Have you felt the squeeze of VMware’s licensing changes since the Broadcom acquisition? You’re not alone. IT leaders are struggling with growing costs, new subscription models, and a shrinking product portfolio. The question isn’t just “Should I renew?” – it’s “What’s the smartest path forward?”
Here’s a quick guide to navigating VMware’s changes, exploring hybrid cloud options, and taking control of your infrastructure strategy. Let’s move beyond uncertainty, together.
What’s Changed with VMware?
Broadcom’s acquisition has reshaped VMware:
- Licensing Shift: From CPU-based to core-based, with subscription-only models
- Cost Hikes: 30–50% increases for many mid-sized customers
- Product Consolidation: From 900+ offerings to just 4 bundled packages
- Market Impact: 63% of IT leaders report lower satisfaction, and 56% plan to reduce VMware usage in the next year (2024 Foundry MarketPulse Survey)
For many, VMware feels less like a hypervisor and more like an expensive private cloud.
Why Stay? Why Move?
Sticking with VMware makes sense for some:
- Migrations are long, expensive, and risky
- VMware remains a reliable and familiar platform
- Existing processes, tools, and skills are deeply tied to VMware
- Rebuilding infrastructure isn’t always feasible in the current budget cycle
But the pressure to modernize is real. “Move Beyond VMware” isn’t about ripping out your infrastructure – it’s about strategic flexibility:
- Reduce vendor lock-in
- Optimize costs
- Unlock agility for AI, DevOps, and cloud-native apps
Hybrid Cloud: The Smart Default
Hybrid cloud is no longer a compromise – it’s the baseline for modern IT:
- On-Prem: Keep critical or regulated workloads secure
- Cloud: Leverage AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for AI/ML, Dev/Test, automation, scalability or D&R
- Bridge the Gap: Use tools like Amazon EVS, Azure VMware Solution, or Kubernetes to extend capacity without re-architecting
Our Offer: Move Beyond VMware
We help IT leaders shift from uncertainty to clarity with a trusted path forward:
- Assessment: Map your VMware footprint, licensing, and apps
- TCO Analysis: Compare renew, extend, or migrate options
- Proof of Concept: Test cloud, containers, or Kubernetes safely
- Phased Migrations: Modernize gradually, with AWS/Azure funding support
- AI Tools: Use tools like Amazon Q Developer to streamline planning
This isn’t just a service — it’s how we help you regain control and move with confidence.
Final Thought: Strategy, Not Just Survival
Broadcom’s pressure is clear (they even reintroduced a free ESXi version to keep customers). But IT leaders aren’t just buying licenses – they’re investing in agility, innovation, and control.
If you’re nearing a VMware renewal, now’s the time to explore options. What’s your plan? Renew, extend, or evolve? Share your thoughts below!
Source: 2024 Foundry MarketPulse Survey, 561 IT leaders, June–July 2024; TechRadar Pro
