Overview

Termination of VMware IT Academy by Broadcom

On August 2nd, Broadcom VMware informed Network Development Group that it has terminated the VMware IT Academy and Academic Software License programs. All VMware IT Academy labs will be completely removed from NDG services August 15, 2025.

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NETLAB+ VM Setup

NDG has formed a partnership with the VMware IT Academy Program to enable NETLAB+ support of the VMware vSphere Install, Configure, Manage (ICM) course. The use of NETLAB+ provides an enormous opportunity for educational organizations seeking a highly scalable, cost effective solution to offer access to the technology required for the VMware IT Academy Program, which introduces students to VMware technologies and equips them with valuable VMware technical skills.

Significantly Reduce Your Equipment Costs

Organizations offering the highly sought-after VMware IT Academy Program curriculum often face a financial challenge. A significant amount of physical hardware is needed in order to adequately provide students with the necessary equipment access both within the classroom and outside the classroom for assignments and practice. This requires a financial commitment that may be beyond the budget of some colleges, universities, and non-profit technical schools.

In the NETLAB+ pod design for the VMware IT Academy vSphere Install, Configure, Manage Course (ICM), all lab components are 100% virtualized (i.e. ESXi-in-ESXi) to achieve a high pod to physical host ratio, at a significantly lower cost point relative to traditional delivery of vSphere ICM. Using virtualization and the sharing and scheduling capabilities of NETLAB+, each student (or team of students) has access to their own set of virtual equipment, which they may maintain exclusive use of throughout the course.

VMware Setup using NETLAB+ Significant Cost Reduction

NETLAB+'s use of virtualized lab components results in a significant cost reduction by allowing several pods to run simultaneously on one physical server. This cost reduction can open up the possibility of participating in the VMware IT Academy Program for many organizations who would be unable to afford it otherwise.

NETLAB+ Provides Tools to Enable Easy Delivery of the vSphere ICM Course

  • VMware vSphere ICM lab exercises prepared specifically for online delivery using NETLAB+.
  • Pre-configured virtual machine templates and automated topology to expedite setup.
  • NETLAB+ software enhancements to enable the NETLAB+ system administrator to clone pods and assign them to students.
  • Documentation to guide you through the setup of the vSphere ICM course.
 

Instructor Evaluation Access

NDG is proud to offer free course evaluation access to academic institutions. Your status as an instructor must be verifiable in order to receive access.

Select the button below to register for Instructor evaluation. You will be prompted to complete the registration process.

Register for Instructor Evaluation Access

VMware Licensing Guidance

Additional NETLAB+ Resources for VMware IT Academy