VMware alternatives: These options from other vendors, open source and the cloud

The first step: Optimize your existing VMware environment while looking for alternatives

The following tips will help you to fully exploit the potential of your current environment and make efficient use of existing resources. You will also create a solid basis for the next steps.

1. Consolidate the cluster: Make sure you regularly check the utilization of your ESXi hosts and remove unnecessary virtual machines (VMs) or data storage. Also use functions such as VMware vSphere DRS (Distributed Resource Scheduler) for intelligent resource allocation and vSphere Storage DRS for optimized storage management. Create space and increase performance with a targeted cleanup of your VMware environment. Utilize review and remediation tools to ensure that your cluster is operating optimally and does not contain unnecessary legacy resources.
2. Reduce cluster size: Analyze the actual needs of your environment and reduce the number of nodes to the necessary minimum. By downsizing, you save costs, both in terms of operation and VMware licenses, and also reduce maintenance costs. Focus on utilization and capacity planning to maximize the efficiency of your infrastructure without compromising performance.
3. Hardware upgrade: Think about using newer CPU generations with more than 16 cores per socket. Upgrading to more powerful processors can significantly increase computing performance while reducing energy consumption and making better use of the minimum license of 16 cores by VMware. Plan these upgrades carefully to avoid disruption and make the transition as smooth as possible.

By taking these steps, you will optimize your existing VMware environment, reduce your current operating costs - including lower licensing costs - and ensure that your IT infrastructure remains efficient and future-proof.

Technology change: advantages and disadvantages of open source and commercial VMware alternatives

You can replace VMware with open source or commercial products. Open source solutions are recommended if you are looking for a cost-effective on-premise solution and have the know-how required to set up and operate the platform. It is particularly worth looking at commercial providers if you have high requirements in terms of security, performance and 24/7 support.

A decisive advantage of open source solutions is precisely their cost efficiency: the products are generally available at low cost or free of charge. There is no need to pay license fees. They also offer flexibility, as the source code is openly accessible and you can adapt the solutions to your specific requirements. A large, committed community ensures continuous further development and support.

However, working with open source solutions requires expertise and skills in various areas such as network administration, virtualization and storage. These skills are equally relevant for setup and operation. The adaptation and integration of open source solutions into existing infrastructures can also be complex and time-consuming. Although the relevant communities offer help, professional, dedicated support and official maintenance contracts are not always available and are usually associated with additional costs.

Commercial virtualization solutions provided by well-known providers such as Microsoft, Citrix or Nutanix often score points for their extensive functions, professional support and high level of integration with other products from the respective provider. They offer security in terms of quality, maintenance and support. However, they are usually subject to a charge.

Regardless of whether they are open source or commercial products: The use of the solutions requires specific expertise - albeit to varying degrees - in order to be able to use them effectively. This is where managed service providers who specialize in the use of these technologies come into play. By developing customized solutions and integrating the necessary functions and resources, they ensure the optimal performance of your platform. You receive support, the complexity for your team is reduced and a smooth deployment of the products in your company is ensured.

Three open source alternatives to VMware you should consider

Open source solutions offer cost-effective and flexible alternatives to VMware. In terms of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), open source solutions generally cost less as there are no license fees. However, resources may need to be budgeted for support and maintenance.

Considering ROI (return on investment) in open source projects can be difficult at first, as customizations and implementations are not always immediately profitable. In the long term, however, they can increase the ROI through individual adaptations and flexibility.

We present the open source virtualization solutions Proxmox VE, OpenStack and CloudStack as VMware alternatives.

1. Proxmox VE

Proxmox VE (Virtual Environment) is a comprehensive open source platform for server virtualization based on Debian. Proxmox makes it possible to work with both KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) for full virtualization and LXC (Linux Containers) for container management.

• Easy management: Proxmox offers a user-friendly web interface that greatly simplifies the management of virtual machines and containers. You can control everything centrally without having to dive deep into the command line.
• Integrated backup and restore solutions: You can perform backups of your virtual machines easily and regularly. This provides additional security and facilitates recovery in the event of an emergency.
• High availability: Proxmox supports cluster management via the Proxmox cluster file system (pmxcfs), which was specially developed for configuration files in a cluster of Proxmox VE servers. In addition, there is high availability management, which automatically moves VMs to available nodes in the event of a server failure. ZFS support for file systems and Ceph integration for scalable and redundant storage options are also worth noting.

2. OpenStack

OpenStack is a powerful but complex platform that claims to be a “cloud operating system” that enables the management of large amounts of compute, storage and network resources in a data center.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Thanks to its native multi-tenancy capability, OpenStack is recommended for use as an Infrastructure as a Service that offers users self-service functionality.
• Modular architecture: OpenStack consists of several independent projects that cover different aspects of cloud management, e.g. compute (Nova), network (Neutron), storage (Cinder and Swift) and more. Each of these modules can be deployed and configured independently, which offers flexibility but also makes integration and management more difficult.
• Automation: OpenStack offers extensive APIs that enable seamless integration with existing systems and tools. This facilitates customization to your specific requirements.
• Scalability: OpenStack is ideal for large, scalable cloud infrastructures. You can easily add or remove resources depending on your company's needs.
• High complexity: Installing OpenStack is not trivial, especially when it comes to a full, high-availability production setup. It requires extensive knowledge of Linux, networking, storage management and security. Upgrades in OpenStack can be complicated, especially because of the interdependencies between the different services.
• Dedicated teams: Due to its complexity and scalability, OpenStack often requires a dedicated team of system administrators and DevOps experts, which can be a challenge for smaller organizations.

3. Apache CloudStack

Apache CloudStack is an integrated IaaS platform that enables the creation, management and provisioning of cloud services. CloudStack supports multiple hypervisors such as VMware ESXi, Oracle VM, KVM and XenServer.

• Ease of use: CloudStack is known for its ease of use and simple installation, making it particularly attractive for smaller organizations or those without an extensive IT support team. The intuitive web interface and clear documentation make it easy to get started and manage.
• Comprehensive functionality: With CloudStack, you can manage not only virtual machines, but also networks, storage and security. You get a comprehensive solution for your cloud management needs.
• Proven reliability: CloudStack has a proven track record in many production environments and provides a stable and reliable platform for running your IT infrastructure.

Each of these three platforms - Proxmox, OpenStack and CloudStack - has its strengths and suits different operational and scalability requirements. Proxmox is ideal for organizations looking for an easy-to-use, robust solution for VM and container management. OpenStack offers flexibility and comprehensive configuration options, ideal for large, complex environments. Apache CloudStack, on the other hand, scores with simplicity and a quick implementation, making it great for fast-growing startups that don't want to devote a lot of resources to server management. Your choice will depend on the specific needs of your business and your organizational capacity to manage the platform.

Commercial virtualization solutions as an alternative to VMware

In the world of commercial virtualizers, there are several prominent vendors, each with their own strengths and specialties. Nutanix AHV bridges the gap between virtualization and hyperconvergence, ideal for fast-growing businesses. The product is available either as a bundle of hardware and virtualization software or as software-only for compatible hardware. Microsoft Hyper-V is an established option that can be seamlessly integrated into existing Windows environments. Citrix XenServer is a highly scalable alternative that is suitable for companies of all sizes.

In addition to the technical specifications, you should also consider aspects such as license costs, compatibility and support structures in order to make an informed decision.

1. Nutanix AHV

Nutanix is known for its Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) offering, which combines compute, storage and network resources into one integrated solution. Nutanix offers its own hypervisor solution called AHV (Acropolis Hypervisor), which is directly integrated into the HCI platform and enables integrated management.

• Seamless integration: Nutanix AHV integrates easily with the Nutanix infrastructure and provides a unified, easy-to-manage platform. This allows you to simplify and consolidate the operation of your virtualization environment.
• Cost Efficiency:AHV is an integral part of the Nutanix Enterprise Cloud Platform and is deployed as part of the Nutanix system at no additional cost to the hypervisor. This differs from other solutions, which often incur separate license costs for the hypervisor.
  However, it should be noted that although the AHV itself is free, the total cost of the Nutanix solution includes the hardware, software, support and other services. These costs are important to consider when estimating the total cost of ownership of a Nutanix implementation.
• Future-proof: With AHV, you can rely on a modern, hyper-converged infrastructure that makes your IT environment future-proof. Nutanix is constantly developing new features and updates to keep your systems up to date.

2. Microsoft Hyper-V

Microsoft Hyper-V is a virtualization platform that is included as a feature in Windows Server. It provides a robust and secure foundation for server virtualization and works seamlessly with other Microsoft products.

• Proven technology: Hyper-V is a stable and widely used virtualization platform that has proven itself in many companies. Tightly integrated with Windows Server, Hyper-V provides a powerful and reliable solution.
• Cost efficiency: As Hyper-V is included in Windows Server Datacenter without limitation, there are no additional license costs. This makes Hyper-V a cost-effective choice for organizations already using Microsoft products.
• Integration with Microsoft services: Hyper-V offers deep integration with other Microsoft services such as Azure and System Center. This allows you to pursue a hybrid cloud strategy and make the most of your existing investments in Microsoft technologies.

3. Citrix XenServer

Based on the open source Xen project, Citrix XenServer offers a powerful virtualization solution that shines especially in environments with high requirements for desktop virtualization (VDI).

• High performance: XenServer is known for its high performance and efficiency. It makes optimal use of your hardware resources and provides a stable and reliable virtualization platform.
• Cost control: XenServer allows you to control your licensing costs and maximize the ROI of your virtualization investments. It offers different editions so you can choose the solution that best suits your needs.
• Scalability: Citrix XenServer is highly scalable and suitable for organizations of any size. Whether you run a small environment or a large data center, XenServer can meet your needs and grow with your business.

Cloud migration as an alternative to VMware-based on-premise environments

In view of the expected additional costs due to the changeover to the VMware license model, it is also worth evaluating alternatives outside your own locally operated infrastructure. Cloud solutions offer greater cost efficiency. Instead of high initial investments for hardware and software, the cloud mainly incurs operating costs (OPEX). This means that you only pay for the resources that you actually use. This enables more precise budget planning and reduces financial risk. Below we look at four different options.

1. Migration to the IaaS cloud of a VMware Pinnacle partner

One option is to migrate your IT infrastructure to an IaaS cloudoperated by Pinnacle partners of VMware by Broadcom. These partners offer you tight integration with existing VMware environments, which can make the transition smoother. You can move your existing workloads to a familiar environment without having to make major changes to your architecture.

By working with Pinnacle partners such as Claranet, you benefit from customized solutions and local support. The partners have in-depth expertise in VMware technologies and can help you to organize the migration efficiently. You can also take advantage of flexible contract models and scalable resources to best meet your IT needs.

In addition, customers of Pinnacle partners can usually benefit from better conditions, which the Pinnacle partner negotiates individually with VMware by Broadcom.

2. Migration to AWS

AWS (Amazon Web Services ) is the largest and longest established hyperscaler with a wide range of services that go far beyond the basics of virtualization. AWS allows you to flexibly scale your IT infrastructure and benefit from a global presence. You can choose from a variety of storage, compute and networking solutions tailored to your specific requirements. AWS also offers extensive security and compliance services to protect your data and meet regulatory requirements.

There is a wide range of services to help you migrate your workloads, from planning and migration to post-migration optimization.

3. Migration to Azure

Microsoft Azure is another attractive alternative to VMware infrastructure, especially if you are already using Microsoft. Azure offers seamless integration with other Microsoft services such as Office 365 and Dynamics 365, which simplifies the migration and operation of your applications.

Azure has a robust infrastructure that offers you high availability and scalability. You can easily move virtual machines, databases and applications to the cloud and benefit from comprehensive security and management functions. Azure also supports hybrid cloud strategies, allowing you to run some workloads locally and others in the cloud.

4. Migration to the Google Cloud

The Google Cloud Platform (GCP) also offers a powerful basis for migrating your VMware environment. It boasts advanced analytics and machine learning services that can help you make better use of your data and develop innovative solutions.

Google Cloud offers a variety of migration tools and partner programs to ease the transition. You can benefit from the fast network infrastructure and flexible pricing models.

Regardless of which cloud platform you choose, careful planning and implementation of the migration is crucial. It is worth considering your company's specific requirements and goals and carefully examining the various options.

Meet future challenges by modernizing your applications

By transforming your applications into a modern stack, you make yourself independent of individual providers and products. This option is particularly attractive in the current situation surrounding VMware. By modernizing your applications, you can actively address potential difficulties caused by changes in VMware's licensing or support structure and be prepared for future challenges.

A good way to modernize your applications and workloads is to use containers and Kubernetes. Containers allow you to run applications in isolated, lightweight environments. This increases efficiency and optimizes resource usage. Containers allow you to deploy and update applications faster, which increases your innovation speed. Containers also make it easier to transfer applications between different environments, whether locally or in the cloud, with minimal or no customization.

Kubernetes, the orchestration system for containers, brings order and automation to your IT landscape. With Kubernetes, you can efficiently manage the distribution and scaling of your applications. It monitors the containers and ensures that your applications are always available and performant. Kubernetes helps you to minimize downtimes and reduce operating costs by making optimal use of resources. In addition, modernization opens up new possibilities with regard to the use of hypervisor-independent solutions, as Kubernetes can also be operated directly on bare metal hardware, for example. For you, this means more independence from specific virtualization solutions and therefore greater flexibility in the long term.

By introducing containers and Kubernetes, you not only modernize your existing applications, but also open the door to new technologies such as microservices and serverless architectures. These modern approaches improve the agility of your company and enable you to react more quickly to market changes.

Rely on containers and Kubernetes to future-proof your applications and take your business to the next level.

Before you start: Identify critical workloads

To understand the impact of the planned change on your IT infrastructure, you need to have a clear overview of your existing workloads. Knowing what software is currently running on your clusters is the first step towards making an informed decision. Critical workloads place special demands on the underlying infrastructure. This applies to SAP systems and virtual desktop infrastructures, for example.

SAP systems
SAP systems are often at the heart of business processes and require a stable and supported platform. Make sure that SAP only runs on certified platforms to ensure support from the manufacturer. Review your current SAP instances and their requirements to see what alternatives can be considered.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructures
Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI) allow your employees to access their work environments from anywhere. Again, only certain platforms provide the necessary support and security to run your VDI environments. Make sure that your VDI solutions are still compatible and consider whether it makes sense to switch to other providers such as Citrix or Microsoft.

In addition to these key applications, you should also identify other critical workloads running on your clusters. Create a detailed list of all applications and check their dependencies and platform requirements. This will help you to ensure compatibility and support in the event of a platform change. This inventory and analysis will enable you to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

The changes triggered by the Broadcom VMware acquisition present an opportunity for companies to fundamentally modernize their IT environments. Initially, a platform change seems to be the obvious way forward. On the other hand, now is a good opportunity to go one step further. Cloud environments and modernized applications are a safe investment in the future and often offer greater cost efficiency than traditional setups.

Regardless of the alternative chosen, careful planning in terms of both TCO and ROI is essential. The support of an experienced partner like Claranet can be crucial here.
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