VMware Migration to OpenStack

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware and subsequent licensing changes have incentivized organizations around the world to re-evaluate their virtualization strategy. OpenStack, the open source standard for cloud infrastructure, has emerged as a leading alternative. Over 80% of OpenInfra members have already talked to customers about migrating workloads from VMware to OpenStack.

OpenStack’s flexibility and open development enables organizations to:

Implement a cost effective virtualization strategy by avoiding vendor lock-in
Modernize their infrastructure with a cloud native strategy
Customize their stack through increased integration options
Rely on a global ecosystem and diverse, active open source contributors
Maintain complete ownership of their infrastructure

Join Us VMware to OpenStack Migration Guide

OpenStack allows us to avoid vendor lock-in and allows us to customize our infrastructure to meet our specific needs. We can integrate various open-source tools and platforms, which is something we couldn't do with proprietary systems. Additionally, OpenStack's community-driven development model means we can contribute back and benefit from innovations made by others.

- Tad Van Fleet, GEICO Distinguished Architect

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Planning a migration from VMware?

This migration guide outlines the why, when, and how, with technical insights and examples from global adopters.

Read the Migration Guide

OpenStack Features that aren’t in VMware

OpenStack	VMware
SSH key or user data injection OpenStack provides out-of-the-box SSH key and user data injection via the metadata API endpoint with the help of cloud-init. The user can configure this dynamically.	SSH key or user data injection This capability doesn’t exist out of the box in VMware. It is technically possible to inject keys or user data via a template and cloud-init or script into the VM.
Concept of ephemeral data and base images In OpenStack the recommendation is to use virtual machine images that rely on base images as ephemeral. This follows the cloud-native approach and enables CoW (Copy on Write), which provides significant benefits in boot speed and resource savings (i.e., no data copy).	Persistent disks only By definition, all disks in VMware are persistent.
Adjusting based on your needs OpenStack and its components are open source and can be adjusted if necessary. For example, new capabilities can be added, or third-party tools can be integrated.	Adjusting based on your needs VMware is closed source and cannot be modified. All missing requirements need to be implemented by Broadcom.
Read the Migration Guide to compare features

Source: VMware to OpenStack Migration Guide

OpenInfra Foundation Members Supporting Migration

from VMware to OpenStack

The OpenInfra Member: VMware Migration working group formed to collaboratively address the market opportunity for organizations to re-define their virtualization strategy. Participants represent the global ecosystem of OpenStack experts who support the OpenInfra Foundation. New participants are welcome to join, share VMware migration experience, and build more OpenStack awareness as a virtualization alternative.