On a sunny day in Paris on October 15, 2025, VMware Explore’s EMEA edition concluded with a strong showing. The event highlighted three major themes: 1) the launch of VMware Cloud Foundation 9 (VCF 9.0); 2) the rise of Private AI; and 3) a renewed focus on private cloud sovereignty.

According to VMware, 85% of the top 10,000 clients worldwide have renewed with VCF. In EMEA, 40% have already deployed it, while 50% are actively engaged in design. Public references aren’t yet available, however. Even top executives acknowledged that they have a very low rate of deployment so far globally, so we’ll take these numbers with a pinch of salt for the moment.

The event featured focused sessions on VMware Private AI, cloud sovereignty, and VCF 9.0. Here’s what stood out.

Private AI: VMware’s Sovereign Alternative

VMware positions Private AI as its response to hyperscalers’ AI offerings. While hyperscalers are shifting toward on-premises and edge deployments to meet sovereignty demands, VMware enables clients to retain control over their data and IP.

A compelling example came from the University of Luxembourg, which uses an on-prem GPT solution via Private AI to safeguard its IP. Other use cases included contact centers and codevelopment environments. Notably, contact centers were highlighted as a strong use case to demonstrate real AI ROI.

Cloud Sovereignty: Operational Control Over Infrastructure

VMware’s approach to cloud sovereignty emphasizes operational control rather than physical location. VCF can run on-premises or in collocated data centers, yet sovereignty remains consistent across these environments. However, VCF on hyperscalers would not deliver sovereign Infrastructure, sovereign operations nor legal jurisdictional control.

According to Martin Hosken of VMware, complex regulations are pushing enterprises toward regional providers — this shift helps mitigate legal and compliance risks. As a result, CIOs are reevaluating public cloud strategies to balance flexibility with sovereignty.

VCF In Disconnected Environments

When asked about running VCF without internet connectivity, VMware confirmed that VCF continues to operate until the license expires. After expiration, applications remain functional but management capabilities are lost.

This raised an important point: VMware representatives used the terms “license” and “subscription” interchangeably, despite their distinct implications for digital sovereignty. Interestingly, VCF 9.0 is offered as a subscription, which doesn’t align well with sovereignty-focused strategies.

Want To Learn More?

Interested in learning more on VMware’s offerings for sovereignty? Forrester clients can schedule a guidance session or inquiry to help guide your sovereign AI cloud infrastructure initiatives or to learn more about this event.