The market for server virtualization tools is about to fragment, according to analyst firm Gartner.

“The server virtualization market is facing the most significant disruption in decades,” states the analyst’s October market guide to server virtualization platforms. Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware – and subsequent decision to focus its efforts on a broad public cloud platform – is the reason for the shifting market.

“For many Gartner clients, the aftereffects of VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom represent a turning point in the market for server virtualization,” the market guide states. “Disruption is being driven by customer concerns about increases in the total cost of ownership, the quality of support, and changes to product roadmaps with limited perceived benefit.”