NETdepot Switches from VMware to VergeIO
For Better Cost Efficiency and Technical Support
Summary
NETdepot, a managed and cloud services provider, replaced VMware, Cloud Director, NSX, external storage arrays and external network appliances with VergeOS. The migration was smooth and mostly unnoticed by customers. VergeOS per-server licensing lets NETdepot run dense servers and estimate at least 80% savings on infrastructure costs, and VergeIO support answers high-priority issues within minutes.
A service provider that now competes on price, protection and support.
About NETdepot
NETdepot is a managed and cloud services provider offering hosting and bare metal services along with high-touch IT support through its MSP operations. Competing with giants like AWS and Equinix, NETdepot needed infrastructure software that could keep pace with its growth and deliver high performance and cost efficiency.
Challenges with VMware
NETdepot had long relied on VMware and Cloud Director for multi-tenancy and on NSX for software-defined networking. Concerns about VMware’s future grew after the Broadcom acquisition. Uncertain pricing, poor communication and an unclear roadmap made it a stressful time for the NETdepot team.
The team was also dealing with almost weekly cyberattacks targeting VMware. They wanted a hardened platform with mechanisms to prevent, detect and recover from an attack.
Performance was another concern. vSAN performance led NETdepot to buy more expensive external storage, which added complexity. The team wanted the performance of dedicated storage arrays with simpler storage management and lower costs.
The Search for an Alternative
The search began with a simple Google query: “VMware Alternative.” VergeIO caught NETdepot’s attention with terminology and an interface that felt familiar, reminiscent of vCenter. VergeOS unifies virtualization, storage and networking in one code base, and its feature set made it an ideal fit. Most important, VergeOS did not feel like an entirely new platform, so NETdepot could reuse its existing VMware expertise.
A Smooth Migration
Switching to VergeOS was remarkably smooth. The migration needed minimal third-party software, virtual machines moved over seamlessly, and there was little post-migration work. NETdepot appreciated the speed and simplicity of the process.
Why VergeIO Fit
- Familiarity and simplicity. VergeOS did not feel foreign. Integrated software-defined networking and multi-tenancy let NETdepot offer customers virtual private clouds and self-service options.
- Comprehensive licensing. Per-server licensing simplified the bare metal offerings. Whatever bare metal tier a customer subscribes to, the same version of VergeOS runs underneath.
- Outstanding support. For high-priority issues, NETdepot gets an email response within five minutes and is on a Zoom call within 15 minutes, compared with the six-hour priority response times it had with VMware.
- Dense server support. Per-server licensing, instead of per-core licensing, lets NETdepot use dense quad-processor servers that reduce power, cooling and data center floor space.
Top 5 Benefits of Switching
- Simplified pricing. Known, transparent pricing removes surprises and gives NETdepot predictable budgeting. NETdepot can buy the hardware it wants without per-core pricing or strict hardware compatibility lists, which often force companies to retire servers long before the end of their useful life.
- Superior support. Rapid response times and consistently strong service make technical support one of the primary reasons NETdepot is satisfied with the switch. Fast vendor response is critical for NETdepot to support its own customers without interruption.
- Stability. Despite the move to a new platform, VergeOS has proven incredibly stable. For a service provider, downtime affects hundreds or thousands of customers, and VergeOS stability helps NETdepot avoid those widespread issues.
- Networking without the extra cost. VergeOS gives NETdepot the essential features of NSX at no added cost. NETdepot uses VergeOS routing and firewall capabilities to replace external appliances and uses microsegmentation to strengthen security for its infrastructure and clients.
- Inherent security. VergeOS has a smaller attack profile and a hardened operating environment. Virtual Data Centers isolate clients from each other, and unlimited read-only snapshots with no performance impact provide rapid recovery points with minimal data loss. Built-in subscriptions alert NETdepot when a customer Virtual Data Center shows a sudden increase in change rate, a typical indicator of a ransomware attack.
Impact on the Business
The switch to VergeOS helps NETdepot compete more effectively with AWS and Equinix. With stronger data protection and compliance capabilities in its bare metal offering, NETdepot can deliver more reliable and affordable services. The transition went mostly unnoticed by customers, a testament to the ease and quality of the migration.
The NETdepot Bare Metal Offering
NETdepot’s VMware alternative, powered by VergeIO and hosted on Supermicro hardware, gives businesses a comprehensive, cost-effective platform with the flexibility and performance they expect. It integrates with existing infrastructure and delivers the features VMware users rely on at a fraction of the cost.
VergeIO software, Supermicro hardware and NETdepot managed services let businesses deploy, manage and scale virtual environments easily, with simpler management and without high licensing fees. The offering supports many use cases, from application hosting to disaster recovery, for organizations that want to expand their virtualization capabilities and keep control of costs and operations.
Cost Savings
NETdepot estimates at least 80% savings on infrastructure costs, thanks to VergeIO per-server licensing and the denser, modern servers it makes practical. Denser configurations save data center space, power and cooling. Without restrictive hardware requirements, NETdepot can run servers for their full life expectancy and buy new ones less often.
| Area | Before | After: VergeOS |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualization | VMware vSphere | VergeOS |
| Multi-tenancy | Cloud Director | Virtual Data Centers |
| Networking | NSX plus external appliances | Built-in routing, firewall and microsegmentation |
| Storage | External arrays | Integrated in VergeOS |
| Licensing | Per core | Per server, same version on every tier |
| Priority support | Six-hour response | Email in 5 minutes, Zoom in 15 |
| Infrastructure cost | Baseline | At least 80% estimated savings |
NETdepot Recommends VergeIO
NETdepot highly recommends VergeIO to other service providers and enterprises for five reasons:
- Transparent pricing. Simple, predictable licensing costs.
- Exceptional support. The best in the industry, with quick and efficient problem resolution.
- Seamless migration. Smooth, with no need for costly professional services.
- Easy learning curve. VMware skills transfer directly to VergeOS.
- Excellent GPU support. GPU passthrough lets customers make better use of expensive GPU resources.
See What VergeOS Does for Your Cloud
NETdepot replaced five pieces of its stack with one platform and estimates at least 80% infrastructure savings. Talk with a VergeIO engineer about what that looks like for your services.