, USA |
| Industry | Cloud computing, virtualization, enterprise software |
| Core Products | vSphere, ESXi, vCenter, NSX, Horizon |
| Markets Served | Enterprise IT, cloud providers, government, telecom |
| Former Parent | EMC Corporation |
| Current Ownership | Acquired by Broadcom Inc. (2023) |
Description
VMware develops software that virtualizes computing resources, allowing multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. Its core platform, vSphere, includes the ESXi hypervisor and vCenter management software, enabling efficient resource utilization, scalability, and centralized management.
The company also offers networking virtualization (NSX), cloud management platforms, and end-user computing solutions such as Horizon for virtual desktops. VMware technologies are widely used in data centers, private clouds, and hybrid cloud environments.
History
VMware was founded in 1998 and introduced its first virtualization products for x86 systems, fundamentally changing how servers were deployed and managed. The company was acquired by EMC Corporation in 2004, which helped expand its enterprise reach.
VMware went public in 2007 while EMC retained a majority stake. Over time, it became a dominant player in virtualization and cloud infrastructure software.
In 2023, Broadcom Inc. completed its acquisition of VMware, integrating it into its enterprise software portfolio. VMware continues to operate as a key provider of virtualization and cloud infrastructure technologies.