Are there no upgrades without a support contract?

[John Owens]

Are there no longer product updates for Workstation Pro users that do not maintain a support contract?  I have been using Workstation Pro for years and purchase 2 licenses every time a major version release comes out (e.g. 15 to 16 and 16 to 17).  I was told by support today via phone that upgrading isn't allowed and my licenses were not migrated because I didn't have an active support contract.   VMWare never required an active support contract to upgrade within your licensed major version and most IT professionals as myself did not need support to maintain our software.

Honestly, this may not seem like a big deal and I understand that the focus is on the large enterprise, but it is infuriating.  Please don't point me in the direction of the "free version" as I do technical items that require the full workstation pro, which is why I purchased it in the first place.

[John Owens]

Note: I have read more and supposedly, the free version is a full PRO functional software and not like the old player.  I will be testing that for validity as I generally run multiple VMs, manipulate several virtual and physical networks, etc...  If I don't have to buy the pro version for my home lab items that is great, but if the software is restrictive, it will not work for my needs.

[Technogeezer]

Workstation Pro 17.5.2 is now free for non-commercial use. There are no restrictions - other than you are obligated to purchase a subscription/license if you're using Workstation for commercial purposes. 

Broadcom has changed the game. If you're using the desktop virtualization products for personal (non-commercial) use, you can use the "Pro" editions for free. I suspect you'll be able to download future versions under the same free terms (unless Broadcom changes their minds again). But, the option to purchase a perpetual license without support is gone for commercial use. You're now required to buy a subscription (which includes new major versions and support) if you're using Fusion or Workstation for commercial purposes.