The VMware–Broadcom acquisition has forced many IT leaders to reevaluate their virtualization strategies in 2025. Rising licensing costs, uncertain support models, and increasing vendor lock-in have left enterprises searching for a sustainable alternative. Recognized by Gartner as a Sample Vendor for VMware Alternative, Sangfor has emerged as a reliable solution that delivers simplicity, cost-efficiency, and enterprise-grade performance.
This blog provides a step-by-step VMware exit plan, designed for IT teams who need to migrate smoothly, minimize downtime, and ensure long-term business continuity.
Market Landscape & Industry Trends
- Rising Licensing Costs – New pricing structures have significantly increased the total cost of ownership, straining IT budgets.
- Support Uncertainty – Customers are reporting slower response times and reduced personalized service under the new VMware structure, leaving IT teams concerned about long-term stability.
- Complex Licensing Models – Instead of simplifying operations, VMware’s fragmented modules and layered costs have created administrative overhead and confusion.
Common Challenges Faced by Enterprises
When planning a migration from VMware, IT teams frequently highlight the following considerations:
- Licensing Complexity – Layered VMware modules increase operational overhead.
- Migration Risks – Concerns over downtime and data integrity during transition.
- Integration Gaps – Compatibility with existing storage, backup, and networking solutions.
- Support Availability – Post-acquisition VMware support remains uncertain.
Analyst insights from Gartner and IDC highlight a clear trend: enterprises are prioritizing predictable costs, simplified management, and responsive support ecosystems. This transition has fast-tracked the adoption of alternatives like Sangfor HCI—a software-defined, all-in-one platform with clear pricing and robust local support—empowering IT teams to avoid disruption and stay in control.
Migration Phases & Best Practices
Enterprises migrating from VMware to other virtualization platforms typically follow a structured, low-risk approach supported by automation tools. The process begins with assessment and planning using discovery tools to map workloads and dependencies, followed by a pilot migration of non-critical systems to validate compatibility. Workload conversion tools then repackage VMs for the new hypervisor, enabling a phased cutover strategy that minimizes downtime and maintains fallback options. Finally, performance validation and optimization ensure workloads run efficiently before full-scale deployment.
This methodical approach lays a solid foundation for a smooth transition to platforms like Sangfor HCI, which addresses migration challenges through its streamlined virtualization structure and HCI architecture, built-in backup integration, and 24/7 local support—ensuring business continuity and operational confidence throughout the process.
Phase 1: Assessment & Planning
- Audit existing VMware workloads, licenses, and dependencies.
- Identify critical applications and downtime tolerances.
- Use Sangfor’s assessment tools to create a migration roadmap.
Phase 2: Pilot Migration
- Select non-critical workloads for initial testing.
- Validate application performance, integration, and backup workflows.
- Equip IT teams with hands-on training on the Sangfor HCI console.
Phase 3: Full Migration
- Leverage Sangfor migration utilities for VM conversion.
- Apply phased cutover to minimize downtime.
- Enable real-time replication to ensure data consistency.
Phase 4: Optimize the Migration
- Provided with Sangfor tools and database tools.
- Leverage built-in database migration tools for tuning.
- Apply SCP with centralized management.
SCMT Migration Time and Interruption Duration Estimation
| Type | Effective Data | Incremental Data | Bandwidth | Data Transfer Time (min) | Switchover Time (min) | Total Migration Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OA | 500GB | 0.3GB | 300Mbps | 164 | 5 | 169 |
| Web Application | 200GB | 0.3GB | 300Mbps | 77 | 5 | 82 |
| Database | 150GB | 0.5GB | 300Mbps | 50 | 5 | 55 |
| ERP | 1TB | 2GB | 2000Mbps | 59 | 5 | 64 |
Tools & Support Options
- Sangfor Cloud Migration Tools (SCMT): Streamlines virtual machine conversion for a smoother transition.
- Professional Services: On-site experts provide hands-on support for complex migration scenarios.
- 24/7 Global Support Centers: regional teams deliver responsive, localized assistance around the clock.
- Training Programs: Interactive labs and practical sessions to upskill IT staff on Sangfor HCI.
Sangfor HCI delivers expert-driven innovation with native VM conversion tools for VMware environments, built-in replication and disaster recovery, and full-stack integration across compute, storage, networking, and security. Certified to work seamlessly with mainstream x86 servers and backup vendors, it minimizes migration risks while future-proofing your IT infrastructure.
Key Takeaways & What to Do Next
Migrating from VMware doesn’t have to be disruptive. With the right tools, a phased approach, and expert guidance, IT teams can transition to Sangfor HCI smoothly and with confidence.
Sangfor HCI is backed by global recognition, including being named a Representative Vendor in the 2025 Gartner® Market Guide for Full-Stack Hyperconverged Infrastructure Software and ranked as the 5th largest HCIS vendor by revenue worldwide for 2024 in Gartner® Market Share report . These recognitions reflect Sangfor’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction, making it a trusted choice for future-ready IT infrastructure.
Watch A Comprehensive Demo Video on Seamless Migration:
Download Migration Guide:
- Part 1: Introducing Online Technology for Minimized Downtime Transfers
- Part 2: Online Migration Technical Practice
Contact Sangfor for Business Inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
Migration timelines vary based on workload size, but most enterprises complete the process within 2–4 weeks.
Yes. Sangfor provides native tools for seamless VMware VM conversion with minimal disruption. It also integrates with VMware vCenter and supports compatibility through the installation of VMware Tools.
Sangfor HCI integrates seamlessly with leading backup vendors—Veritas is already supported, and compatibility with Veeam is coming soon.
Absolutely. Sangfor HCI is designed for enterprise-grade performance, with proven cases in banking, healthcare, and government sectors.
Yes. Sangfor operates support centers across APAC, EMEA, and LATAM, ensuring responsive, localized assistance wherever you are.
