VMware Licensing Changes and VxRail Uncertainty: What You Should Expect

VMware Licensing Changes and VxRail Uncertainty: What You Should Expect
By Guillaume André / on 17 May, 2024

VxRail Hardware and Software Considerations

The discontinuation of VxRail hardware partnerships by Broadcom has introduced uncertainty for many customers.

Understanding the distinct sides of a VxRail deployment - hardware and software - is crucial in navigating this new landscape. In a nutshell, maintaining VxRail production appliances in production boils down to addressing three main aspects:

  • Operating System support: Applying software updates, patches, and upgrades to the vSphere hypervisor, vCenter Server, and vSAN components.

  • Firmware patching: Applying firmware updates and patches for security, performance, and compatibility across hardware components.

  • Hardware maintenance: Ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of physical components.

Impact on VxRail Customers

What has changed with the acquisition of VMware by Broadcom?

  • Broadcom discontinued multiple hardware partnerships, and in particular with Dell over VxRail.
  • Dell VxRail Customers can therefore no longer rely on a Dell TLA (Transformational License Agreement) for their VMware support.
  • Dell also reportedly took the decision of withholding customers’ TLA unless maintenance contracts are renewed, effectively forcing customer into Broadcom’s subscription model.

As a result, VxRail customers are facing a significant cost challenge.

More information on the new subscription model: VMware Acquisition: Assessing Broadcom’s Changes

Options for VxRail Customers

While the discontinuation of VxRail hardware partnerships presents challenges, there are still options available for customers.

  • Direct Engagement with Broadcom: VxRail customers can directly contact Broadcom for information on licensing agreements and renewal options for their existing deployments. This however leaves open all hardware considerations (maintenance, patching).
  • Alternative HCI Solutions: Exploring alternative virtualization and HCI solutions from other vendors. On those topics, Forward Systems can provide valuable insights.

Forward Systems is partner with Vates and has deep experience migrating VxRail customers to the Vates stack (XCP-ng, XO, XOSTOR). As a third-party provider, we also address hardware maintenance, provisioning, and deployment of firmware patching through fully automated third-party processes.

Vates VS VMware

  • We deliver open solutions that have full-feature parity with your existing deployment, at a fraction of the cost and without vendor lock-ins.

Contact our team today for a short presentation on the best path forward for your organization: [email protected]

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