Mon Sep 09 15:47:14 UTC 2024: ## AT&T Takes on Broadcom in Legal Battle Over VMware Support Contracts

**San Francisco, CA -** In a major development that has sent ripples through the tech industry, AT&T has filed a lawsuit against Broadcom, alleging the company is illegally forcing customers into expensive subscription contracts for VMware software.

AT&T claims it had a perpetual license agreement with VMware for support services through 2026. However, after Broadcom acquired VMware last year, the company is now demanding AT&T purchase a suite of additional software and services, which AT&T says it does not need and would impose significant financial and technical burdens.

The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court, highlights AT&T’s concerns about Broadcom’s aggressive tactics, which many VMware users have been experiencing. The company argues that the lack of support could jeopardize critical services, impacting emergency operations, customer service, and even national security.

This move has been met with support from many in the tech community who have grown increasingly frustrated with Broadcom’s licensing practices. Some experts believe this case could set a precedent for other large customers to challenge Broadcom’s aggressive licensing tactics.

**Verizon’s Big Move: Acquiring Frontier for $20 Billion**

**New York, NY -** In a separate development, Verizon has announced its intention to acquire Frontier Communications for $20 billion. This move is driven by Verizon’s desire to expand its fiber optic network across the United States, bolstering both its home internet service and its cellular network infrastructure.

Frontier operates in 25 states, providing Verizon with a significant opportunity to rapidly expand its reach and enhance its competitive edge. This acquisition is expected to face scrutiny from regulators who are concerned about the potential reduction of competition in the telecommunications market.

**Cisco Patches Critical Security Vulnerabilities**

**San Jose, CA -** Cisco has released patches for three critical vulnerabilities affecting its Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Smart Licensing Utility. The most significant vulnerability, CVE-2024-20469, could allow attackers with administrator privileges to gain root access, potentially impacting the security of entire networks.

While the vulnerabilities require local access and administrator privileges, experts warn that the availability of public exploit code could increase the threat. Cisco has urged all users to prioritize applying these patches to mitigate potential risks.

**ASML CEO Signals Pushback Against US China Restrictions**

**New York, NY -** ASML, the Dutch company that manufactures advanced chip-making machines, is voicing growing concerns about the US government’s restrictions on its business dealings with China. CEO Peter Wennink has stated that ASML will “push back” against these restrictions, arguing that they are economically motivated and may create instability in the industry.

The US government claims the restrictions are necessary to protect national security and prevent China from accessing advanced chip technology. However, ASML is concerned about the impact on its business and argues that the US government’s approach is increasingly difficult to justify on national security grounds.

**Metro Ethernet Forum Certifies SASE Products**

**San Ramon, CA -** In an effort to bring greater clarity and consistency to the rapidly evolving SD-WAN and SASE space, the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) has certified several SASE products from leading vendors including VMware, Fortinet, and Versa.

This certification is designed to provide enterprises with a more standardized framework for evaluating and comparing SASE offerings. While interoperability remains a challenge, the MEF’s initiative is seen as a positive step towards addressing the lack of a clear and consistent definition of SASE within the industry.

**Financial Results Highlight Industry Trends**

**Various Locations -** Several major tech companies have announced their financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, revealing significant shifts in the industry. Broadcom reported strong revenue growth fueled by its acquisitions of VMware and Avago, but also experienced a significant loss due to a one-time tax provision.

HP saw strong growth in server sales, driven by demand for servers equipped with GPUs for AI workloads. This trend, along with growing in-house AI clusters, suggests a potential shift away from cloud computing in certain sectors, which could benefit HPE’s Greenlake platform.

**Space Networking Takes Center Stage**

**Various Locations -** SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is expanding its reach through partnerships with major telecommunications carriers. The company is initially partnering with T-Mobile in the US, Rogers in Canada, and Optus in Australia to offer satellite-to-phone services.

This move marks a significant shift in the telecommunications landscape, offering new connectivity options to users in underserved areas. The partnership with T-Mobile is exclusive for the first year, but other carriers are expected to follow suit.

These developments highlight the continued evolution of the tech industry, with major players navigating the complex interplay of technology, politics, and business.

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