Hyper-V vs. VMware after the Broadcom Acquisition: Where to Move Your Server Virtualization?

Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, licensing models have shifted significantly: perpetual licenses and free versions have been discontinued in favor of subscription bundles. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this translates to substantially higher server virtualization costs — and raises the question of whether it is time to switch platforms.

TL;DR — Key Takeaways

• VMware licensing changes often result in higher costs for SMEs.
• Hyper-V is the natural alternative for Microsoft environments, with licenses included in Windows Server.
• Proxmox is an open-source option offering cost-effective support packages.
• Migration is achievable with a solid plan and minimal downtime.

Comparison

When to Stay and When to Switch

• Stay if you have a valid subscription, a complex environment, and the costs remain acceptable.
• Consider Hyper-V if you primarily run Windows servers and already hold Microsoft licenses.
• Consider Proxmox if you are looking for low licensing costs and high flexibility.
• Consider Azure if your hardware is nearing end-of-life anyway.

Migration Steps

1. Inventory of virtual servers, dependencies, and licenses.
2. Selection of the target platform and test migration.
3. Backup verification prior to moving data.
4. Phased migration, scheduled outside of business hours.
5. Post-migration documentation and monitoring.

Server Virtualization in PracticeSavings and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hyper-V free?

Hyper-V is included with Windows Server; however, licenses for guest Windows servers must still be properly managed.

How long does the migration take?

For smaller environments, it typically involves a few days of preparation and one weekend for the migration itself.

Will my backups still work?

Most modern backup solutions support all three platforms.