VMware Cloud on AWS will no longer be available for direct purchase through AWS as of April 30, 2024. Customers who have been purchasing VMware Cloud on AWS via AWS will no longer have the option to acquire new subscriptions, additional services, or extend their current subscriptions at renewal time.
This blog post dives into what this change means for both current users and prospective cloud adopters to understand what lies ahead and how to best plan your next steps.
Why Is VMware on AWS No Longer Directly Sold by AWS?
The decision to phase out VMware Cloud (VMC) on AWS appears to stem from Broadcom’s strategic review following its acquisition of VMware.
While VMC has been a preferred choice for many due to its similarity to on-prem VMware environments, it comes at a higher cost compared to native AWS solutions. This presents a pivotal opportunity for businesses to reassess and realign their cloud infrastructure for greater efficiency and innovation.
Immediate Impact on Current Users
For enterprises currently relying on VMware on AWS, this change raises immediate concerns regarding the continuity of services and support. AWS has assured current customers that while new purchases will be halted, existing deployments will continue to be supported according to existing agreements. Companies must now consider their contracts’ lifecycle and the support terms, focusing on any implications for service renewals or expansions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the real-world effects of the VMC changes once it is time for your contract renewal:
- Cost Increases
- Customers have been reporting licensing cost increases of 2-5X
- Identity
- No new MFA configurations can be made.
- No modifications to existing MFA configurations can be made.
- No new VMware accounts can be created.
- Commerce
- You will no longer be able to create, renew, upgrade, self-service purchase, or take any action on subscriptions from within the VMware Cloud Services portal. Read-only subscription information will be shown in relation to VMware Cloud Foundation services.
- VMware Cloud Services portal no longer integrates invoicing and statements.
- VMware Cloud Services portal no longer handles payment methods.
- VMware Cloud Services portal no longer supports the use of Promotional Credits.
This change creates major complexity for users to have to purchase and manage separately any new licenses or renewals. While VMware on AWS is technically not going away, the real-world implications of this change pigeonholes users into making a critical decision: migrate off VMware to AWS native solutions, or find an alternative cloud solution.
Migration Strategies
If you are thinking about migrating your VMware-based workloads to AWS, there are viable alternatives and robust migration strategies to ensure continuity. AWS offers several native tools designed to ease the transition, including AWS Migration Hub and AWS Application Migration Service, which streamline the transfer of applications, data, and workloads. These tools are part of a broader set of migration services, ensuring businesses can migrate seamlessly with minimal disruption.
Migrations can be messy, costly, and challenging if you do not have in-house expertise. Additionally, migrating to AWS native does not mean you’re left to figure it out on your own. For migrations starting in June and July of 2024, AWS is providing financing to aid customers in their transition. When planning your migration, you may want to consider working with an AWS partner.
For organizations that have traditionally relied on VMware due to familiarity with its management environment, the shift away from VMC on AWS could initially seem daunting due to perceived operational skill gaps. However, this also represents a critical opportunity for these organizations to upskill their teams in AWS operations, leveraging the advanced training and support AWS offers.
Life After Migration
Once your migration to AWS native services is complete, you will need to manage your cloud environment. Effectively managing your AWS environment is crucial to maximizing your cloud investment. That’s why working with an AWS-certified partner is helpful-not only to assist through the migration but also for life after migration.
Look for a partner that offers comprehensive management solutions that ensure your cloud environment is not only up and running but also optimized, secure, and cost-effective. A 100% AWS-focused partner will specialize in AWS cloud management and will be knowledgeable on the extensive range of AWS services designed to alleviate the complexities of managing your cloud.
Your Next Steps
Transitioning to a new cloud environment is not just a technical challenge but also an organizational one. Preparing your team for this change involves assessing your current and future technology needs, training staff in new technologies, and ensuring financial readiness for the migration. AWS provides various resources and training programs, along with financial incentives such as migration funding and service credits, to support businesses during this transition.
While migrations can be tricky, they also offer opportunities to optimize, innovate, and reduce operational complexities. Businesses that proactively plan and adapt will be better positioned to leverage the full benefits of cloud technology and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Riesgraf is a Senior Cloud Solutions Architect at Mission Cloud, a 100% AWS-focused cloud services and AI solutions partner. Brian is a veteran of the IT industry. Before joining Mission Cloud in 2021, Brian has held positions in network infrastructure and engineering at the University of Minesota, Optum and AWS.
