Independent analyst firm recognizes VergeOS as a leading virtualization platform for organizations seeking cost-effective VMware migration paths
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – February 3, 2026 – VergeIO, provider of the VergeOS Private Cloud Operating System, today announced that the Data Center Intelligence Group (DCIG) has named VergeOS a DCIG TOP 5 VMware Alternative in both the 2026-27 SME (Small and Mid-sized Enterprise) Edition and the 2026-27 SLED (State, Local, and Education) Edition reports.
DCIG evaluated 19 VMware alternatives across more than 425 features and options across categories such as data resilience, deployment, licensing, management, modern infrastructure, and support. VergeOS earned a TOP 5 designation in both market segments for the second year in a row.
In its analysis, DCIG noted that “VergeIO offers VergeOS, a Private Cloud OS that virtualizes servers, storage, and network in a single, software-defined platform. This approach eliminates the need to create a tiered virtualized infrastructure comprising servers, storage, and networking.” DCIG further recognized that “VergeIO also took steps to attractively price VergeOS,” licensing per server rather than per CPU or per core—an approach that permits organizations “to consider using more powerful servers to reduce both their server count and software licensing costs.”
Key Differentiators Cited by DCIG
The DCIG reports highlighted several VergeOS capabilities that distinguish it from competitive solutions:
Leverage Existing Hardware – DCIG highlighted VergeOS’ ability to repurpose existing VMware server hardware, including internal SSDs, thereby eliminating the need to purchase new infrastructure. Organizations can replace VMware, vSAN, and separate backup infrastructure in a single transition rather than performing separate migration projects for each layer. VergeIO customers often report performance improvements when running VergeOS on the same hardware previously used for VMware.
Optimal RAM Utilization – VergeOS efficiently manages memory resources across the infrastructure, enabling organizations to maximize their existing RAM investments rather than requiring additional memory to achieve comparable performance.
In-Place VMware Migration – VergeOS includes built-in VMware migration capabilities that support a node-by-node approach, preserving business continuity. Production workloads continue running while VergeOS pulls data in the background, and organizations can cut over at their discretion.
Unified Resource Optimization – VergeOS places each server’s resources into a global pool and balances workloads without requiring uniform hardware specifications. The ioOptimize feature dynamically adapts to hardware capabilities and enables organizations to cluster servers with different generations of CPUs, storage media, and networking interfaces.
Market Context
The DCIG reports note that Broadcom’s January 2026 release of VMware 9.0 eliminates vSphere Standard and Enterprise Plus licensing options, forcing organizations with existing subscriptions to migrate to VCF or VVF before licenses expire in 2027—or select a VMware alternative.
“Organizations across the SME and SLED markets face a critical decision point as Broadcom reduces VMware licensing to just two options—VCF and VVF—driving significant cost increases,” said Yan Ness, CEO of VergeIO. “This recognition from DCIG validates our approach: deliver enterprise-grade virtualization that organizations can deploy on existing hardware without the complexity and cost of traditional solutions.”
Availability
The full 2026-27 DCIG TOP 5 VMware Alternatives reports for SME and SLED editions are available for download at www.verge.io. Organizations interested in evaluating VergeOS can request a demonstration or proof of concept through the VergeIO website.
About VergeIO
VergeIO delivers VergeOS, a Private Cloud Operating System that virtualizes compute, storage, and networking in a single software-defined platform. VergeOS eliminates the need for separate infrastructure layers, enabling organizations to simplify operations, reduce costs, and extend the life of existing hardware. For more information, visit www.verge.io.
About DCIG
The Data Center Intelligence Group (DCIG) empowers the IT industry with actionable analysis. DCIG analysts provide informed third-party analysis of various cloud, data protection, and data storage technologies. DCIG independently develops licensed content in the form of DCIG TOP 5 Reports and Solution Profiles. For more information, visit www.dcig.com.
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