VMware is becoming expensive – control costs now and secure your future viability
The world of virtualization is facing a turning point: Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware is more than just a change of ownership – it is changing the rules of the game. The abolition of perpetual licenses, the mandatory switch to subscriptions, and significant price increases are putting pressure on companies. What began as a license change is developing into a strategic risk for IT infrastructures and virtualization strategies.
The new reality
Existing VMware license models will expire in 2027. Companies are already reporting cost increases of 50 percent and more – without any additional value. At the same time, vendor lock-in is growing, slowing down cloud strategies, M&A scenarios, and technological development.
For top management, this means that not making a decision is not an option. Those who wait will lose control and competitiveness in IT operations.
The key risks for VMware users
Planned exit instead of reactive emergency solution
Replacing VMware is much more than a technical platform change—it is a strategic decision for the entire IT landscape. Sophisticated Alternatives such as Microsoft Hyper‑V, OpenShift Virtualization, or Proxmox offer stable, proven options.
Alternatives to VMware for SAP operations
However, not every technically suitable platform is automatically approved by SAP for productive use. It is crucial that the target environment is officially supported by SAP. In addition to VMware, several fully certified virtualization and cloud platforms are available, including Nutanix AHV and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with KVM, both of which are approved for relevant SAP scenarios—including business-critical systems such as SAP S/4HANA or SAP HANA. These technologies enable powerful, stable, economical, and future-proof operation of SAP workloads, even outside of traditional VMware infrastructures.
Smart transition
Regardless of the environment, the decisive factor is not the individual tool, but rather which combination of technologies best suits the company’s business strategy, cost structures, and future planning. A planned, multi-stage exit makes it possible to selectively remove areas from VMware, optimize costs, and maintain operational reliability and flexibility at the same time.
- Strategic fit instead of technology choice: The optimal solution is based on business objectives—not on a single product.
- Combination instead of either/or: Every alternative has its strengths and weaknesses. The trick is to migrate only those components that deliver real added value—and to stay where it makes sense to do so.
- Multi-stage, low-risk transformation: A structured approach reduces costs, minimizes migration risks, and ensures sustainable efficiency gains.
Greater transparency and decision-making confidence with our blueprint
Many companies underestimate the complexity of a VMware exit. Without a clear strategy and structured approach, there is a risk of unplanned downtime, hidden follow-up costs, and target architectures that are not future-proof.
Our consulting approach creates transparency and decision-making confidence at the management level. Instead of detailed technical discussions, we provide reliable decision-making bases, realistic cost and risk assessments, and a clear, actionable roadmap for transformation.
A proven blueprint enables a low-risk, controllable transition – from status quo analysis to proof of concept to step-by-step migration. The use of established technologies and suitable backup and security mechanisms ensures business continuity and cost control.
In the short term, companies benefit from reduced licensing and operating costs, in the medium term from efficiency gains through standardization and automation, and in the long term from strategic independence, greater flexibility, and significantly lower vendor lock-in.
Waiting increases uncertainty – proactive realignment creates options
The VMware acquisition is a wake-up call for management. Companies that take structured action now will secure cost control and technological sustainability.
“Those who act in a structured manner now will gain clarity, cost control, and genuine independence in future IT operations.”