When VMware, a leading virtualization provider, changed hands and its licensing model grew more complex, many IT teams began asking the same question: What are the alternatives? But switching to a new virtualization platform isn’t as simple as choosing different software. Your current storage setup helps determine which options can seamlessly integrate with your existing infrastructure.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular VMware alternatives, highlighting their key features, potential limitations, and storage requirements.
Microsoft Hyper-V
If your business already uses Windows, Hyper‑V feels like the most natural next step. It’s built into Windows Server and works with tools many IT teams already know, such as PowerShell and Event Viewer. Additionally, Hyper‑V can run multiple virtual machines at once and lets you move them between servers without turning them off, which keeps operations running smoothly.
That said, Hyper‑V is designed mainly for Windows systems, so it may not be the best fit for teams that mostly use Linux or open-source software. While it does support Linux, getting everything to work properly often requires extra setup. Furthermore, many Linux-based tools don’t integrate as smoothly with Hyper‑V, which can slow down teams that depend on them.
Storage needs
Hyper‑V needs a shared storage setup that all your servers can access. This could be a network drive or hard drives connected across different servers via software.
Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM)
KVM is a widely used open-source platform built into many Linux systems. It enables machines to create and run virtual machines efficiently. Trusted by businesses of every size, KVM offers strong performance without licensing fees. Its flexibility makes it easy to adapt to different IT infrastructures.
The downside is that KVM is not beginner-friendly. It typically requires working with text-based commands and extensive knowledge of Linux. For that reason, it’s best for IT teams that already have experience with Linux systems.
Storage needs
KVM supports a wide range of storage configurations, including hard drives and more advanced systems that distribute data across multiple machines for added protection.
Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE)
Proxmox VE is a free, open-source virtualization platform that’s simple to manage, even for small teams. It runs in a web browser and by default supports both virtual machines and lightweight applications called containers. Containers start up faster and use fewer system resources than traditional virtual machines, making them ideal for running simple applications. With this versatility, users can choose to run a full operating system in a virtual machine or isolate a single app in a container, depending on their needs.
The downside is that Proxmox isn’t widely supported by major software vendors, so if you use commercial business tools, you may need to check compatibility.
Storage needs
Similar to KVM, Proxmox works seamlessly with different types of storage, including local hard drives and shared network storage.
Nutanix AHV
Nutanix AHV is a virtualization platform that includes its own built-in storage system, so there’s no need to manage separate storage hardware. Instead, it automatically distributes data across all Nutanix cloud servers in your setup, helping maintain speed and reliability. Thanks to its user-friendly, web-based dashboard and ability to scale easily, AHV is a strong choice for businesses looking for a streamlined, all-in-one solution.
Unfortunately, Nutanix AHV is a closed system. It only runs on Nutanix software and approved hardware. That means you’re tied into their ecosystem, which limits flexibility.
Choosing a VMware alternative isn’t just about replacing one tool with another. Each platform has its own strengths and its own expectations when it comes to storage.
Whether you’re moving on from VMware or just need virtualization advice, feel free to reach out.
