County IT warns VMware licensing could rise 150–200%, forcing budget shifts

John, an IT staff member, told the IT and Central Services Committee on March 6 that LaSalle County’s VMware maintenance bill — usually about $7,000 per year — could increase sharply after Broadcom’s acquisition.

“We're looking at probably 150 to 200% price jump,” John said, adding that the county had budgeted a 10% increase but could face invoices in the neighborhood of $22,000 if current market reports hold.

Why it matters: VMware is central to the county’s virtual infrastructure; a multi-thousand-dollar increase would force cuts elsewhere in IT or county operations unless the county can negotiate a different arrangement. John said final vendor quotes arrive close to renewal dates — his vendor typically issues a firm invoice about six weeks before the September 11 renewal — leaving limited time to respond.

Committee members asked about options. John said replacing the county’s virtualization stack would be significantly more expensive than absorbing a higher maintenance bill and that the vendor had described the current pricing as a multi-year commitment if the county accepts a new rate. He said staff will continue to monitor industry quotes and report back once LaSalle County receives a formal estimate.

The committee did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said they will defer any budget changes until a firm invoice is available and will notify the auditor’s office as needed.