VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9 introduces a simplified, service-based licensing model managed through the VCF Business Service Console (VCFBS). Instead of traditional per-CPU or per-core licenses key, VCF 9 uses a subscription-based, service-aligned entitlement that centralizes license activation, consumption tracking, and compliance.

The Business Service Console provides a single unified interface where customers can:

• Activate and assign VCF subscriptions
• Manage vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and other services through a common licensing workflow
• Monitor usage across private and hybrid cloud deployments
• Gain visibility into entitlements, renewals, and consumption trends

This new model improves transparency, simplifies lifecycle management, and aligns VCF licensing with VMware’s broader cloud subscription strategy.

Key Pointers:
1. Single digitally secure license file
2. Single license file for components (VCF, VVF, vSphere Ess, Std, Ent+, VSAN)
Note: Not everything at this moment – Liver Recovery, vDefend, AVI LB, Private AI and Tanzu requires separate license key
3. Requires Consumption data
4. Policy configured expiration behavior
5. Version agnostic
6. Managed by the VCF Business Services Console – The VCF Business Service Console (VCFBS) portal is the new License Management portal for managing customer licenses.

Reference Link: https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vcf/vcf-9-0-and-later/9-0/licensing.html