The recent acquisition of VMware by Broadcom has led to a turbulent period for many organizations, with price hikes leaving customers in difficult positions. In some cases, businesses have seen costs increase by as much as 500 percent, with features bundled into new subscription models that do not align with their needs. This shift has forced perpetual license holders to adopt expensive subscriptions, even for features they do not require. 

As these changes unfold, companies are scrambling to adjust their IT budgets and strategies, all while trying to maintain performance and efficiency. As they do so, AWS stands as a strong alternative to VMware. And while the transition to AWS presents challenges, nClouds stands ready to guide you through them.

The Financial Burden of Staying with VMware

For organizations still relying on VMware, the financial outlook is grim. Many have already faced unexpected price increases, forcing them into costly subscriptions with limited flexibility. According to some reports, the cost of VMware’s vSphere alone has surged by nearly 50 percent, despite claims that bundles will now be cheaper. This has added strain to IT budgets that were already tight. 

Beyond the financial strain, operational disruptions are also becoming a serious concern. The forced move to bundles with unnecessary features not only inflates costs but also complicates the management and maintenance of IT systems.

The growing complexity and cost of staying with VMware pose a bigger question: Is now the right time to explore other options, such as migrating to the cloud?

AWS: A Strategic Alternative to VMware

Amidst these rising costs, many organizations are considering alternatives to VMware. AWS, with its robust cloud infrastructure, offers a strategic alternative that not only addresses the cost issue but also enhances overall security and scalability. For organizations seeking relief from high licensing fees and the constraints of legacy infrastructure, AWS provides an opportunity to transform operations while cutting costs.

Consider these benefits:

• Cost Efficiency: Companies migrating VMware workloads to AWS can achieve substantial savings—up to 66 percent on infrastructure costs and up to 77 percent in reduced licensing fees.
• Improved Security: AWS’s advanced security features and automation capabilities can lead to 45 percent fewer security incidents compared to on-premise solutions.
• Exclusive Funding Opportunities: AWS offers funding incentives through its Migration Acceleration Program (MAP), allowing partners like nClouds to help offset migration costs and making the transition more financially feasible.

Challenges to Consider When Migrating VMware to AWS

While the benefits of AWS migration are clear, the journey itself presents challenges that organizations need to address. Understanding the nuances of migrating from a VMware-based environment to AWS requires careful planning and execution. Some of the key challenges include the following:

• Data Transfer and Latency: Moving workloads from on-prem to AWS can sometimes result in latency issues, especially if large amounts of data are involved.
• Security and Compliance: Ensuring that all compliance requirements are met during migration is critical, especially for highly regulated industries like healthcare or finance.
• Downtime and Business Continuity: Minimizing downtime during the migration process is crucial for businesses that rely on 24/7 uptime.

Fortunately, AWS provides solutions like Direct Connect to mitigate latency and data transfer challenges, while its suite of security services ensures a compliant, secure migration path.

nClouds’ Role in Your AWS Migration

At this point, it is clear that migrating from VMware to AWS is not just a tactical decision but a strategic one. While the journey can seem daunting, AWS has a strong ecosystem of partners, like nClouds, that specialize in navigating this transition. 

Our Migration Readiness Assessment is designed to map out the most effective path forward for your organization—one that minimizes risk and maximizes the benefits of moving to AWS. We’ll help identify risks, highlight opportunities for optimization, and leverage AWS funding to ease the financial burden of migration. And of course, nClouds is here to support you every step of the way.

Take the Next Step toward Cloud Transformation

As the landscape of VMware changes, the pressure to make a decisive move increases. While staying with VMware may lead to further cost escalations, migrating to AWS offers a viable, cost-effective alternative that also improves security, scalability, and performance. Now is the time to rethink your strategy and explore how the cloud can enhance your IT infrastructure.

Don’t let the rising costs and operational complexities dictate your future. Schedule a free Migration Readiness Assessment with nClouds today and discover how AWS can help you regain control of your IT budget and operations.