--- title: VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service url: https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vsphere-kubernetes-service description: Deploy and manage all containerized workloads on VCF using a built-in K8s runtime with a CNCF-certified distribution. --- # VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service Deploy, manage, and scale all modern workloads with CNCF certified Kubernetes runtime while leveraging a robust set of cloud services. - [READ SOLUTION BRIEF](https://www.vmware.com/docs/the-unified-platform-for-all-workloads) - [READ BLOG](https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2026/05/05/deploy-modern-apps-faster-scale-smarter-and-lower-your-tco-with-vks-on-vcf-9-1/) ## Right Choice for Containerized Workloads ### Gain Efficiency with Simplified Operations Leverage familiar vSphere tools and workflows with fast cluster provisioning, upgrades, and automated lifecycle management at scale. ### Deploy and Manage Containerized Workloads at Scale Deploy and run all workloads at scale using built-in CNCF certified Kubernetes and a broad set of open-source cloud services. ### Reduce Your TCO Reduce silos and streamline operations with unified lifecycle management across infrastructure components, leveraging existing tools for a consistent experience. ### Enhance Security and Compliance Posture Confidently run sensitive and regulated workloads with built-in compliance, data residency, and sovereignty controls. - [READ INFOGRAPHIC](https://www.vmware.com/docs/powering-modern-apps-with-built-in-k8s-in-vcf) - WATCH VIDEO ## Benefits for Stakeholders ### Executives & Business Leaders Execute on app modernization initiatives at lower TCO with consolidated infrastructure, faster time to value, and enterprise-grade security, while leveraging existing skills and reducing operational and compliance risk. - [READ SOLUTION OVERVIEW](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vmware-vcf-run-modern-apps-with-security-effciency-and-lower-tco) ### Platform Engineers CNCF-Certified Kubernetes runtime with 24 months standard support to run all apps, scalable multi-cluster management, and consistent set of APIs to provision and manage all building-block services, easily integrated into your existing ecosystem of tools. - [WATCH WEBINAR](https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/19199/664874) ### Cloud Administrators Single platform for running VMs and containers with consistent, simplified Kubernetes operations, centralized governance and policy, and flexible Kubernetes versions supported giving flexibility for upgrades. - [READ SOLUTION BRIEF](https://www.vmware.com/docs/the-unified-platform-for-all-workloads) ## [Building Together With CNCF Community](https://players.brightcove.net/6415665063001/83iWkhhmz_default/index.html?videoId=6384314765112) Broadcom is among the top 3 long term contributors to Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) projects. - [VIEW INFOGRAPHIC](https://www.vmware.com/docs/building-together-with-kubernetes-open-source-community) ## Strength in Numbers 3 Broadcom is among the top three long term contributors to the Kubernetes community. 24 months' support for each vSphere Kubernetes minor release. 46% lower TCO running VMs and containers on VMware Cloud Foundation. ### Single Platform for VMs and Containers Accelerate application modernization by unifying virtual machines and Kubernetes on a single platform. - [READ PAPER](https://www.vmware.com/docs/vmw-idc-containers-vms-modern-it-infrastructure-white-paper) ## Watch VKS in Action - [Deploying VKS in VCF](https://players.brightcove.net/6415665063001/83iWkhhmz_default/index.html?videoId=6382443311112) Watch an overview of deploying VKS in VMware Cloud Foundation. ### Enable GitOps with ArgoCD Learn about the benefits of enabling GitOps with ArgoCD and how to deploy the ArgoCD service in VCF. ### Configuring VKS with ArgoCD See how to configure ArgoCD to deploy a VKS cluster and automatically sync changes. ### Running Additional Cloud Services See how VKS works with other services in VMware Cloud Foundation to deploy modern applications. ## Securely Deploy All Modern Apps Faster ![Simplified Lifecycle Management](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt702e49d0f69a4911/680762cb936135dcf508222e/vmw-icon-blue-automation.png) **Simplified Lifecycle Management** Leverage the built-in automation for provisioning, patching, and upgrades across the entire stack. ![CNCF Certified Kubernetes Distribution](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt8f6739a807b6bea1/68395074afd14d30e4625141/vmw-icon-blue-kubernetes.png) **CNCF Certified Kubernetes Distribution** Spin up CNCF certified Kubernetes clusters quickly and run all workloads at scale, taking advantage of the latest innovations in open-source. ![Consistent Set of APIs](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt18229a9369a171e1/68e73beb6c0dd269fcd381be/vmw-icon-blue-api-management.png) **Consistent Set of APIs** Consistent set of APIs to provision and manage all building-block services. ![Automation and GitOps Integration](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt74ce81b766cddabc/683e85de73466cb8aa9f1cda/vmw-icon-blue-tool-integration.png) **Automation and GitOps Integration** Streamline applications and infrastructure delivery, using API-driven workflows and integration, with ArgoCD for continuous delivery. ![Canonical Ubuntu Included](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/bltac4d0703114d5435/684a5f853d9176337d229146/vmw-icon-blue-test-developer.png) **Canonical Ubuntu Included** Build on VCF optimized Ubuntu guest OS images to deploy applications running on both containers and VMs, with long term support. ![Enhanced Security](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt3c077da0064d7faa/6836bc62cae4fa48ac723cbc/vmw-icon-blue-defense.png) **Enhanced Security** Robust patch management and integrated Istio service mesh deliver deep observability and Zero Trust to provide the most secure Kubernetes stack. ![24 Month Support](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt50976473bd7c016f/68e73bc351ce671e2e0946e1/vmw-icon-blue-lifetime--management.png) **24 Month Support** 24 months of support for each minor vSphere Kubernetes release allows for planning upgrades aligned with business priorities and readiness. ![Cluster Management at Scale](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blte5a2c593fabfb253/68e73a0a33892ac14aa74b14/vmw-icon-blue-data-scientist.png) **Cluster Management at Scale** Rapidly deploy up to 500 clusters in a single control plane for better workload isolation. ![Self-Service Experience](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blte5a2c593fabfb253/68e73a0a33892ac14aa74b14/vmw-icon-blue-data-scientist.png) **Self-Service Experience** Provide platform engineers with self-service and integrated tools, boosting developer productivity while maintaining governance and security. ## Solve Your Toughest Challenges - Application Modernization - Regulated Workloads - AI Workloads - Modern Private Cloud Deployment ![Kubernetes Management](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt0e53af3b7dd27f01/68e73e814f6743b0a84776bf/bc-vmw-illu-cloud-software-infrastructure-whtbg.jpg) ### Modernize Apps Using Cloud Services Accelerate App velocity by leveraging built-in cloud services and taking advantage of centralized policy management for access control, networking, security, and runtime configurations. ![Kubernetes Management](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/bltc2c302834d0c7067/68e73e17ea6d0f6ba90321f6/bc-vmw-illu-mod-management-whtbg.jpg) ### Confidently Run Kubernetes with Built-In Compliance and Data Sovereignty Deploy isolated, FIPS compliant Kubernetes environments with flexible security postures to meet compliance, data sovereignty, and residency requirements. ![Kubernetes Management](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/bltc91f257a7665bb88/68e73da451ce67ad290946e5/bc-vmw-illu-cloud-clouds-whtbg.jpg) ### AI Native Platform Build and run AI workloads by leveraging built-in private AI services. ![Kubernetes Management](https://www.vmware.com/media/blt8c9a8aaca0ffd4ac/blt11c60072110f913b/684b073c9cdfad28f3b2ff11/bc-vmw-illu-cloud-datacenter-whtbg.png) ### Unified Experience with Distributed Apps Ensure consistent Kubernetes operations across on-prem, public cloud, and edge, so apps can run anywhere without silos or refactoring. ## Powerful Integrations, Proven Results ### Kubernetes Ecosystem Partners VKS is extensible to any CNCF conformant 3rd party service. Additionally, by collaborating with leading cloud native software vendors, we provide guidance and reference architectures to help customers accelerate deployment, enhance security, and ensure seamless performance for containerized workloads. - [View VKS Partners](https://www.broadcom.com/how-to-buy/software-partners/kubernetes-partners) ## Resources ### [Chitale Dairy Brings Agility to Milk Production](https://www.vmware.com/resources/customers/using-vmware-technology-for-a-birds-eye-view-of-the-it-infrastructure) ### [Broadcom's Contribution to CNCF Community](https://www.vmware.com/video/6384314765112) ### [Kubernetes on VCF 9.1 Overview Video](https://www.vmware.com/video/6392896258112) [SEE ALL RESOURCES](https://www.vmware.com/resources/resource-center?product[]=VMware%20vSphere%20Kubernetes%20Service) ## FAQs ### How does VCF help customers with app modernization? VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) is the unified platform for traditional and modern workloads. For modern workload VCF has the following components that offer three distinct isolated run-times: - VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service (VKS) for running container based applications using Kubernetes - VM Service for running VM based applications using Kubernetes - Container Service for running lightweight applications in vSphere Pods without Kubernetes ### What are the benefits of modernizing apps with VCF? VCF provides a single control plane with unified policy management, resource isolation, and role-based access control. Customers benefit from faster time-to-value with rapid deployments, simplified management for enterprise scale deployments, and intrinsic security with a hardened platform. ### What is VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service (VKS)? VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service (VKS) is the Kubernetes runtime built directly into VCF as a fully integrated component. With CNCF certified Kubernetes, VKS enables platform teams to deploy, manage, and scale Kubernetes clusters while leveraging a comprehensive set of cloud services in VCF, as well as all conformant third-party services. Bring workloads from any other CNCF-certified platform – in public or private clouds - and run them on VKS. ### What are the benefits of running modern Apps on VKS? VKS delivers the following key benefits: - **Faster Time to Value:** VKS enables secure multi-cluster deployments and upgrades in minutes with consistent policy enforcement at scale throughout the cluster lifecycle. - **Intrinsic Security:** Built-in security and fault isolation that extends from the data center to the application with zero-trust access and data encryption at rest and in motion. - **Operational efficiency:** Multiple Kubernetes versions supported per VKS release with 24-month support for each minor version at no additional cost. Simplified operations managing multi-cluster deployment and lifecycle operations, including backup and restore. - **Broad upstream conformant third-party ecosystem integration** for services including networking, storage, GitOps tools, image registries, access, authentication, logging, and monitoring among others. ### Do I have to purchase VKS separately if I already have a VCF license? VKS is included as an integral component of VCF, and does not require additional licenses to deploy if you already have an active VCF subscription. In addition, Broadcom provides 24-month support for every Kubernetes minor release starting with VKr 1.33 at no extra cost to the customers. ### Why is VKS the right Kubernetes platform for AI and ML workloads? Embedded natively within VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), the vSphere Kubernetes Service (VKS) delivers CNCF-certified Kubernetes with automated deployment and simplified lifecycle management for enterprise AI workloads. VKS enables workload mobility from on premises to the edge while streamlining operations. With native support for vGPU, MIG, Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA), and six layers of hypervisor-grade security, VKS meets stringent privacy and enterprise governance standards, providing a proven, production-ready foundation for AI. ### How does VKS help enhance security for modern workloads? VKS delivers six layers of security and fault isolation that extends from the data center to the application with zero-trust access, workload encryption, and data encryption at rest and in motion. VKS increases audit-readiness and reduces the risk of compliance violation with automated policy enforcement during cluster creation and maintained throughout the cluster lifecycle. ### How does VKS lower the total cost of ownership (TCO)? VCF with VKS delivers a 46% lower TCO compared to bare metal with higher virtual machine/ container density per host reducing the number of required servers, storage, and networking infrastructure. VKS fits into your ecosystem of tools and services reducing costly re-tooling expenses. Each Kubernetes minor version is supported for 24 months at no additional cost. ## Ready to Get Started? - [CONTACT SALES](https://go-vmware.broadcom.com/contact-us) - [Explore Professional Services](https://www.vmware.com/resources/professional-services) [Modernizing Workloads with VMware Cloud Foundation](https://players.brightcove.net/6415665063001/83iWkhhmz_default/index.html?videoId=6392896258112) — 3:26, published 2026-04-10 ## Also of Interest - [Build, Run, Manage Modern Workloads](https://www.vmware.com/solutions/cloud-infrastructure/build-run-manage-modern-workloads) - [What is Kubernetes (K8s)?](https://www.vmware.com/topics/kubernetes) - [VMware Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Integrated - Enterprise Kubernetes...](https://www.vmware.com/products/app-platform/tanzu-kubernetes-grid)