Cost-Saving Tips for VMware Users Amid Price Changes
Summary
Broadcom re-establishing relationships with key cloud vendors like AWS and Azure has introduced additional uncertainty, as these cloud vendors are unable to resell VMware licenses.
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, virtualisation remains a cornerstone for many organisations.
VMware, a leading provider of virtualisation and cloud solutions, plays a crucial role in this domain. However, with recent price changes, organisations using VMware must explore strategies to manage and Optimise costs without compromising performance and functionality.
Here are 13 practical tips for VMware users to save costs effectively amid these price fluctuations.
1. Transition your workloads to a shared VMWare environment or migrate to Native cloud
One of the primary ways to save costs is to leverage service providers shared private cloud environments. Many offer fixed price solutions and the impact of the Broadcom shift to core licensing is negated as the platforms can be optimised and run at peak efficiency. A private cloud still allows seamless migration and scaling, providing flexibility to adjust resources based on demand.
With the innovation of cloud services like AWS and Azure, coupled with the evolving capabilities of AI, the VMware disruption could serve as the perfect catalyst for migrating to a cloud environment. This transition can unlock significant commercial advantages while fostering remarkable IT innovation.
2. Optimise Resource Allocation
One of the primary ways to save costs with VMware is to Optimise resource allocation. Over-provisioning resources can lead to unnecessary expenses. Use tools like VMware realize Operations to monitor and analyse resource usage. By right-sizing virtual machines (VMs), you can ensure that each VM gets the resources it needs without excess. This not only reduces costs but also improves overall system efficiency.
3. Leverage VMware Licensing Options
VMware offers various licensing options tailored to diverse needs. Evaluate your current licensing model to ensure it aligns with your actual usage. VMware’s Enterprise Licensing Agreements (ELAs) can provide significant savings for organisations with large deployments by offering discounts and more predictable budgeting. Additionally, consider switching to subscription-based models if they offer better value for your usage patterns.
4. Implement VMware Cloud Foundation
VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) integrates compute, storage, and network virtualisation with cloud management services. It provides a unified infrastructure platform that can reduce operational complexity and cost. By consolidating workloads and automating many processes, VCF can help you manage resources more efficiently and reduce the need for additional licenses or hardware.
5. Utilise VMware vSphere with Kubernetes
For organisations moving towards containerisation, VMware vSphere with Kubernetes (also known as Project Pacific) can offer significant cost benefits. It allows you to run containers and VMs on a single platform, streamlining operations and reducing the need for separate management tools and infrastructure. This integration helps in maximising the utilisation of existing resources and minimising additional expenses.
6. Implement Storage Optimisation Techniques
Storage costs can constitute a huge portion of your VMware expenses. Implementing storage Optimisation techniques such as deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning can lead to substantial savings. VMware vSAN, for example, offers integrated storage capabilities with advanced data reduction techniques that can help you lower storage costs while maintaining performance.
7. Automate and Orchestrate Workflows
Automation and orchestration are powerful tools for reducing operational costs. Using VMware’s automation tools like vRealize Automation can help streamline and automate repetitive tasks, reducing the need for manual intervention and thus lowering labour costs. Automated workflows ensure consistency, speed up deployment processes, and minimise the risk of human error, all contributing to cost savings.
8. Optimise Networking with VMware NSX
VMware NSX provides a software-defined networking solution that can help reduce the cost of networking infrastructure. By virtualising your network, NSX allows you to create, snapshot, delete, and restore entire networks programmatically without requiring manual changes to physical network infrastructure. This can lead to significant savings in both hardware costs and operational expenses.
9. Adopt a Multi-Cloud Strategy
Adopting a multi-cloud strategy can help you avoid vendor lock-in and take advantage of the best pricing available across different cloud providers. VMware’s multi-cloud solutions, such as VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware Tanzu, support various public cloud environments, allowing you to move workloads seamlessly between clouds and choose the most cost-effective options.
10. Regularly Review and Audit Your Environment
Conducting regular reviews and audits of your VMware environment is crucial for identifying areas where costs can be optimised. Use tools like VMware vRealise Operations and CloudHealth by VMware to gain insights into your resource usage, licensing, and overall infrastructure costs. These audits can uncover inefficiencies and help you make informed decisions about where to cut costs or reallocate resources.
11. Leverage Community and Partner Resources
VMware’s extensive partner ecosystem and active community can be valuable resources for cost-saving tips and best practices. Engage with VMware partners for insights on optimising your infrastructure and take advantage of community forums, user groups, and official VMware resources. These platforms often share innovative ways to save costs and improve efficiency.
12. Consider Alternative VMware Products
VMware offers a range of products that might better suit your organisation’s needs at a lower cost. For instance, VMware vSphere Essentials Kits are designed for small businesses and can be a cost-effective alternative to more comprehensive solutions. Evaluate the various VMware product offerings to ensure you are using the most cost-effective solutions that meet your requirements.
13. Stay Informed About VMware Updates and Promotions
VMware frequently updates its products and sometimes offers promotions or discounts. Stay informed about the latest developments by subscribing to VMware’s newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in VMware conferences like VMworld. Being aware of new features, pricing models, and promotional offers can help you take advantage of opportunities to save costs.
Conclusion
In the face of price changes, VMware users can adopt a variety of strategies to manage and reduce costs. From optimising resource allocation and leveraging licensing options to implementing automation and exploring hybrid cloud solutions, there are numerous ways to maintain a robust and cost-effective VMware environment.
Regular audits, community engagement, and staying informed about updates and promotions can further enhance your cost-saving efforts.
By adopting these tips, you can navigate the complexities of VMware pricing and ensure your organisation remains efficient and competitive.
If you are uncertain about how the latest VMware changes impact you and your business, Digital Space is offering fully funded VMware workshop to help businesses navigate these changes.
Register your interest in a funded VMware workshop here.
