The licensing for Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Service can vary depending on the specific configuration and usage. Here are some general points to consider:
: This is the flagship enterprise private cloud platform. It includes the full TKG runtime, Tanzu Mission Control (TMC), and Tanzu Application Platform (TAP) components.
As of late 2024 and 2025, Tanzu Kubernetes Grid (TKG) capabilities are primarily available through two subscription-based bundles:
Now the standard offering, replacing Tanzu Basic. It includes essential components like the Harbor registry, Antrea/Calico networking, and lifecycle management via Cluster API.
: Licenses typically require a minimum of 16 cores per CPU and, in some enterprise agreements, a total instance minimum of 72 cores .
| Feature | TKGS (vSphere with Tanzu) | TKG Standalone (CLI) | TKG Community (upstream) | |---------|---------------------------|----------------------|----------------------------| | License required | VCF or VVF | Tanzu Platform or legacy Tanzu license | None (Apache 2.0) | | Integration with vCenter | Full (Native) | Partial (via Cluster API provider) | None | | Support from Broadcom | ✅ Yes (enterprise SLA) | ✅ Yes (paid) | ❌ Community only | | Multi-tenancy | ✅ vSphere Namespaces | ❌ Per-cluster only | ❌ | | Persistent storage integration | vSAN, VMFS, Natively | Requires CSI driver install | Manual |
: A more streamlined bundle that includes vSphere, vSAN, and the vSphere Kubernetes Service (which powers the TKG Service). Key Licensing Rules and Models
does not include Tanzu entitlements. Standalone Add-ons: While Broadcom has moved toward bundled suites, some customers may still hold older "Tanzu Basic" or "Tanzu Standard" standalone licenses, though these have largely reached End of Availability (EOA) for new purchases. cloud13.ch +4 Operational Impact of License Expiration If a Tanzu license expires, the existing environment does not immediately shut down, but administrative capabilities are severely restricted: Broadcom TechDocs Restricted Actions: You cannot create new namespaces, update the Kubernetes version of the Supervisor Cluster, or add new nodes to existing TKG clusters. Continued Operation: Existing workloads and pods already running on the clusters will continue to function normally. DevOps Limitations: Developers lose the ability to deploy new workloads or change configurations until a valid license is applied. Broadcom TechDocs Key Terminology for Licensing 10 sites Licensing for vSphere with Tanzu - Broadcom TechDocs May 20, 2025 —
Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Service (the tightly integrated, supervisor-cluster-based Kubernetes service on vSphere) is not licensed separately . Its license is bundled into broader VMware suites. This guide explains exactly which licenses grant you TKGS rights and how to track consumption.
The licensing for Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Service can vary depending on the specific configuration and usage. Here are some general points to consider:
: This is the flagship enterprise private cloud platform. It includes the full TKG runtime, Tanzu Mission Control (TMC), and Tanzu Application Platform (TAP) components.
As of late 2024 and 2025, Tanzu Kubernetes Grid (TKG) capabilities are primarily available through two subscription-based bundles: tanzu kubernetes grid service license
Now the standard offering, replacing Tanzu Basic. It includes essential components like the Harbor registry, Antrea/Calico networking, and lifecycle management via Cluster API.
: Licenses typically require a minimum of 16 cores per CPU and, in some enterprise agreements, a total instance minimum of 72 cores . The licensing for Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Service can
| Feature | TKGS (vSphere with Tanzu) | TKG Standalone (CLI) | TKG Community (upstream) | |---------|---------------------------|----------------------|----------------------------| | License required | VCF or VVF | Tanzu Platform or legacy Tanzu license | None (Apache 2.0) | | Integration with vCenter | Full (Native) | Partial (via Cluster API provider) | None | | Support from Broadcom | ✅ Yes (enterprise SLA) | ✅ Yes (paid) | ❌ Community only | | Multi-tenancy | ✅ vSphere Namespaces | ❌ Per-cluster only | ❌ | | Persistent storage integration | vSAN, VMFS, Natively | Requires CSI driver install | Manual |
: A more streamlined bundle that includes vSphere, vSAN, and the vSphere Kubernetes Service (which powers the TKG Service). Key Licensing Rules and Models As of late 2024 and 2025, Tanzu Kubernetes
does not include Tanzu entitlements. Standalone Add-ons: While Broadcom has moved toward bundled suites, some customers may still hold older "Tanzu Basic" or "Tanzu Standard" standalone licenses, though these have largely reached End of Availability (EOA) for new purchases. cloud13.ch +4 Operational Impact of License Expiration If a Tanzu license expires, the existing environment does not immediately shut down, but administrative capabilities are severely restricted: Broadcom TechDocs Restricted Actions: You cannot create new namespaces, update the Kubernetes version of the Supervisor Cluster, or add new nodes to existing TKG clusters. Continued Operation: Existing workloads and pods already running on the clusters will continue to function normally. DevOps Limitations: Developers lose the ability to deploy new workloads or change configurations until a valid license is applied. Broadcom TechDocs Key Terminology for Licensing 10 sites Licensing for vSphere with Tanzu - Broadcom TechDocs May 20, 2025 —
Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Service (the tightly integrated, supervisor-cluster-based Kubernetes service on vSphere) is not licensed separately . Its license is bundled into broader VMware suites. This guide explains exactly which licenses grant you TKGS rights and how to track consumption.
