Embracing Change: What the VMware Acquisition Means for Your Organization

Are you uncertain about VMware’s future after the Broadcom acquisition? You’re not alone. The steady stream of changes that followed has created uncertainty across the IT landscape. There are many unanswered questions about licensing, product roadmaps, and the platform’s future.

The fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) are understandable but can be paralyzing for organizations. Instead of speculating, let’s concentrate on what we know: core functionalities remain, the industry is shifting toward cloud-based solutions, and there are concrete steps you can take to future-proof your VMware investment.

VMware changes are part of the industry’s shift to the cloud

Broadcom wasted no time shaking up the product lineup, and the recent changes announced for VMware were startling to many organizations. Here’s a quick breakdown of some key moves causing uncertainty:

• Licensing model shift: Although perpetual licenses are still valid and have been grandfathered in, VMware has discontinued the sale of new perpetual licenses. The focus has shifted to subscription-based models, such as VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and vSphere Foundation (VSF). These bundle core products like vSphere, vSAN, and NSX but require subscriptions for access and updates. The software in these bundles can no longer be purchased separately.
• Product line changes and discontinuations: VMware is streamlining its product portfolio. The End User Computing product line was sold to another firm, and CarbonBlack has been tied to the Symantec Security Suite. The Aria Suite (formerly vRealize) of tools is also changing, with the SaaS offering being discontinued. While core functionalities remain available in VCF and VSF, some features previously offered in standalone products may be discontinued.

Don’t allow your VMware investment to be wasted

Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Core VMware products and functionalities remain supported. Essential features like virtualization, storage, and networking capabilities are still available within the new subscription offerings. Organizations will continue to utilize their existing expertise for core functionalities so their VMware investments aren’t wasted.

These changes are part of a broader industry trend toward cloud-based solutions and managed services. The goal is to provide a more streamlined and scalable customer experience. The recent changes also reflect the industry’s increasing focus on cloud-native development. For example, VCF includes tools and services to streamline deployment for cloud environments.

There’s a real opportunity for organizations looking to protect their VMware investment. But future-proofing your operations requires adaptability — which might seem difficult if you’re already feeling outside of your comfort zone.

Harness your VMware investment with VMC on AWS

An excellent way to navigate the changing IT landscape is through VMware Cloud (VMC) on AWS. This solution can address many of the concerns stemming from the recent changes. As an example, by utilizing VMC on AWS and Effectual’s deep expertise, Heifer International was able to adhere to a tight migration timeline while aligning with their existing skill sets and meeting specific workload requirements.

Here’s how VMC on AWS can empower your organization:

• Reduce management burden. VMC on AWS eliminates the burden of managing hardware refreshes, software updates, patching, and licensing. This frees your team to concentrate on more strategic initiatives like application development, security, and data management.
• Leverage current expertise. Your existing VMware knowledge and processes translate well to VMC on AWS, ensuring your team’s skills and experience remain valuable assets.
• Provide a secure and scalable cloud environment. VMC on AWS offers a secure, scalable cloud environment that can grow alongside your business needs, allowing you to benefit from the agility and cost-efficiency of the cloud.

Unlock VMware’s potential and explore the possibilities

The acquisition of VMware has stirred up uncertainty, but change isn’t synonymous with decline. Core functionalities remain available, and solutions like VMC on AWS provide a clear path forward.

Don’t let FUD cloud your judgment. Embrace the inevitable industry shifts and seek expert guidance to navigate the changing landscape. Implementing solutions like VMC on AWS can transform uncertainty into innovation and growth. While VMware’s future may not be what you expected, with the right approach, it can be even brighter.

Explore the possibilities and unlock the full potential of your VMware investment at Effectual.com.