Dell Technologies World 2026 didn't just showcase what's possible; it made the path forward tangible.

VCF 9's native memory tiering capability fundamentally changes how virtual infrastructure is sized and priced. For organizations running large-scale virtualized environments, understanding this feature — and its relationship to today's DDR5 vs. NVMe pricing gap — may reshape how you think about platform economics entirely.

Most organizations modernize infrastructure, but few operate like a cloud. The difference lies in observability, automation, security and operating discipline. Learn how combining these layers turns a technology platform into a true cloud operating model that delivers agility, accountability and measurable business value.

VCF 9.1 revolutionizes VMware Cloud Foundation by consolidating four appliances into a unified VCF Management Services platform, enhancing operational simplicity and efficiency. This architectural shift demands careful upgrade planning but promises streamlined management and centralized observability, making the transition a worthwhile endeavor for VCF 9.0.x users.

Embark on a transformative journey with the VCF 9.1 upgrade, where architectural evolution meets meticulous planning. This guide navigates the intricate steps, from upgrading VCF Operations to deploying containerized management services, helping make the transition seamless. Prepare for a leaner, unified management plane, but remember: precision in preparation is key.

VCF 9.1's upgrade is transformative, retiring the Fleet Management Appliance for a Kubernetes-based runtime. This guide details essential pre-upgrade steps, from IP planning to pre-flight checks, to help create a smooth transition. Prepare meticulously, as management visibility gaps and irreversible changes await. Part 2 will explore the execution phase.