Broadcom’s purchase of VMware has resulted in higher costs and stricter contract conditions for businesses relying on its virtualization tools. As a result, many are rethinking their renewal plans and exploring other options. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can be challenging. To help you, we’ve put together a shortlist of VMware alternatives worth considering before your next renewal.
Top VMware alternatives for virtualization
Several platforms offer flexible, user-friendly, or cost-effective alternatives to VMware.
Proxmox VE
Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is an open-source platform that supports both traditional virtual machines and lightweight containers, which use fewer computing resources. This allows you to operate multiple applications on one physical server while maintaining optimal performance. To keep things simple, Proxmox includes a web-based interface that lets you manage everything in one place with no need to install additional tools or software.
Why choose Proxmox VE
Because it’s open-source software, Proxmox VE offers reliable virtualization without the high cost of proprietary solutions. It’s also easy to set up, and its web-based dashboard makes everyday management more accessible, even for smaller teams.
Potential drawbacks
Proxmox VE may be challenging for teams without prior experience managing servers or using Linux. On top of that, some administrative tasks still require command-line input, which may be a barrier for users who are more familiar with visual, point-and-click tools.
Apache CloudStack
As an open-source platform, Apache CloudStack is designed to manage large-scale virtualization across multiple locations. It’s well suited for complex environments because it can coordinate thousands of virtual machines across different data centers, regions, or cloud zones from a single interface. This centralized control makes it easier for IT teams to allocate resources, manage user access, and maintain system uptime as the infrastructure grows.
Why choose Apache CloudStack
Apache CloudStack offers the flexibility to support a variety of setups, whether you’re running systems in one location or across several. It works well for larger businesses and service providers that need to manage many users and machines under one roof. Because Apache CloudStack supports custom configurations, companies can scale their operations without needing to switch platforms in the future.
Potential drawbacks
Apache CloudStack’s power also makes it complex. Setting it up and keeping it running often demands more time and specialized knowledge than smaller teams have. Even with paid support, the platform can feel overwhelming for businesses that just need basic virtualization services.
Red Hat OpenShift
Red Hat OpenShift is a flexible platform that supports both traditional virtual machines and modern, container-based applications. It can run in public clouds, on on-premises servers, or in private data centers, giving businesses the freedom to choose how and where their applications are hosted.
Why choose OpenShift
Red Hat OpenShift brings multiple technologies together in one platform. In addition to virtual machines and containers, it supports more advanced workloads such as AI-driven applications. Teams also benefit from built-in features such as automated updates, strong security tools, and the ability to create repeatable workflows that streamline development. Once deployed, OpenShift scales easily and supports ongoing automation to keep operations running smoothly.
Potential drawbacks
Red Hat OpenShift is a powerful platform, but not always an easy one to get started with. Its many features and focus on container-based development can feel overwhelming to teams used to simpler, virtual machine-only environments. Furthermore, the initial learning curve and setup process may slow progress for organizations without cloud or DevOps expertise.
OpenStack
OpenStack is designed for businesses that need cloud solutions that can scale and customize as their requirements grow. Rather than offering a single, fixed setup, it’s made up of individual components, each responsible for a specific task such as storage, computing, or networking. These components combine to create one system, and you can combine them differently to match your organization’s needs.
Why choose OpenStack
OpenStack can handle complex setups and heavy workloads without locking you into a specific vendor or configuration. That makes it a popular choice among large businesses, cloud hosting providers, and research institutions. At Liberty Center One, we use OpenStack in our own cloud environments because it offers the stability and adaptability required to support a wide range of client needs.
Potential drawbacks
OpenStack can be challenging to set up and maintain, especially for teams without cloud experience. Plus, since it’s made up of many separate parts, everything needs to be configured to work together smoothly, something that takes time and technical know-how.
Planning your next move
Choosing the right virtualization platform is a big step toward a more flexible and cost-effective IT environment, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The right infrastructure partner is just as critical to ensure a successful and seamless transition. Liberty Center One delivers dependable cloud hosting and colocation services tailored to your virtualization needs. Backed by responsive, local support you can count on, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to start the conversation.