VMware to cloud migration: Best practices and tips

Moving in-house IT infrastructure to a public cloud can unlock benefits such as cost efficiencies and better security – but the process of migration can be challenging. 

In this guide, we’ll provide best practice tips and advice for navigating a VMware migration smoothly. By partnering with an experienced cloud services provider like Interactive and following a strategic migration plan, you can embrace the benefits of public clouds while mitigating risks and minimising stress. 

We’ll also cover the following:

• What are the benefits of migrating from VMware to a public cloud?
• How to migrate VMware to Azure: best practice and expert tips
• Why choose Interactive to migrate and manage your Azure Cloud Services

What is VMware?

VMware is a type of software that gets its name from the term ‘Virtual Machine’. This software makes it possible for one computer to run several different operating systems at once, which can help businesses improve resource utilisation, reduce costs, and enhance scalability.

VMware can also facilitate seamless cloud integration by offering hybrid and multi-cloud capabilities. This comprehensive approach helps businesses enhance their agility and overall IT performance.

Why migrate VMware to the public cloud?

Public clouds such as Microsoft Azure provide rack servers with direct, high-speed connections to multiple international data centres, making IT services more scalable and cost efficient. Additionally, VMware has recently changed its licensing model, which is prompting many Australian businesses to seek cheaper alternatives.  

But cost savings are only one side of the story – a business might also want to conduct a VMware migration to a public cloud for reasons pertaining to growth, increased agility, and a reduced time to market. 

A public cloud migration can help to modernise the IT infrastructure of a business, providing access to new technologies. Microsoft Azure also comes with a range of services, including world-class security and compliance features. 

Top tips for a successful VMware migration

Here, we’ll provide tips on how to migrate VMware to Azure. If your Azure Cloud migration is well planned and strategically executed, you should be able to navigate the transition with assurance and confidence. 

Tip #1: Evaluate your current VMware environment

First, you’ll need to perform an evaluation of your current VMware setup. By making an inventory of your VMs and applications, you’ll be better placed to make decisions that suit the needs of your business. 

During the process of evaluation, check to make sure that your current VMs and applications are compatible with the public cloud you’re planning to use. 

It’s also essential to set goals for your VMware migration. Make a list of tangible outcomes and timelines, and consult with your stakeholders to get their feedback as well. 

Tip #2: Select cloud services that suit your business

When choosing a public cloud provider, it’s best to consult with an experienced cloud services expert to find solutions that are most suitable for your business and industry. Cloud architecture can be tailored to match your needs – this way, you can avoid paying for services that you don’t need. 

Tip #3: Optimise your VMs for migration

In the preparation stage, you should optimise your VMs and data for migration (this includes OS updates and patches). If you’re migrating to Azure, now is the time to install and configure tools such as Azure Migrate to make the migration run as smoothly as possible. 

Don’t forget, you’ll also need to set up your Azure subscriptions, resource groups, and any necessary permissions. 

Tip #4: Perform test migrations

To validate the process and catch any issues before the full migration, we recommend performing test migrations. This will help to iron out any problems before they arise.

When it’s time to migrate, use your chosen tools to migrate VMs and applications across to the public cloud. If you are using Azure, we recommend using Azure Migrate and Azure Site Recovery. Monitor closely during and immediately after the migration to make sure your applications are functioning correctly. 

Tip #5: Optimise your cloud configurations

You can optimise your setup by adjusting firewall rules, DNS settings, and other configurations as necessary. It might also be necessary to fine-tune your networking and storage settings for optimal performance and efficiency. 

Another very important consideration is your disaster recovery plan. Information about this can be found in our article about cloud-powered disaster recovery. 

Tip #6: Educate your team

Giving your team adequate training is essential. Before the migration, set up training sessions to make sure all relevant staff are fully equipped to manage and use the cloud resources. Then, once the migration has been completed, conduct ongoing training and education to ensure a smooth transition. 

Tip #7: Conduct testing

Rigorous testing will ensure your systems continue to run optimally. We recommend running tests to validate applications, data integrity in the new cloud environment. User Acceptance Testing (UAT), in particular, will ensure that the cloud meets business requirements and user needs. 

For Azure cloud configurations, you can monitor performance using Azure Monitor. This will allow you to review Azure resources based on business needs and usage patterns. 

Why choose Interactive

Interactive has extensive experience in helping Australian businesses successfully manage VMware migrations. We offer a range of Azure Cloud Services, making it easy to optimise and manage your cloud setup.

In addition to VMware to Azure migrations, Interactive can also help your business enhance its security posture. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of Azure Cloud Security and Cyber Security.