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COMPLETE GUIDE

VMware to AWS Migration

Are you actively exploring a VMware to Amazon Web Services (AWS) migration and need to make quick progress?

In an era where agility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness are paramount, making the leap to the cloud can feel daunting. Our complete guide will help you prepare for and navigate this journey successfully.

VMWare to AWS Migration navigation

At Cloud Bridge, this is where our expertise comes into play. We've meticulously crafted a straightforward guide to help you navigate the maze of migration challenges with precision and confidence, ensuring a smooth transition that could be delivered at zero cost.

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover:
  • Why your business can benefit from a VMware to AWS migration: Understanding the imperative behind migration is crucial. We’ll explain the benefits of cloud computing, including the enhancement of performance, cost optimisation, and the ability to leverage advanced technologies.
  • Common migration concerns - debunked: Migrations can be complex. They may involve various elements such as potential costs, operational disruptions, and the need for ongoing support after the migration is complete. We will delve into the most common concerns businesses have shared with us when considering a data migration, and how migrating from VMware to AWS will be different (i.e., easier!).
  • VMware to AWS step-by-step: Migrating to AWS doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our step-by-step process breaks down the migration into manageable phases, aiding clarity from initial assessment to full implementation.
  • How to calculate migration costs: We’ll give you a transparent overview of potential costs, including what to expect at each stage of the migration. This will empower you to budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Where to start your migration journey:  Using our extensive expertise and experience, we’ll give you actionable steps to kick off your migration journey, including critical checkpoints and resources to keep you on track.

 

WHY THE NEED?

Options for and benefits of VMWare to AWS Migration

With significant changes to Broadcom’s VMware offerings, many organisations now see migrating to AWS as both critical and time-sensitive to maintain cost efficiency and future-proof their operations

There are two primary approaches that tend to stand out when considering a migration from VMware to AWS: native migration and VMware Cloud on AWS.

Listed in this section are some pros and cons between the two choices, together with the benefits of the full AWS migration. 

Common Concerns Organisations Have About Migrating From VMware to AWS

Migrations are common for businesses looking to adapt to changing market demands, upgrade their systems, or streamline their operations.

However, we’ve worked with many organisations that still have concerns about how the process of migration can affect their operations, budget, and future plans.

They’re right to think carefully about migration. The process of migration involves a myriad of elements that can make it a complex and challenging journey. However, with the right map and experienced navigators, this journey becomes much more straightforward and streamlined.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common concerns we’ve come across when helping our customers migrate from VMware to AWS, and how they can be mitigated: 

Cost

Migrating data, applications, or entire systems is a complex process requiring careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption to business operations. One of the biggest concerns during migration is cost, especially when moving to new infrastructure and services. While migrations demand upfront investment, it's just as important to weigh the financial risks of staying with legacy systems—particularly given VMware’s recent price increases and uncertain future.

AWS, with its pay-as-you-go model, offers great flexibility, though we acknowledge that managing cloud costs can be challenging. AWS charges for a range of resources, leading to monthly cost fluctuations based on usage. However, AWS also has a strong history of price reductions over time, which presents long-term cost-saving opportunities for organisations.

At Cloud Bridge, our FinOps team works with you to optimise AWS usage, helping to manage and forecast costs more effectively. By ensuring you right-size your cloud environment and scale efficiently, we help mitigate unpredictable expenses—so you only pay for what you use.

In addition to flexibility, AWS provides robust security through encryption and network isolation, ensuring that as your organisation grows, your data remains secure. Services like Amazon WorkSpaces Core allow you to customise your virtual desktop infrastructure, providing the flexibility to scale up or down as needed while maintaining control over costs.

With expert cost management and tailored strategies, AWS can offer both the flexibility and efficiency you need to innovate and thrive.

The best part?

An AWS partner such as Cloud Bridge can unlock funding to cover some or all of the migration costs.

Anticipating Operational Disruptions

Another concern businesses voice is the potential for operational disruptions. When migrating critical systems or applications, there is a risk of downtime, performance issues, or data loss if the migration is not executed properly.

This is why it’s crucial to develop a comprehensive migration plan that includes contingency measures to mitigate the impact of any disruptions.

Communication with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, is also essential to manage expectations and minimise disruptions during the migration process.

Experienced Navigators

To make the migration streamlined and efficient, with minimal downtime, many businesses are opting for highly experienced navigators to guide them through the migration process.

Cloud Bridge experience

At Cloud Bridge, our AWS Migration Competency Partners have completed hundreds of migrations. We are confident in our experience keeping the process smooth and efficient for businesses across different industries. 

Will it work?

When considering a transition from VMware to AWS, many organisations have expressed concern about the potential for disruption, unexpected costs, and uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of the migration.

Common questions include:

Will AWS cloud services deliver at least the same performance as VMware?

AWS has demonstrated the capability to deliver high performance for a vast array of workloads. You will have access to a scalable environment designed to for your unique needs. 

How many adjustments to existing applications will we have to make, and will there be unsupported configurations?

This all depends on your unique setup, which is why it’s crucial to take the time to evaluate your current environments against AWS's offerings. Cloud Bridge’s experts will help you map your environment efficiently and effectively and then provide you with the navigation you need to adjust your current applications smoothly and with minimal downtime. 

What happens if we go over our budget and/or timeline?

Careful planning and strategic execution will help you mitigate going over budget and past your timeline. Employing Cloud Bridge’s knowledgeable experts means that you have the industry’s best navigators planning your migration to AWS. Together, we’ll create a detailed migration plan that outlines timelines, key resources, and mitigates risks.

Additionally, our access to the AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) helps secure funding for your migration.

The key to success

While fears regarding the migration from VMware to AWS are valid and common, these concerns can be addressed through a strategic approach, expert guidance, and the innovative capabilities of AWS.

The right resources

With the right resources and support, you can leverage AWS to its full potential, ultimately transforming your operations and unlocking new avenues for growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

The Need for Ongoing Support

After migration to AWS, businesses wonder how they are going to receive ongoing support, including continuous monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation – and how to navigate in this new and unfamiliar environment in the first place. Also, will they be able to modernise and scale up easily through AWS in an affordable and seamless way?

Thankfully, AWS and Cloud Bridge together offer a vast ecosystem of tools and services to allow instant scalability to innovate, grow, and compete.

FinOps

When it comes to costs, Cloud Bridge’s FinOps tools can be a key asset. They give you a clear picture of your costs, usage, and even security. You’ll have the full story of what you're spending and what you may need to spend in the future. We also help you identify where you can save more, without sacrificing performance, all at no cost to you.

Managed Service

And to help you manage your new AWS environment, we offer Cloud Bridge Managed Services, which take over a diverse range of day-to-day tasks. We seamlessly integrate as an extension of your team so that you can focus on propelling your business forward. 
Migrating from VMWare to AWS

VMWare to AWS Migration

Adam (CRO) and Tom (CTO) discuss how to support organisations wishing to migrate to AWS from VMware.


Things to Consider Before Migrating from VMware to AWS

As with any data migration campaign, having a plan of action is key for a successful migration from VMware to AWS. 

Whether you plan to do it yourself, or partner with us to get the best out of your migration, there are some important considerations when planning your organisation’s migration strategy: 

COSTS

Understanding Migration Costs

Costs can be categorised into several distinct areas. These include initial planning and assessment, migration execution, infrastructure resources, ongoing operational expenses, and potential post-migration optimisations. Understanding these components will help you allocate budgets more effectively.

1. Initial Planning and Assessment Costs

The first phase of the migration process typically incurs costs related to planning and assessment. This involves evaluating the current IT environment and determining which applications, workloads, and data require migration. Costs in this phase may include:

  • Consultancy Fees: Engaging external experts for consultation on migration strategies can provide invaluable insights and speed up the assessment process.
  • Tools and Licensing: Some organisations may opt for migration assessment tools or software that assist in inventory tracking and dependency mapping. Licensing fees for these tools should be factored into the budget.
  • Internal Resources: Time invested by internal staff in evaluation and planning must also be considered. This may include the hours dedicated to meetings, creating migration roadmaps, and collaboration with teams across the organisation.

2. Migration Execution Costs

The execution stage involves the actual migration of data and workloads to the AWS cloud. This phase can lead to significant costs, including:

  • Training and Development: Ensuring that your team is well-trained to handle the migration may require spending on training programmes or workshops. Investing in developing skills for AWS services can yield long-term benefits.
  • Data Transfer Fees: Transferring data into AWS can incur costs. While inbound data transfers are typically free, the transfer of large volumes of data can lead to additional charges, so it’s important to estimate these costs before migration. Securing MAP funding through Cloud Bridge might mitigate these costs.
  • Migration Tools and Services: Cloud providers often have tools that facilitate migration, such as the AWS Migration Hub and AWS Database Migration Service.
  • External Resources: If organisations choose to partner with a migration services provider, costs related to professional services should be considered. This could include fees for consultants or service providers involved in the technical execution of the migration.
3. Infrastructure Resource Costs

Once your workloads are successfully migrated to AWS, you’ll mainly be focusing on any ongoing infrastructure costs. These costs vary based on usage and resource allocation models:

  • Compute Resources: The most significant ongoing expense will likely be for instances to run applications in the cloud. AWS operates on a pay-as-you-go model, but it is essential to estimate the number and specifications of the instances you will need to ensure the right budgetary allocation. Cloud Bridge’s FinOps tools and consultancy services will help you with this. 
  • Storage Costs: Storing data in AWS incurs various costs depending on the storage type, such as Amazon S3, EBS, or Glacier. Each option has different pricing structures, forecasts and plans for the amount of data expected to be stored.
  • Network Charges: Data transfer within AWS, especially across different regions or services, can also incur costs. Understanding these charges and estimating likely network usage is critical for effective budgeting.
4. Ongoing Operational Expenses

Continuous operational expenses also become a part of the budget. These can include:

  • Monitoring and Management Tools: Many organisations will choose to invest in tools that allow them to monitor performance and resource utilisation regularly. At Cloud Bridge, our FinOps services come at no cost to you. By analysing your spend and leveraging our AWS partner discounts, we maximise value for your investment.
  • Support Plans: AWS offers various support options, which can range from basic to enterprise-level support. Each plan has its associated costs, and selecting the proper level of support can impact the migration budget.
  • Backup and Recovery: Many businesses implement backup and recovery solutions, which help ensure data integrity and availability. There are costs associated with storage and services used for these functions, which should be included in the operational expense forecast.
5. Post-Migration Optimisation Costs

Finally, post-migration, organisations may identify the need to optimally manage and adapt their infrastructure for performance and cost-efficiency:

  • Refactoring or Re-architecting Applications: Migrating to AWS is often the perfect opportunity to modernise or refactor existing applications to take advantage of cloud-native capabilities. This might have additional costs for development and integration that should be highlighted in the budget.
  • Workload Optimisation: Continuous optimisation of workloads may require investments in tools or services that help analyse usage and suggest improvements for resource allocation, which can help manage costs moving forward.
Costs Summary

Understanding the potential costs associated with migration to AWS is paramount for effective budgeting and financial planning. Each stage of the migration involves different financial implications, from initial planning and assessment through migration execution, ongoing infrastructure resources, and potential post-migration optimisation.

By having a transparent overview of all associated costs, you can avoid unexpected expenses, setting the stage for a successful and sustainable transition to the cloud.

This is why we at Cloud Bridge are committed to supporting organisations throughout the migration process by offering guidance, insights, and best practices tailored to your individual needs.

By leveraging our expertise, you can navigate the complexities of cloud migration with confidence while effectively managing your budgets and resources. 

GETTING STARTED

How To Get Started with a Successful Migration from VMware to AWS

Whenever we start a migration journey with a new customer, we make sure to have a clear understanding of where we need to start and the actionable steps involved.

Transitioning to AWS can seem daunting, but organisations can effectively kick off their migration with the right approach and resources.

Below are a series of critical checkpoints and resources we use to help our customers stay on track throughout the process.  

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Cloud Bridge Offers An Easy And Reliable Step-by-Step Migration Process

Many organisations find that migrating from VMware to AWS can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

We at Cloud Bridge offer a step-by-step process that breaks down the migration into manageable phases, providing clarity from the initial assessment to full implementation.

One of the best parts about partnering with us is that we provide The AWS Migration Acceleration Program, which is specifically designed to simplify and streamline the migration process to AWS. 

The Key phases of Migration

We divide AWS migration into three key phases: Assess, Mobilise, and Migrate/Modernise.

These phases are carefully structured to help organisations approach the migration of multiple applications with ease and efficiency.

By following the AWS Migration Acceleration Program, our customers can leverage AWS best practices and Cloud Bridge’s experience in migrating numerous applications, ensuring a successful and smooth transition to the AWS cloud.

1. Assess Phase

This is the first phase of the migration process. Here, we’ll evaluate your current infrastructure, applications, and data to determine the scope and requirements of the migration.

This phase involves conducting a thorough assessment of the existing environment to identify dependencies, performance metrics, and potential challenges that may arise during the migration.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of existing infrastructure allows us to develop a clear migration strategy and roadmap for the transition to AWS. Important aspects of this phase include:

  • Inventory and Mapping: Documenting all applications and workloads currently in use, along with their dependencies. This helps in prioritising what should be migrated and understanding potential issues that could arise during the migration process.
  • Performance Analysis: Collecting performance data can inform decisions regarding which instances to use on AWS, how much storage is needed, and any changes required to meet organisational goals.
  • Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks associated with the migration is a crucial step. By understanding what challenges lie ahead, we can create contingency plans and reduce potential disruptions during the actual migration.

2. Mobilise Phase

Once the assessment is complete, we’ll move into the Mobilise phase. This stage focuses on preparing the necessary resources and tools for the migration process.

Key activities in this phase include:

  • Setting Up Resources: This involves tasks such as preparing CSV files, importing data, and setting up the AWS environment to ensure it’s ready for migration.
  • Developing Migration Strategies: Based on the information we’ve gathered during the Assess phase, we’ll formulate a detailed migration plan. This may involve scheduling timelines and identifying team members responsible for each aspect of the process.
3. Migrate/Modernise Phase

In this final phase, we’ll execute our migration plans and take the opportunity to modernise your applications to leverage the full capabilities of the AWS cloud. Key components of this phase include:

  • Migration Execution: This involves transferring applications, data, and workloads to AWS. At this stage, we’ll make strategic decisions about which applications to lift-and-shift, re-platform, or completely refactor for the cloud environment.
  • Optimisation: During the migration, we will optimise workloads for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
  • Tapping into Funding: During this phase, we’ll utilise various AWS funding programmes to reduce your financial load. 

Ongoing Support from Cloud Bridge

As an AWS Migration Competency Partner, we provide expert support and guidance throughout the migration process. By partnering with Cloud Bridge, you’ll benefit from seamless migration, cost savings, and access to a team of experienced professionals who can assist at every step of the migration journey.

We ensure organisations have the tools and resources needed for a successful migration. Our knowledgeable team can offer insights and recommendations drawn from years of experience in executing migrations for various clients.

Your VWWare to AWS Migration Partner

A partnership with Cloud Bridge can yield substantial benefits, including not just a successful migration, but also long-term support and strategies for optimisation post-migration.

Through careful planning and execution, your journey from VMware to AWS can be a transformative experience that positions organisations for future growth and innovation, making it an essential consideration in an increasingly cloud-centric business landscape.
Step by step VMWare to AWS migration
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VMware to AWS Migration Process

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Case Studies: Migration & Beyond

Learn more about how Cloud Bridge has helped hundreds of organisations across industries seamlessly navigate their AWS migration:

  1. Lendscape’s Cloud Migration Story - After an initial cloud migration proved unsuccessful, this company turned to Cloud Bridge for help. 
  2. Discover how other organisations utilised FinOps through Cloud Bridge- An excellent example of how Cloud Bridge helps organisations benefit through cost savings from FinOps.
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Cloud Bridge Is Ready to Help You Access AWS Like Never Before

Migration from VMware to AWS is more than just a technological shift; it marks a strategic move that can provide substantial advantages across various dimensions of your operations.
At Cloud Bridge, we recognise that every journey is unique. To successfully navigate this transition and fully realise the benefits AWS has to offer, we invite you to take advantage of our free assessment services.

Our team of migration experts will work closely with you to evaluate your current infrastructure, understand your goals, and outline a tailored migration strategy that suits your needs.
Let us guide you through the complexities of the migration process and help you leverage the transformative power of the cloud for your organisation. By making this strategic move, you'll not only optimise your operations but also pave the way for innovation and growth in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Migrating to AWS presents a wealth of benefits, from scalability and cost efficiency to advanced technologies and robust security. By approaching the migration process with clarity and structured steps, organisations can address any challenges that arise and fully capitalise on the advantages of cloud computing.

At Cloud Bridge, our mission is to empower you throughout your journey and help you unlock the potential of the cloud for your business's success.

Enjoy the bright future that awaits you in the world of cloud computing. Contact Cloud Bridge today to start your cloud transformation journey. 

 

Email

sales@cloud-bridge.com

Phone

+44 (0)1628 965200

Office

Chiltern House, 49-51 Dean St, Marlow, SL7 3AA