The dust is settling on Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, but many of our customers are still looking to break away. While VMware is still a robust platform, the need for greater flexibility, reduced vendor lock-in, and cloud-native integration has led many to consider OpenShift Virtualization as a viable VMware alternative. That’s why we created the Replacing VMware with OpenShift Virtualization workbook, a useful guide to moving workloads without the chaos the rip and replace method brings. (But if you’re still weighing VMware alternatives, check out our workbook Navigate Beyond VMware with RackN for a more general process structure.)
Why OpenShift Virtualization?
OpenShift Virtualization (based on KubeVirt) allows enterprises to run traditional VMs alongside containers within Red Hat OpenShift. This approach has multiple advantages:
- Unified Platform – Manage VMs and containers in a single Kubernetes-native environment, reducing operational overhead
- Avoid Full Vendor Lock-In – Leverage open-source components while keeping enterprise support
- Cloud-Native Integration – Better incorporation of VMs into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows
- Strategic Workload Migration – Not all workloads need to move immediately, allowing for a phased transition
Steps for a Successful Migration Away from VMware
In this section, we drew a framework from real customer experiences. We found that a successful migration requires more than just technology replacement. Instead, it requires a thoughtful approach to workload selection, operational modernization, and long-term flexibility.
1. Start with Low-Risk, High-Value Workloads
We’ve found that our customers had the most success from these starting points:
- OpenShift clusters running in VMs
- Development/test environments
- API-driven ephemeral workloads
These “low-hanging fruit” workloads have simpler requirements and let teams build OpenShift Virtualization expertise in the meantime without impacting critical systems.
2. Follow the Four-Phase Validation Process
On top of that, we’ve seen that a phased approach limits the risks of adopting a new tool into your environment.
Proof of Concept (PoC): Validate basic functionality with non-production workloads, focusing on VM lifecycle operations and storage integration.
Trial: Test production-equivalent workloads to make sure performance meets requirements for networking, storage, and operational workflows.
Pilot: Migrate first production workloads while establishing monitoring, backup procedures, and team training programs.
Production: Finish migration of targeted workloads with full automation and governance in place.
3. Modernize Operations Along the Way
While transitioning, there’s a great opportunity to future-proof your environment and avoid some of the headaches the vendor lock-in from VMware caused in the first place. We found these areas were good places to break away from vendor-specific processes.
- Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices
- Adopt API-driven automation
- Separate VM administration from container management
A bare-metal abstraction layer like Digital Rebar goes a long way in ensuring long-term flexibility.
Ready to Get Started with OpenShift Virtualization?
Transitioning from VMware to OpenShift Virtualization (or any VMware alternative) is a significant but manageable undertaking. By focusing on the right workloads, validating the environment, and modernizing processes, teams reduce reliance on VMware without disrupting operations. Start on the right foot by reading our in-depth workbook or by scheduling a demo today.
Trying to decide what VMware alternative to use? Check out our recent post, Tired of VMware?, which walks through the options available while giving our thoughts on each one.
