License Key Pro FREE

[VMware Community Member]

Why do you find product keys for free activation of VMware Workstation Pro.
Is that legal?
I admit that I use a free key as I don't have the money to buy one and I don't work, I only study, when I can I will buy one, but why does VMware allow this.
Is there any repercussion for using those keys?

[Technogeezer]

Bottom line:

Workstation Player is free. for non-commercial (education/hobbyist/home) use.  Workstation Pro isn't,, so you won't find a "product key for free activation of VMware Workstation  Pro" on VMware's site. And you'd likely find the admins of this site shutting down anyone trying to post where to get them because, well, VMware is hosting these communities.

You do have a legal and free option - and that is to use Workstation Player. 

Give the stealth nature of the warez markets, it doesn't surprise me that VMware doesn't take the time to go and shut them down. 

What are the repercussions? It's considered piracy (a nice term for theft) to run a product that hasn't been licensed legally. Large companies would be sued if they did this. Individuals do so at their own risk. 

 

[VMware Community Member]

If we take a conspiratorial interpretation, those big companies (VM, Mic**oft, etc.) could intentionally indulge free (pirated) license keys used by students and hobbists (educational/personal edition or discount may have limited features and trial periods), so that first they won't turn to competitor's products, and second, once they are familiar with the softwares, it's highly possible that they'll bring them to work. At that time, they either purchage a valid license, or be sued for piracy and pay a large compensation. It's more efficient and profitable to take legal actions against small or medium sized companies, rather than huge amount of individuals.

[Scott Vessey]

It sounds like you are violating the End User License Agreement, and admitting to doing so on the vendor's own forum - not smart.

Workstation Player is free for non-commercial use.

I don't think VMware or any other vendor "allows" this - it takes away revenue but is difficult to police.