Compare Google Cloud VMware Engine models

Google Cloud VMware Engine is available as a Google Cloud-managed service or as a self-managed solution. In the Google Cloud-managed service, Google Cloud manages the VMware stack and underlying infrastructure. In the self-managed solution, you deploy and manage VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) on dedicated Google Cloud bare-metal infrastructure.

Management models

To review task assignments between Google Cloud and customers for each option, see the Shared responsibility model.

Google Cloud-managed service

In the Google Cloud-managed service, Google Cloud manages the VMware SDDC stack (vSphere, vSAN, NSX, HCX), networking, and physical infrastructure. VMware software licenses are included with the service.

View Google Cloud-managed service guides

Self-managed solution

In the self-managed solution, you provide your own VMware Cloud Foundation licenses and deploy the VMware SDDC stack on dedicated Google Cloud bare-metal instances. You deploy, configure, patch, and manage vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and related VMware components. Google Cloud manages the physical facilities, server hardware, and networking infrastructure up to the hypervisor.

View self-managed solution guides

Feature comparison

Feature	Google Cloud-managed service	Self-managed solution
VMware stack management	Google Cloud	Customer
VMware software updates	Google Cloud	Customer
VMware licensing	Included	Bring Your Own License (BYOL)
Infrastructure	Google Cloud	Google Cloud
Administrative control	Managed by Google Cloud (elevated access available)	Full root and administrator access
Primary management tool	Google Cloud console and VMware Engine API	VMware SDDC Manager and vCenter Server