The Challenges of Testing VMware Alternatives

By George Crump

Evaluating new technology solutions is a crucial but often daunting task for IT professionals, especially when considering the challenges of testing VMware alternatives. As organizations seek more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable alternatives, testing VMware alternatives often presents significant obstacles, particularly when IT teams are limited by time and lack the necessary hardware resources to test new platforms properly.

Overcome the Challenges of Testing VMware Alternatives
Overcome the Challenges of Testing VMware Alternatives

At VergeIO, we understand these challenges, so we’ve introduced self-paced, hands-on labs that enable IT professionals to explore VergeOS without the typical barriers. These labs give users a practical, real-world experience with our ultraconverged infrastructure, helping them understand how it can simplify their operations and provide a robust alternative to VMware.

Key Challenge 1: Lack of Time

One of the biggest challenges of testing VMware alternatives is finding the time to evaluate new platforms thoroughly. IT teams are already stretched too thin, managing existing infrastructure, troubleshooting day-to-day issues, and running systems smoothly. Adding a product evaluation to their to-do list can seem impossible. Many IT professionals that we speak to have renewed VMware for one year in the hopes that they will have time to vet the growing cast of alternatives properly.

VergeIO’s Solution

Our hands-on labs are designed to fit into the busiest schedules. Each lab takes just 15 to 20 minutes to complete, giving IT professionals a focused, detailed look at VergeOS without demanding significant time. During a break or after hours, you can explore VergeOS on your terms, gaining valuable insights without sacrificing your daily responsibilities.

Key Challenge 2: Lack of Available Test Hardware

Another common hurdle in testing VMware alternatives is the need for dedicated test hardware. Setting up a lab environment with multiple servers, storage devices, and networking equipment to mirror a VMware setup is costly and time-consuming, and many organizations simply don’t have the budget or resources to create this kind of environment.

VergeIO’s Solution

Overcome the Challenges of Testing VMware Alternatives

With VergeIO’s hands-on labs, you don’t need any additional hardware. Our labs provide an environment that mirrors real-world conditions, allowing you to experience VergeOS without needing physical infrastructure. This eliminates the financial and logistical barriers to testing VMware alternatives and lets you evaluate our solution wherever and whenever you’re ready.

How VergeIO’s Hands-On Labs Help Overcome These Challenges

VergeIO’s self-paced, hands-on labs are specifically designed to overcome the challenges of testing VMware alternatives. These labs provide a seamless, immersive experience without complex setups or additional hardware. Here’s what you can explore:

  • VMware Migration Lab: This lab walks you through connecting to a VMware environment, migrating virtual machines into VergeOS, using ioMigrate, and launching them. You’ll learn how VergeOS simplifies the migration process, making it clear what to expect when transitioning from VMware.
  • Data Protection and Recovery Lab: Learn how VergeOS’ ioClone-powered snapshot technology helps protect virtual machines and recover even to a single file. You’ll create VMs, take snapshots, and recover lost data, giving you firsthand experience with just one of VergeOS’ advanced data protection features.
  • Virtual Data Centers Lab: In this lab, you will learn how to build multi-tenant virtual data centers, deploy multiple virtual machines, and isolate workloads for enhanced security. This lab demonstrates VergeOS’ secure multi-tenant capabilities, which are crucial for businesses managing diverse workloads and requiring workload isolation.
  • More Labs Coming Soon: We’re continually expanding our lab offerings. Upcoming labs will cover the following:
    • Networking deep dive: exploring micro-segmentation, firewalls, and routers
    • NAS lab: learn how to use VergeOS’ built-in NAS capabilities
    • Ransomware Protection and Recovery Lab: to teach you how to configure VergeOS to defend against and recover from ransomware attacks with an infrastructure-wide approach

Why These Labs Matter

VergeIO’s hands-on labs remove the typical roadblocks that IT professionals face, by addressing the challenges of testing VMware alternatives. These labs offer a real-world look at VergeOS’ ultraconverged infrastructure, which integrates virtualization, storage, and networking into a single piece of software. You’ll quickly see how VergeOS is the future of virtualization that can optimize your operations, lower costs, and improve data resiliency—without additional hardware or extensive setup.

As you progress through the labs, you’ll gain practical experience that will give you a head start when you’re ready to conduct a full Proof of Concept (PoC) with your virtual machines in your data center. The hands-on labs provide the confidence to confirm that VergeOS is the right solution for your environment. By the time you begin the PoC, you’ll already be familiar with the platform, which can significantly reduce your testing time and help you move forward with VergeOS more efficiently.

Start Exploring Today

If the challenges of testing VMware alternatives have held you back, VergeIO’s hands-on labs are your solution. These labs allow you to explore VergeOS at your own pace without requiring complex setup or additional equipment.

Ready to see for yourself? Register now to access VergeIO’s hands-on labs and explore how easy it is to migrate, protect, and manage your virtual infrastructure with VergeOS.

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