Should I stay, or should I go now?
Should I stay, or should I go now?
If I go, there will be trouble
And if I stay, it will be double
So come on and let me know…
Many organizations are considering a move away from VMware, but some hesitate after hearing the numbers. Gartner reports that migrating 2,000 or more virtual machines (VMs) running on at least 100 servers could take 18 to 48 months. If you bring in external service providers, each VM migration might cost between $300 and $3,000.
Those figures can sound overwhelming. The truth is, migration doesn’t have to be that difficult or expensive. In many cases, moving away from VMware often makes sense with the support of the right vendor and approach.
Should You Stay or Should You Go?
If you’re currently deciding whether to migrate away from VMware, you’re not alone. Broadcom’s overhaul of VMware and its licensing model has reshaped the virtualization landscape. Its shift to a subscription-only model has replaced familiar perpetual licenses. This has driven up costs and forced customers into rigid, three-year commitments, especially when renewing vSphere licenses.
Many businesses now feel locked into expensive, long-term agreements with little flexibility. But the situation has evolved. Since Broadcom announced its licensing changes in late 2023, a growing number of vendors have stepped up with strong, viable alternatives.
Let’s explore VMware migration myths and truths. Why is VMware migration not as difficult as it seems?
VMware Migration Myth: If I Go, There Will Be Trouble
Migration doesn’t have to be painful. With the right plan and support, you can move through the process smoothly, in phases, and without disrupting operations. Modern tools and platforms streamline VM migration with automation, workload discovery, and minimal manual effort.
You don’t need to rip and replace everything overnight. Many businesses take a staged approach, migrating non-critical workloads first and building confidence along the way. Others start with hybrid environments, allowing them to move at their own pace.
The key is working with an experienced VMware replacement vendor who understands both your current environment and where you want to go. They’ll help you avoid pitfalls, optimize the migration path, and ensure you stay operational, every step of the way.
Case Study: A Smooth VMware Migration That Avoids VMware Licensing Fees
Süßen, a city of over 10,000 people in the Göppingen district of Baden-Württemberg, runs 13 facilities across its area. When Broadcom discontinued its VMware license, the city’s IT team set out to find a reliable, cost-effective alternative. Their solution? A leading VMware replacement that delivers at a competitive price in comparison to many other options on the market. Read the full case study.
VMware Migration Truth: And If I Stay, It Will Be Double!
While the idea of migrating might seem daunting, the cost of staying can quietly stack up. Broadcom’s licensing changes have led to higher fees, multi-year bundling, and longer-term commitment. What once felt like a stable platform is now a source of growing cost and operational friction – if you don’t fit within Broadcom’s target market.
Staying might seem like the path of least resistance, but many customers are finding that it’s actually more disruptive over time. This is both financially and operationally. Staying may come with hidden risks and long-term limitations. These might be:
- Vendor lock-in: You’re committing to staying with VMware for the next three years, no matter the changes in your business operations or finances.
- Increased costs: If the new licensing bundle increases your costs, what extra value will you get? If there’s no clear value-add, could it be a waste?
- Less support: One large VMware customer, AT&T, filed suit against Broadcom over a VMware licensing disagreement, alleging it was being bullied into subscribing to products it did not need. If even large enterprises feel the pressure, could your business also suffer from less support?
By contrast, exploring other, realistic VMware alternatives could give you greater control, lower costs, and better alignment with your goals.
How to Manage a VMware Migration
Managing a VMware migration involves a series of critical steps:
- Planning
- Assessment
- Tool selection
- Implementation
- Validation
- Optimization of your new environment
Doing this alone can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! The support of an experienced, helpful, and trustworthy vendor can make all the difference when managing your VMware migration.
To address the question, “Should you stay or should you go?”, we believe the right vendor can simplify your VMware migration, ensuring a smooth transition and delivering long-term cost savings. With the right support, moving to a new environment becomes a much easier and more beneficial decision. Making it much easier to “go”! Research the leading VMware alternatives in the latest DCIG report today.
