A recent survey conducted among VMware customers has uncovered significant insights regarding current trends and sentiments within the hypervisor market, particularly in light of the changes initiated by Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. The findings were published in a report sponsored by Rimini Street, Inc., a leading third-party support provider for major enterprise software, conducted in Q3 2024 with over 110 participants.
An impressive 79% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their existing VMware software, highlighting its alignment with their business needs. However, the transition towards a subscription model—a shift that many customers are compelled to embrace—has led to concerns about escalating costs. The survey underlines a strong desire among businesses to maximise the value of their perpetually licensed software. Of those surveyed, a significant 99% indicated they would consider maintaining their current licenses if proficient support could be acquired.
With the evolving landscape of hypervisor technology, customers are increasingly exploring alternatives to VMware. The survey showed that 98% of respondents are either currently using, planning to use, or considering the migration to alternative solutions for segments of their VMware infrastructure. Furthermore, 92% of the participants foresee further price increases from VMware within the next 12 to 18 months, indicating a growing apprehension regarding the sustainability of the current pricing structure.
Rodney Kenyon, the group vice president of Rimini Custom™, articulated the sentiment encapsulated in the survey, stating, “Giving up control over perpetual licenses due to forced vendor subscription models is like turning in keys to your paid-off home to rent the same house from a landlord.” Kenyon emphasised that while customers appreciate the software, the potential for price hikes and licensing changes has motivated them to seek alternative strategies.
In terms of future trends, the survey highlights that 71% of respondents view cloud-native solutions as the primary influence affecting the hypervisor market. Additionally, AI emerged as a significant factor, cited by 70% of those surveyed. These emerging technologies are expected to reshape the hypervisor landscape, providing customers with the impetus to maintain their existing systems longer as they evaluate new options to meet changing business needs.
Rimini Street not only offers comprehensive support for existing VMware environments but also provides expert guidance to assist customers in formulating strategic roadmap plans aimed at optimising costs and enhancing operational efficiency. As the hypervisor market progresses, customers are urged to assess their options carefully, balancing satisfaction with current software against the realities of future financial demands.
For those interested, the comprehensive report titled “Insights and Strategies on VMware: Navigating the Evolving Hypervisor Market” details these findings and the broader context of these shifts within the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services