VMware Alternatives

You have choice. Azure VMware Solution (AVS) or Azure Native VMs.

VMware to Azure Migration

Broadcom's recent acquisition of VMware has IT teams worried about product, licensing and pricing implications. As virtualization continues to evolve, it’s important to understand the key differences and benefits of virtualization options between VMware, Azure VMware Solution (AVS), and Azure Native VMs.

VMware

Mature with advanced networking, storage, and security features. Its flexibility and strong community support make it ideal for businesses needing tight control over virtual environments.

Azure VMware Solution (AVS)

Dedicated platform for running VMware in Azure, combining VMware familiarity with Azure scalability. Ideal for businesses keeping VMware setups while benefiting from Azure cloud services.

Azure Native VMs

Cloud platform offering services beyond virtualization like AI, analytics, and IoT. Great for businesses wanting full Azure integration, fast scaling, and broad cloud capabilities.

Navigating Your Virtualization Options

As businesses look beyond on-premises VMware—especially with rising fees—Microsoft Azure offers two strong options: Azure VMware Solution (AVS) and Azure Native VMs. Here's a quick comparison to help you choose.

Feature
Azure VMware Solution (AVS)
Azure Native VMs
Overview
Enables you to run VMware workloads natively on Azure's dedicated infrastructure.
Provides scalable, on-demand computing resources within Azure's cloud environment.
Migration Complexity
low
Lift-and-shift existing VMware workloads with minimal modifications.
MODERATE TO HIGH
Requires re-architecting applications to leverage Azure Native services.
Tool Familiarity
HIGH
Continue using familiar VMware tools and processes.
LOW
Teams need to adapt to Azure management tools and practices.
Integration with Azure Services
MODERATE
Access to Azure services, though some limitations may apply.
HIGH
Full integration with all Azure Native features and services.
Performance Optimization
GOOD
Performance comparable to on-premises VMware environments.
EXCELLENT
Optimized for cloud scalability and performance.
Cost Structure
MODERATE
Pay only for the resources you use.
LOW
Pay-as-you-go pricing based on provisioned resources; potential for costs savings through reserved instances.
Scalability
HIGH
Scale resources up or down based on demand within the AVS environment.
HIGH
Leverage Azure's global infrastructure for dynamic scaling.
Security & Compliance
STRONG
Benefit from Azure's security features while maintaining existing VMware security policies.
STRONG
Utilize Azure's comprehensive security and compliance offerings.
Use Cases
Ideal for organizations seeking to migrate existing VMware workloads to the cloud without altering processes.
Suited for businesses aiming to modernize applications, leverage cloud-native features, or build new applications in the cloud.
Azure VMware Solution (AVS)

Migrate VMware Workloads to Azure with Minimal Disruption

Azure VMware Solution (AVS) allows you to run VMware workloads natively on Azure, enabling a seamless extension or migration from your on-premises environment. This lets organizations modernize their infrastructure without re-architecting applications or retraining IT staff.

Key Benefits
Seamless Migration
Lift-and-shift VMware workloads directly to Azure using tools like vMotion—no need to refactor.
Operational Continuity
POPULAR
Retain your existing VMware ecosystem, including vSphere,vSAN, and NSX, while leveraging your team's current expertise.
Azure Integration
Access native Azure services such as AI, Azure Backup, and Azure Monitor to enhance and secure your VMware applications.
Considerations
Cost Management
AVS pricing is host-based—ensure alignment with your cost optimization strategies.
Feature Compatibility
While AVS integrates well with Azure, certain cloud-native features may require Azure Native VMs for full utilization.
Azure NATIVE VMs

Modernize Applications to Unlock Full Azure Potential

Azure Native VMs migration involves re-architecting or refactoring your workloads to take full advantage of Azure’s platform services. This approach is ideal for organizations aiming to modernize legacy applications, improve performance, and reduce long-term operational costs.

Key services include Azure Virtual Machines (VMs), Azure App Service, Azure SQL Database, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).

Key Benefits
Cloud-Native Optimization
Leverage Azure's full elasticity, high availability, and global infrastructure to scale intelligently.
Cost Efficiency
POPULAR
Benefit from consumption-based pricing models, reserved instances, and automated scaling to optimize spend.
Accelerated Innovation
Easily integrate with advanced services like Azure OpenAI, Azure Synapse, and machine learning to drive digital transformation.
Considerations
Time and Skill Requirements
Refactoring applications requires investment in cloud expertise and development cycles.
Organizational Change
Teams may need new processes and skills to manage cloud-native architectures effectively.

Why Choose Opticca for Your VMware to Azure Migration?

Whether you're looking for a fast, low-risk migration with Azure VMware Solution (AVS) or are ready to modernize with Azure Native services, Opticca has the demonstrated experience to carry your journey from start to finish.

We Deliver Both Migration Paths – End to End

Opticca helps you assess, plan, and execute the strategy that’s right for your business:

AVS Migration

We make it easy to move workloads to Azure, preserve existing VMware operations, and unlock Azure scalability—no app refactoring needed.

Azure Native Migration

Ready to replatform? We’ll modernize infrastructure, right-size workloads, and align your apps to native Azure compute, storage, and networking resources for long-term cloud agility.

What Makes Opticca Different?

We don’t just migrate VMs—we transform your cloud foundation with speed, predictability, and long-term value. Here's how:

Proven Cloud Migration Methodology
Our approach follows Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) and includes:
Discovery & Assessment
of your current VMware estate
Strategy Alignment
POPULAR
based on business and technical goals
Migration Planning
for either AVS or Azure-native targets
Execution & Optimization
using automation, IaC, and Azure tools
Accelerators That Speed Up and De-Risk Your Migration
Our proven tools and frameworks help you:
Stand up secure, scalable environments faster
Avoid manual missteps that slow down projects
Ensure consistency across environments from day one
Streamline patching, security alignment, and governance
Access to Microsoft Funding Programs
Opticca can secure Microsoft funding to offset the cost of:
Azure migration and modernization
Proof-of-concepts or pilot projects
POPULAR
Deep Expertise with Azure + VMware
Our certified experts bring years of experience running VMware in enterprise environments and designing Azure-native architectures. We’ll help you:
Understand which apps should go to AVS vs. Azure Native
Right-size your infrastructure to reduce spend
Architect for scalability, security, and compliance
PROOF OF QUALITY

Comprehensive expertise of Microsoft Azure solutions.

Microsoft Solutions Partner designations elevate Opticca’s already extensive solutions and services portfolio, giving customers access to repeatable, scalable solutions that maximize their investments in Microsoft technology.

Navigating VMWare challenges with Modernization

Ready to Migrate with Confidence?

Whether you're maintaining your existing VMware investment or accelerating digital transformation with Azure Native services, Opticca helps you get there—faster, safer, and more cost-effectively.

Contact us today to learn more about how our Azure Migration Services can transform your cloud experience, letting you focus on what you do best—running your business.

Book Your Free Azure Migration Assessment Today

Let us help you choose the right path while reducing risk and cost along the way.

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