As discussed in our previous blog “From Static to Scalable: How VMware Cloud on AWS Empowers On-Demand Growth”, we reviewed how AWS could be a practical alternative to managing the VMware workloads, bearing in mind the cost optimization, security, and usability. In this blog we will discuss the tools and resources powered by AWS that let VMware workloads find a natural home.

Learn more about Broadcom’s recent VMware announcement in our recent blog

VMware Cloud on AWS

For the businesses who are currently invested in VMware environments, migrating to the cloud can be a tedious task. However, VMware Cloud on AWS (VMC on AWS) offers a compelling solution, opening up your existing VMware infrastructure to the vast potential of AWS. In addition, the content libraries enable you to sync resources from an on-premise environment to the cloud.

VMC on AWS creates a VMware Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC) within the AWS cloud. This SDDC operates on dedicated and isolated AWS infrastructure, allowing a business to run their existing VMware workloads, applications, and associated tools in a VMware environment while reaping the benefits of the AWS cloud, including:

  • Reduced Complexity and Risk: VMC on AWS leverages existing VMware knowledge and skills. It becomes easy to migrate the virtual machines and applications to the cloud without the need to learn and adapt to a completely new platform. Helping in reducing the learning curve and minimizing the risk of errors during migration.
  • Seamless Integration and Hybrid Flexibility: VMC on AWS seamlessly integrates with the on-premise VMware environment enabling a smooth workload migration. This will establish secure and private network connections between the on-premise vSphere infrastructure and the VMC on AWS SDDC.
  • Modernization Opportunities: VMC on AWS serves as a quick access tool for cloud modernization. While leveraging the existing VMware environment, it opens new opportunities to explore native AWS services. It becomes easy to integrate the migrated workloads with serverless computing, managed databases, and other AWS services as required.

AWS Migration Hub

You may be thinking, what if there could be a central hub to simplify the entire cloud migration journey to AWS? That’s exactly what AWS Migration Hub offers. This powerful tool acts as a command center, orchestrating the various aspects of your migration process and providing valuable insights throughout.

Here’s how AWS Migration Hub helps in an efficient and successful migration to AWS:

  • Centralized Visibility and Management: Eliminates the need to juggle multiple tools and fragmented information. It provides a unified view of your entire migration effort. You can track the progress of various applications and workloads undergoing migration, regardless of the migration tools you’re using.
  • Flexibility and Choice: Embrace a “best-of-breed” approach as it seamlessly integrates with a variety of AWS and partner migration tools. Whether you’re utilizing AWS-native tools like Server Migration Service (SMS) or Database Migration Service (DMS), or bespoke partner solutions, Migration Hub unites them all.
  • Integration with AWS Services: Exploits the broader AWS ecosystem for a seamless cloud migration experience. It integrates with services like AWS CloudTrail for comprehensive activity logging and Amazon CloudWatch for detailed monitoring of your migration tasks. This tight integration ensures a cohesive and efficient migration process within the AWS cloud environment.

Overall, utilizing AWS Migration Hub gains you a centralized command center for your cloud migration journey. It offers improved visibility, flexibility, automation, and ongoing optimization, paving the way for a smoother and more efficient transition to AWS.

AWS Partner Network (APN)

The AWS Partner Network (APN) offers a huge ecosystem of experienced partners to guide and support through the AWS cloud migration journey. 

The APN consists of multiple technology and consulting companies that have achieved recognition for their specialization of AWS services and solutions, including deep knowledge and expertise in AWS cloud migration projects. By taking advantage of the APN, one can gain access to a pool of trusted resources that empowers businesses to achieve a successful and effective migration to AWS.

  • Expertise and Specialization: APN partners come in various flavors, each with unique specializations. Some partners are Migration Consulting Partners, offering comprehensive migration services from planning and assessment to execution and post-migration support. Others specialize in specific areas like security, application modernization, or cost optimization. 
  • Tailored Solutions and Flexibility: Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, APN partners work collaboratively to understand the unique business goals, requirements, resources, and existing IT ecosystem. They can then create a customized migration plan accessing the appropriate AWS services and tools to optimize the cloud environment.
  • Proven Tools and Methodologies: Many APN partners have developed proven tools and methodologies specifically designed to streamline and accelerate cloud migrations. These tools can automate tasks like a workload, provision resources, and execute migration as well.

Discover AWS migration services tailored to small and medium businesses

Conclusion

While the transition from VMware to AWS may feel like a daunting process at first, making the most of the available tools and resources that support the entire process can smooth the cloud migration journey. It’s not always easy knowing where to start, yet with the right technology there are many benefits to be had that will ensure long-term success.

Looking for the AWS partners to slide you through the process? Contact us today!