How to split a VCF 9 license file in the VMware Cloud Foundation Business Services Console

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article describes how to split a VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9 license file in the VMware Cloud Foundation Business Services Console.
The goal is to separate licenses that are nearing expiration from those that remain valid, by creating two (or more) license files with distinct expiration profiles.

Environment

VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0

Resolution

1. Log in to the Business Services Console

1. Open the VMware Cloud Foundation Business Services Console at: https://vcf.broadcom.com/vcf/

2. Log in using your Broadcom Support Portal credentials.

2. Navigate to License Management

1. Go to Licenses Management > Licenses.

2. Under Version 9+, locate the target license file.

   • Example: A license file named “VMware Cloud Foundation”.

   • 

3. Review the License Details

1. Click the license file to view its full details.

2. Identify the quantity of CPU cores that are nearing expiration.

   • Example: 320 CPU cores will expire in 2025, and need to be separated from the original license file.

   • 

3. Important: License cores are split from top to bottom in the order displayed.

4. Split the License File

1. Return to the Licenses page.

2. Click MANAGE LICENSES (SPLIT/MERGE).

3. On the Manage Licenses (Split/Merge) screen:

   • Select the correct Product.

   • Click CREATE to begin the split.

   • Enter the desired CPU core capacity for the new split license file.

For step-by-step visuals, refer to the video “VCF – License Management in the VCF Business Services Console” (starting at 1:37).

5. Repeat as Needed

If multiple portions need to be separated, repeat the split operation accordingly.
Example:
Perform the split three times to generate three new split-type license files.

6. Verify the Result

After splitting, newly created license files will appear in the license list.
Each split license file will show its corresponding capacity and expiration date.

 

Additional Information

• The system splits the license core count in the displayed top-to-bottom order.

• It is recommended to perform the split based on license “End Date” to maintain clean lifecycle separation.